Last year, Caleb Dolden played Arlo Chenoweth in the Peacock horror series Teacup, working closely with his on-screen family Yvonne Strahovski and Scott Speedman as his parents Maggie and James, Émilie Bierre as his sister Meryl and Kathy Baker as his grandmother Ellen, and Teacup had its world premiere at Fantastic Fest in Texas. Caleb appeared in the multi-award-winning feature film The Requiem Boogie as Little Ranny, sharing the role with Jordan Walker-Pearlman (Gene Wilder’s nephew), with his other projects including short films Finding Forgiveness (written by his brother Trevor Dolden) and End of the World (written by Luke Benward), and he had his first TV role in 2019 in Single Parents as Alex. We found out from Caleb about filming as Arlo Chenoweth in horror series Teacup, playing Little Ranny in The Requiem Boogie and his further screen roles.

How would you describe your character Arlo Chenoweth in last year’s horror series Teacup?

Well, Arlo is a regular nine-year-old boy, he is a kid that does not have many worries at the start of the season. But in the first episode he gets another entity inside of him, Harbinger. Harbinger is an entity that is scared and is hiding inside of Arlo, but Harbinger helps them too. He warns them that another entity assassin is chasing him to try to capture him. In the beginning of the season, Arlo is scared of Harbinger and can’t understand him but, as the series goes on, Arlo begins to understand Harbinger better and think of him as a friend.

Can you tell us about Teacup and how did you feel booking the role of Arlo?

When my manager and my agent told me over the phone I couldn’t believe it, I was so excited I almost thought it was a dream and I was going to wake up and not be Arlo. I was so happy, it didn’t feel real. I would out of the clear blue just say “I can’t believe I’m Arlo”. I don’t think it totally sank in until my mom and I landed in Atlanta.

What was Arlo like to play and how did you prepare for filming?

Arlo was a dream come true for me. It was great challenge creating the relationship between Arlo and Harbinger and building their connection as the season went on. I love being challenged as an actor, I really feel that I grew so much through this amazing experience.

How was it meeting and working alongside your on-screen family Yvonne Strahovski and Scott Speedman as your parents Maggie and James, Émilie Bierre as your sister Meryl and Kathy Baker as your grandmother Ellen?

I was nervous the first day because it was my first time as a major role on such a big set. I am so lucky that all of the talented cast members really helped me not be nervous. I learned so much from all of them. They really helped me with my acting and grow my skills. If any of you guys are reading this, just want you to know I love you guys.

How did you find the experience on set of the Peacock horror series?

It is probably one of the best experiences of my life. All through the season I made so many friends. One year ago, on Tuesday March 11th, we started the best summer camp ever. Teacup is an experience that I will forever be grateful for.

What was it like attending the world premiere at the Fantastic Fest in Texas?

That was a surreal experience for me. Being able to see all of our hard work on the big screen. I love talking about Teacup and being with all the people surrounding the project. It was great to see how many people like the show. I had a big grin on my face that entire day.

In the multi-award-winning feature film The Requiem Boogie, you played Little Ranny, can you tell us about your time working on this project?

I was very happy to get to go to Gene Wilder’s house and film because I had just finished watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Since I was six at the time, I don’t actually remember too much about the actual filming. One of the things I remember is my line, “something fishy is going on here”. And then the other actor’s line, “fishy, fishy, fishy”.

What did you enjoy most about playing Little Ranny and sharing the role of Ranny with Jordan Walker-Pearlman?

I have always loved being on set so being on set is probably what I enjoyed most. I remember him telling me about the coffee table books and how his uncle, Gene Wilder had shared them with him. I am a reader so appreciate books a lot, they help my imagination grow. I also loved the view. The movie was filmed on a house that overlooked the entire valley. At that time, the valley was a green colour because it had just rained.

Can you say about some of the short films you’ve been part of over your acting career so far, which have included Finding Forgiveness (written by your brother Trevor Dolden) and End of the World (written by Luke Benward)?

All of the short films I have been on are important to me. The filming experience was invaluable to me and taught me so much about being on set. Short films are such a learning experience from script rewrites, costume design and behind the camera experience. I hope one day I can write a screenplay. Right now, I am writing an animated short. One of the interesting things about these films is all the unique locations we filmed them in. I got to see so many cool parts of LA I had never seen before.

For your first television role, you played Alex in an episode of Single Parents in 2019, what do you remember from filming this show?

One of the things I remember is one of the scenes where I said ”I’m this many” and I put up four fingers because I really was only four. Another thing I remember was my trailer. I was obsessed with it. I thought I was so cool with my own trailer. Once I went to get jellybeans at the craft table and I got popcorn flavoured jelly beans by accident. I do not recommend them.

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

My older brother, Trevor Dolden, is an amazing actor and without him I probably would never have gotten into acting. I am a nature performer, and I have been putting on shows for my family at home since I could speak. I love storytelling and making characters up. I am so grateful that I have found acting and can’t wait to do it for the rest of my life!

What are some of your favourite films and TV shows to watch?

Well, one of them is obviously Teacup, but with no bias I like to watch Will Trent and High Potential. One of my favourite movies is Top Gun.

How do you like to spend your free time?

In my free time I like to read, swim (I am on the swim team), play with my three cats, or play board games.

Do you have any projects coming up that you can talk about and what are you hoping 2025 brings for you?

Not yet, but it’s only March. I am working on my own animated short film. But I would really love to book another TV series or film. I am just very excited for all the opportunities coming my way. So thankful for my hardworking manager and agent.

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