Aaron Harris is set to appear in the upcoming CBS legal drama television series Matlock in the role of Alfie Kingston – a show based on the popular 1980/90s series. Matlock will premiere in the USA on Thursday 17th October, for which Aaron filmed on the Paramount lot, with Kathy Bates starring as his on-screen grandmother Madeline Matlock. As well as Matlock, Aaron has been working on a number of projects, which are not yet announced, and he trains at Orbit Arts Academy. Speaking with Aaron, we found out from him about being cast as Alfie Kingston in Matlock, what it was like on set of the series and working with his on-screen grandmother Kathy Bates.

You will be playing Alfie Kingston in the upcoming CBS reboot of legal drama television series Matlock, how did you feel finding out you’d booked the role?

I was stunned. My first thought was “Oh my God” I’m going to get to act with a legend, Kathy Bates. The feeling was very surreal, but I was also very proud of myself because my dream was coming true!

How did you prepare for filming and what is it like being part of a reboot of a hugely popular 1980s/90s series?

I prepared by studying the script we had as much as possible. I had never really seen the original Matlock, but while this is technically a reboot, its only similarity is the legal setting. It’s much more of a tribute – the show, and Matlock’s story – are completely different.

Can you tell us about Matlock and your character Alfie Kingston?

I don’t think I can really say much yet – because my role will probably catch people by surprise. There are a lot of twists you won’t be expecting, so you’ll just have to watch!

How was it getting into character as Alfie and what is he like to play?

Again, I can’t say too much without giving my storyline away, but it’s a great character and I’ve had a lot of fun playing him!

How is it working alongside Kathy Bates, who stars as your on-screen grandmother Madeline Matlock, and with the rest of the cast?

Working with Kathy has been amazing. I’ve learned so much from her already, and I couldn’t ask for a better mentor and scene partner! Everyone on the cast has been tremendously welcoming and treated me like a colleague, and not like the only kid in the regular cast, even though I was.

What did you enjoy most about being on set and filming on the Paramount lot?

It’s very hard to describe because there is so much great television and movie history there. It’s a little hard for me to believe that’s where I got to work every day, but it was an amazing experience.

Why would you recommend watching Matlock when the series premieres on CBS in the USA on 17th October?

It touches on a lot of important subjects, and there are a lot of different layers to the show, but you’ll have to wait to watch. All I’ll say is that it is definitely not the Matlock you’re expecting, and will be a fun ride for the audience.

How are you finding your time training with Orbit Arts Academy and what can you say about some of the performances you’ve done with them?

Orbit is where I’ve met most of my friends, and the directors and teachers there have been tremendously supportive. Almost all of the skills I use on Matlock, I learned while training at Orbit!

Where does your love of acting come from and how did you get into it?

Well, I don’t really remember, because I’ve been doing it since I was five! I’ve always loved it – starting with classes at the Alliance Theater in Atlanta and then moving on to Orbit Arts Academy, pursuing acting, singing, dancing, and improv comedy, and eventually ending up as part of Orbit’s Junior Company.

Do you have any favourite films and TV shows to watch?

I have to admit I love The Boys, even though it’s probably inappropriate and very raunchy for someone my age to be watching. I am also a huge fan of the Marvel series – including Infinity War and the Guardians of the Galaxy series (and wouldn’t mind being in one of those someday either).

How do you like to spend your time away from acting?

I love cards and magic, and like a lot of teenagers, I absolutely love video games!

Have you been given any advice over your career so far that has stuck with you?

Well, this is very specific to acting, but when we were working together – on a particularly heavy scene – Kathy talked to me about how we were drawing our performance from our focus on each other. She said that made both of our performances better, but it was really just me because she’s already great!

What are you hoping the next year brings for you and do you have any further projects coming up that you can share?

Well, I’ve been working on a few very exciting projects, including a couple of movies, but I can’t quite talk about them yet, so stay tuned. As for next year, I hope it brings whatever it’s destined to bring – I’m just ready to go with the flow.

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