The young American actor Luke Speakman, known for his work on Steven Spielberg’s TV series “Amazing Stories,” shares his journey from the beginning at five years old, highlighting his experiences across various streaming platforms, his adaptation to different studios and production teams, and the impact of acting alongside big names like Victoria Pedretti. Speakman also talks about his challenges, such as dealing with rejections in his career, and his favorite role so far in the series “Lost Man Found.” In addition to his acting, Luke runs an educational podcast with his sister and shares his creative process in customizing sneakers for celebrities like Anderson Silva. With an optimistic outlook for the future, he aims to explore film directing and continues to balance his career with hobbies like baseball and training for American Ninja Warrior.
What was the experience like working with Steven Spielberg on the TV series “Amazing Stories”? He’s a cinema icon; was there anything in particular you learned or that impressed you while working on this project?
Well, I was very young when I worked on the set of “ Amazing Stories”. I had just turned 5 years old! Many do not know, but this was actually my very first project I had ever auditioned for and the very first project I booked! I honestly had no clue that I was working on a project created by such an icon in the industry! I do however, know that it was because of this project that I knew I had found what I was to do for the rest of my life! It isn’t everyday that you get to work on a set to this degree. I was obsessed about all of it. I was amazed that they made it rain outside with huge trucks and created fake lighting with gigantic lights. They also had massive machines to make the thunder sounds. Not to mention the gigantic cameras and equipment everywhere. I wanted to know what everything did and how to work it. It was so busy yet so organized. From that day on, I made sure to do anything and everything I could to make my way back on set!
You’ve worked on various platforms, including Apple TV+, NBC, HULU, and Disney+. How does a young actor like you adapt to different studios and production teams?
I really don’t find it hard to adapt to different studios or production teams because, no matter who they are, I go in knowing what I am there to do and I do it. No matter who they are, big or small, I always give my best effort for the project. Every project deserves my best because someone is trusting me with their creative works! That is a HUGE responsibility. I always remember that I am a piece of a massive puzzle. Every member of the team is important and needed. I have found that going in with that mindset helps me adapt to any team I am working with at the time.
“Amazing Stories” received significant attention. What was it like to act alongside renowned actors like Victoria Pedretti, and how did you prepare for the role of Little Sam?
Like I mentioned, I was very young when I worked on “Amazing Stories”. The scenes were shot very late at night, so honestly the only preparation that my little barely 5 year old self did was make sure I had a HUGE nap earlier that day. I also had no clue that I was working with such talented actors and how big deal of a deal that really was at the time! I remember meeting Victoria in hair and makeup. I wanted to sit beside her and talk. She was very sweet and had no trouble letting me, then a barely 5 years old, sit and chat while we got ready. I remember that she made me feel very comfortable on set and always asked if I needed some water or a snack. Looking back, I find it awesome that such a successful actress would take the time to make sure I felt at ease. It makes me want to do the same now and in the future when I work with younger child actors on set.
With only a few years of experience, you’ve worked on several projects. What has been your favorite role so far, and why?
I think my favorite role so far would be Sean from Lost Man Found (Disney+, Hulu, NHK Japan). Not only was it my first lead role in a television series, but I also worked in Tokyo, Japan! Sean had a lot of emotions, so I was excited to explore ways to show this on camera. I also became close to my on screen mom, Kyla Burke. We still visit each other every time I am out in LA! Tokyo was the best location to work in! We spent our off days exploring everything! There was even a puppy cafe! Not to mention the absolute best food I have ever tasted. I even turned 9 while on set. The producers surprised me with a cake with the cast and crew at the end of the day. I felt very special. Even though we didn’t always speak the same language, we still became like family working together to create something pretty epic! I will have these memories for the rest of my life.
You also host the popular podcast “Learn With Luke.” How do you balance acting with podcast production and hosting? What are some of the topics covered in the podcast, and why did you decide to start this project?
