Actor David Henrie Reflects on Playing Young Reagan and the Powerful Lessons Fame Taught Him
- Milton Quintanilla Crosswalk Headlines Contributor
- Updated Sep 10, 2024
Actor David Henrie, who recently portrayed former President Ronald Reagan in the new eponymously named film, "Reagan," recounted his time in the spotlight and how he has grown throughout the years.
"I was humbled in life as I grew up," Henrie, who got his big start in 2007 on the Disney Channel's "Wizards of Waverly Place," told CBN News in an interview. "When I was younger … I had a big fan base and everything, and I was like, 'I don't have any responsibility towards them. I'm just an actor. I'm doing my thing.'"
As Henrie grew older, however, he realized that his mentality was "dumb" and that he could use his fame and influence for good.
"People care about you, and you should try to do something good with it," he said of fame. "Like with that Spider-Man quote — 'With power comes responsibility,' right? So, as I got older, I was like, 'I need to do something with this. This life is a gift.'"
The actor felt led to recognize the "blessing" he had received throughout his life and career, Faithwire reports.
"Who am I? I'm a speck of sand on this whole tapestry of life, and just do what you can with what you've been given," he continued. "So … that's my thing … just try to use my platform to do good, show the beauty of family life, make good content, be a part of projects that can make an impact."
During the interview, Henrie explained what playing America's 40th president was like.
"What I loved about the project is, it's not about the president or the politician; it's about the man," Henrie said. "So, you really go behind what he's known for externally, and you learn about what made him tick."
Not only does "Reagan" highlight the former president's time in the White House, but also his upbringing, childhood, and early entertainment career.
"Watching him in speeches later in life, I understand why he's called the great communicator," Henrie said. "Because I think people see someone who's suffered, who's been through something, and who cares."
Henrie also noted that one of the biggest challenges in making the film was playing the part of Reagan justice.
"Everyone knows Reagan," he said. "So, it comes with a lot of baggage, but a lot of people don't know young Reagan like they know old Reagan. And young Reagan sounds nothing like old Reagan. So, the challenge was [to] make it authentic, but don't be an SNL character doing some old Reagan thing."
"Reagan," which was released in theaters Aug. 30, earned more than $10 million at the box office.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Amy Sussman/Staff
