Christian J. Simon‘s young age isn’t stopping him from living his dreams!
The 12-year-old actor — who currently stars as “Leo” in Disney Channel’s Sydney to the Max and as “Freddy” in Disney Junior’s T.O.T.S. — can officially call himself an Emmy-nominated actor as he snagged a nod in the Outstanding Performer in a Preschool Animated Program category at the 2020 Daytime Emmys this year.
Describing the milestone as “an unbelievable feeling,” Simon is the youngest nominee and going against veterans of the animated voice-over world.
“It’s such an honor to be nominated and for it to happen at 12 is unbelievable. I’ve always dreamt of this moment in my career and I couldn’t be more grateful,” Simon tells Celeb Secrets.
Celeb Secrets (virtually) sits down with the 12-year-old to learn all about his nomination, how he’s been spending his time in quarantine and more. Take a read at the full Q&A below and don’t forget to follow Christian on Instagram at @christianjsimon.
You can view a full list of nominees here and make sure to see if Christian wins by tuning into the livestream tomorrow, July 26th @ 8PM ET/5PM PT on The Daytime Emmys’ dedicated platform powered by Vimeo.
Celeb Secrets: Congrats on your first Emmy nomination! This is so exciting. Where were you when you heard the news?
Christian J. Simon: “I was on my balcony with my dog trying to get some fresh air. Out of no where, I heard my mom and dad shouting my name. I came in wondering what was going on and they shared the awesome news! It was an unbelievable feeling!”
CS: What was your first reaction? How does it feel to say you’ve been nominated for an Emmy at such a young age?
CJS: “My first reaction? Disbelief! It felt so surreal. It’s such an honor to be nominated and for it to happen at 12 is unbelievable. I’ve always dreamt of this moment in my career and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
CS: What would winning mean to you? And who would you thank in your acceptance speech?
CJS: “Winning would mean the world to me, but I honestly already feel like a winner with just the nomination alone. It feels great to be recognized among such elite voice actors. I’d thank God, my parents, grandparents, team, and T.O.T.S. family.”
CS: You are on two Disney shows — TOTS and Sydney to the Max. What do you love most about both?
CJS: “Both shows are great. I love recording VO for T.O.T.S. because Freddy is such a warm and lovable character. He loves the baby animals and gets so excited for the smallest things. The show teaches kids about friendship, family, and accepting each other’s differences. Shooting for Sydney is awesome because it tells such meaningful stories, but still manages to keep you laughing. I love playing Leo because he is the kind of friend that everyone needs in their lives. He is responsible, smart, loyal, and extremely funny!”
CS: Can you share what’s to come from Leo in upcoming “Sydney to the Max” episodes?
CJS: “More shenanigans with his best friend. You’ll meet a close family member of his, see the bond between him and Mom Judy grow, and of course tons of moments that are sure to make you laugh and have a great time.”
CS: How have you been staying busy in quarantine?
CJS: “I really took advantage of this off time to get some rest and enjoy time with my family. I’ve been doing my best to interact with fans online. I also started working on a couple of personal creative projects.”
CS: What’s one thing you can’t wait to do once quarantine is over?
CJS: “I just want to go out and be free! Movies, restaurants, hanging out… I also can’t wait to get back to set to start working on Season 3 of Sydney to the Max!”