Well, to tell you the truth “Learn with Luke” actually started as an assignment from my 4th grade science teacher Ms. Wiley! I had to teach about the moon cycles in an interesting way. Well, since I am part of the entertainment industry, I thought making a podcast/short videos series on Youtube would be perfect! My little sister, Claire, really enjoys being on camera, but sometimes struggles. She is on the autism spectrum and sometimes has a hard time communicating with others (I actually translate for her!). I figured this would be perfect for her! She became my co-star! I didn’t expect it to become so popular! We have a few more episodes in the works! As of now I want to stick with science topics like bearded dragons, the plant cycle or weather; but, eventually I will branch out and include other subjects too! The balancing of all the different jobs is kind of easy because the work for “Learn with Luke” happens right at my own house! I work on my episodes on my free time and upload them as they are completed. Plus my co-star lives in the house and usually when she is available, I am too! I guess that is the benefit of working with your sibling!
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced so far in your acting career? And how did you overcome them?
My biggest challenges in acting are probably the same as most child actors. At a young age I had to learn to accept and word “no’. Rejections happens 99.9% of the time in this industry. Hearing ‘no’ is the only guarantee. Remembering that it is out of my control and as long as I did my best, I didn’t really lose I actually learned. I must remember that the goal is always LEARNING. There is always something to learn from every audition, callback, booking, no booking, producer’s session, and role opportunity. In each of these opportunities I grow in some way and learn something new to help me in the future. That is what is important. The goal is not the booking (Booking is just the icing on the cake). We also have a family motto that helps me handle the rejection: “There is enough space on the Earth for EVERYONE to shine!” When I hear a ‘no’ I just remember this and it makes me happy, because I know that my ‘no’ is someone else’s ‘yes’. My ‘no’ gives another kid time and space to SHINE! I know that my time and space will be waiting for me just at the right time when I get there!
What’s it like being called “little charmer”? Have you always been naturally charismatic, or is it something you developed over time?
This nickname has been with me my entire life! I really don’t know why! My parents say that I have always been able to walk into a room and make a friend. I have always loved people and meeting people. I was also known for my ‘wink’ when I was a little younger. I liked to wink at the camera between takes while filming. I don’t do that anymore, but I do like whispering to the sound crew in my microphone between takes. I guess that is where it comes from. I could talk to a stranger for hours like they are my best friend, and I love hearing about their lives! It is also why my parents started me in acting! I had a huge personality at a very young age and they needed to “channel it into something positive”. Acting seemed to be perfect for that! I get to spend my time traveling and meeting people from all over the world! I could not imagine living life any other way.
Besides acting, do you engage in other activities like music or sports? How do you balance your personal life with your rising career?
When I am not acting you most definitely will find me a the local baseball field hitting slammers with my little league team. I love playing and watching baseball (especially the Atlanta Braves)! What is most unknown is that I train in American Ninja Warrior. Being little with some pretty impressive upper body strength comes in handy when I smoke through the obstacles! Most of what I do is active: riding my bike through the neighborhood, shooting hoops with my friends, or playing fetch with my golden retriever: Sir Golden Waffles. However, I do enjoy some more calmer activities. During the actor’s strike, I learned that I really enjoy playing the piano and began lessons. I had my first performance a couple months ago on a live stage! I also enjoy a good game of chess against a competitive opponent. It is hard to explain how I balance it all. It is all about taking the opportunities when I can. I make sure I get “a little of everything” in each week. During the busy acting seasons, I make sure to take breaks and get myself out playing some baseball or knocking out a round of ladder pull ups. Flexibility is key and when I find those free moments, I take them!
How do you see the future of your career? Is there a specific project or genre you’d like to explore more deeply?
The entertainment industry is so unpredictable. I just try to stay open and willing anytime an opportunity comes to me. I have found that the most unexpected opportunities are usually the ones that are the best! I do hope to do some film creating in the future. I would love to be a director on a major action movie one day. While I am on set, I try to soak up all I can learn about movie and television show making so that I can use it in the future on my own projects!
You’ve worked in both television and film productions. What are some of the differences between these two worlds, and which do you prefer?
Honestly, I think it depends on the project and the role you have on the project. Some roles put you on set for a day and some for 80 days! I think the amount of time you spend with the cast and crew is what makes the difference. You become like family in both tv and film production when you get to spend lots of days together. As a child actor there really isn’t much difference between film and television productions. I am just so grateful to work on either! Right now I can’t choose! Just let me be on a set and I am happy!
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