Landing a role on an established hit TV series is like acquiring a pot of gold. Marcello Reyes did this when he was just a toddler. Reyes plays “Calhoun Johnson” on ABC’s hit series, Modern Family. It’s no surprise though, his adorable looks and witty personality make the perfect combination for an on-screen career. Despite his young age of only 6, he has that so-called “it” factor you’ve heard about before. Something that in Marcello, is easy to spot from a mile away.
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But what is it like being a child star these days? If you’re imagining an on-set trailer, hair and makeup crew, and catered lunches, you’re not wrong. Those are just a few of the many perks that come with being a part of a successful long-running television series for a major studio. “Being on set is actually fun and they have some snacks in case you’re hungry,” Marcello said. “The snacks are my favorite part.”
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As he swayed on his computer chair during our zoom call, Marcello happily shared one of his experiences where his on-set perks worked out in his favor.
“One time I asked for pizza and my dad said no, but the lunch guy made me pizza anyway and didn’t listen to my dad.”
Like any kid, pizza and pb&j’s are Marcello’s top choice, but unlike most, he has to balance the life of show biz and that of a regular elementary school student. A typical day for Marcello includes both on-set filming and regular class time at his school. “I have to wake up at 5 o’clock, I have to brush my teeth, and I stay in my pajamas. I get dressed in my clothes when I get to the set,” Reyes explained. He usually doesn’t get to school until around 10 am. He often doesn’t even get to watch himself on TV until after Modern Family airs because the show is normally on past his bedtime.
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When he’s not busy with school, memorizing lines, and filming, he’s just a regular kid who enjoys playing with his magnets and baseball. Raising a child in show business isn’t easy but The Reyes Family definitely seems to be handling everything extremely well. His parents work hard to keep him well rounded, disciplined, and humble, and it shows.
When asked what he would want to be if he doesn’t continue acting, the young-star, undoubtedly said, “I feel like I would be a baseball player and a school teacher too.” Marcello has been playing baseball since he was three years old.
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What’s next for this young star on raise? His next endeavor will be on The Jeffries Show. A new comedy show green-lit by NBC starring Australian comedian Jim Jeffries, and executive produced by Sean Hayes (Will and Grace) and Todd Milliner of Hazy Mills, Tim Sarkes, Suzanne Martin, and Alex Murray. In the meantime, you can check out all of Marcellos adventures on his Instagram.
