Actor Owen Atlas Talks About The Wounded Warrior Project And His Lead Role In Netflix’s ‘Little Evil’

This young actor is so talented!

From Netflix to Disney Channel, we have seen Owen Atlas shine on every popular streaming service! His most recent work was starring in the 2022 film ‘Breathing Happy’.

We had the amazing honor of talking with Owen about his biggest role model, advice to aspiring actors, and more!

What inspired you to begin acting?

O: “I was inspired to become an actor after the first time I saw Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean as Captain Jack Sparrow. From that moment I knew that I wanted to be an actor and make characters that would bring joy to other people. I was around five years old at that time.”

As a child actor, how do you balance acting and otherwise just being a kid? What has growing up in the entertainment industry?

O: “It can be tricky to balance acting and having a normal life. I try to set good boundaries, Between my personal life and my professional life. I try to make time for my friends, my schooling, my pets, and my acting and training.   I have loved growing up in the entertainment industry. I started acting when I was six and booked my first major movie, a little evil when I was seven. It really just seems very normal to me to grow up in the entertainment industry. It’s really a dream come true for me.”

What techniques do you use to portray a believable character, if any?

O: “Whenever I get a new character to play, I write up a whole character analysis. This includes what the character looks like, their body movements, their clothing, their likes and dislikes. I even write down what I think their home and family would look like. Sometimes I will go for a couple weeks where I walk and talk and act like that character.”

In your career so far, what’s your favorite movie or show that you’ve been in, and a particularly memorable moment from that show?

O: “I think my favorite movie that I have been in will always be a little evil. Not only was it my first film, but it was a horror comedy. I love horror films and loved Them from a very young age. Lucas, the character that I played was actually my dream character. He had some supernatural powers and I found that to be really fun. I think my favorite moment from filming “Little Evil”, which took two months, was when Adam Scott and I did a day of filming in a real water park. We got to go on all of the rides and it was just a blast.”

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your journey as an actor?

O: “I think the biggest lesson that I’ve learned in my acting journey is that hard work pays off. Dream big, develop a goal, and go for it.”

Why is your charity work so meaningful to you, and what project have you enjoyed the most for your volunteering?

O: “My parents, especially my mom, taught me at a young age that philanthropy was very important. Giving back is very important. The project that I have enjoyed the most was my bar mitzvah project.  I did a fundraiser for the Wounded Warrior Project. This helps the people that have served our country. There are so many soldiers that have been wounded mentally and physically. I really respect them and really enjoyed helping them.  I respect our armed forces so much and think it’s necessary to give back to them as they sacrificed so much for us.”

When did you first start riding, and what do you love most about it?

O: “The first time I was on a horse I was around eight months old. My mom showed me pictures and it’s pretty funny because I’m completely bald. I started riding more seriously when I was around four or five. I love riding because you completely connect with the horse and it takes you away from reality for a while. I love my Icelandic horse, Toft. We have a relationship where we communicate without words, he’s just amazing . I spend my summers in England so there is a pony that I use there called Scooby Doo, I love him as well. I love riding western the best, but I also ride English.”

I can’t believe you catch bugs and snakes for fun. What’s the most amazing bug or reptile that you have found?

O: “I think the first snake that I ever caught when I was around seven years old was a beautiful red milk snake in Vermont. I named him Tyrone and kept him for a week before releasing him. Also once at the beach in California I caught a California King Snake that was black and white with amazing patterns.”

Who is your role model, and who are you most grateful to?

O: “I am grateful to Master Mike Chat, The creator and founder of extreme martial arts. He was also a child actor, and played the blue power ranger. He told me a good work ethic, and a dedication to martial arts.”

What advice would you give to aspiring actors?

O: “The advice I would give to aspiring actors is to dream big, never give up, and train. Become the best at your craft, work hard and you will succeed!”

Photo Credits: Front-Chris Evan photography | Middle- Rhondda Stark Atlas

Ananya Vinay– Movie/Entertainment Reporter- Ananya Vinay is a rising high school senior from Fresno, California. She is a budding scientist who enjoys exploring the whys of the world. Ananya also loves writing in all forms, especially poetry. When she’s not writing, you can find her with her nose in a book, inventing stories, or sometimes arguing with her younger brother.  Ananya won the Scripps National Spelling Bee in 2017. She is the author of a poetry collection, Dewdrops on the Mind, and has work published or forthcoming in the Ice Lolly Review, Apprentice Writer, and Teen Ink. She is a passionate teacher and believes in using education as a tool for equity.