Interview with “Secret Society of Second Born Royals” Star Faly Rakotohavana

I’m a 17-year-old kid with the dream of being an actor. I was born in Madagascar and lived there for the first six years of my life. Since being in the United States I have lived in Arizona, Texas, and now California. Aside from acting, I am also a learning musician. I play the piano, violin, and ukulele.

Describe yourself in 3 words?

Flexible, adventurous, and energetic.

Who is your role model?

My parents. I look up to them for everything. Anytime I’m in a tough situation my first thought is, “what would my parents do?”

How did you get started into acting?

I was a part of an acting workshop called CGTV. Working with CGTV got me an agent and a manager. They got me started in this business and I don’t think I would’ve pursued an acting career this seriously if it wasn’t for them.

How has this changed your life?

I learned the hard work and dedication that is put behind being an actor. I was taught to be patient and motivated because a career in acting takes a lot of time. Even in your daily life, patience and motivation are important to help you become successful.

What is the best and worst part of being an actor?

The best part of being an actor is getting to play an assortment of different roles. Learning to play different characters is always a fun time. The worst part of being an actor is the waiting game that actors always have to play. After every audition, you can be waiting to hear back for days and sometimes weeks. But, it’s all part of the job.

Tell us about your work in Disney+ film “Secret Society of Second Born Royals?”

Secret Society of Second Born Royals is a film about a group of young second borns that are sent to summer school but, in actuality, their summer school is a secret training facility for superheroes, Secret Society of Second Born Royals was such a fun project to film. The cast and I had such a great time filming it and I can’t wait for everyone to see it.

And about your role as Matteo?

Matteo is a meek character who only wants to fit in. He has a hard time being comfortable in social environments. Although Matteo is shy, he has a very big heart and sees the best in everybody.

Tell us about your recurring work on The Mick and Raven’s Home?

Getting to work on sets like The Mick and Raven’s Home was really awesome. I learned a lot from both sets. Raven’s Home introduced me to the world of Disney Channel and being a part of the show was super fun. Being on The Mick was such a great time as well and getting to work on a show targeted more for adults was also a huge eye-opener for me. Getting to work on a show made for kids and a show made for adults was really good for my career.

What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?

I was in a horror film called Nightmare Cinema and I really enjoyed that. Getting to play more roles like that would be really cool. I would also love to play as a villain or a bad guy. I feel like that would be fun.

What other projects you have been part of?

I was in Nicky, Ricky, Dicky, and Dawn, Nightmare Cinema, The Mick, Raven’s Home.

What is the most rewarding part of your work?

Getting to see the finished project. It’s really rewarding getting to see all of your hard work on screen. It makes me feel accomplished.

What is your favorite healthy food?

I love Edamame! Put some salt on it and I could eat that for the rest of my life.

And your favorite cheat food?

Munchies! They’re my favorite hot chips. I’ll munch on those for days.

How would you explain your fashion style?

My fashion style is pretty experimental. I love to try different things, so I never really stick to one specific style.

How would your best friend describe you?

They would probably (jokingly) say I was an idiot.

What’s next for Faly Rakotohavana in 2020?

Nothing that I can speak of currently. Due to Coronavirus, things have slowed down quite a lot so I’m just trying to get through the year as of right now.

What is your own definition of happiness?

The feeling of joy you get when you listen to a really happy song or when you eat some really good food.

How is a normal day in your life?

I usually wake up around like 10-12 and then I make some brown sugar oatmeal. After that, I’ll do a quick little at-home workout, and then I’ll take a long shower. After my shower, I’ll watch a couple episodes of The Avatar, and then when my hair dries, I skate for the rest of the day and listen to my music.

What is your idea of a perfect Sunday?

Pajamas, ice cream, and The Avatar.

If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?

I would love to meet Morgan Freeman. I just want to listen to him speak. I imagine Morgan Freeman’s voice is what god sounds like.

Best advice ever given?

Don’t get too caught up in what other people are doing. You have to look out for your own safety and your own success. We have too much life to live to focus on other people’s problems.

Do you support any charity?

As of right now, I do not. But, I am looking into it.

Name 3 things you can’t live without?

My phone, my piano, and my bed. They are crucial parts of my life. I don’t know what I would do without them.

Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?

I hope that by that time I have gotten into a good school for college and that I am still getting more work as an actor. The future is so uncertain in this career and I can only hope for the best.

Favorite song? Why?

How Far We’ve Come by Matchbox Twenty. It makes me want to stand up and jump around. I can listen to it no matter what mood I’m in. I can scream the lyrics in the car, cry to it in my room, party to it with my friends, the possibilities with this song are endless.

What music do you like?

I like all music. I am not very picky when it comes to music. Unless it’s country, then I am very picky about the music I’m listening to.

What do you think of Social Media?

I think it’s a fun way for people to share their lives and passions. There are so many different groups of people on social media and I have a lot of fun getting to talk to and see new people.

Where we can follow you?

You can follow me on Twitter @FalyRakoto1 and Instagram @falysbored._16

Favorites:

Quote: “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” -  Albert Einstein

Favorite Singer/Artist: As of right now, it’s Dominic Fike.

Movie: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Travel Destination: I really want to go to Santorini, Greece.

Sports Team: I don’t really watch sports but I’m going to go with the Lakers.

TV Show: Rick and Morty, Kengan Ashura, and The Witcher.

Book: Anything by Junji Ito. I personally love Tomie.

Photo Credit: Birdie Thompson