I grew up being an avid Disney Channel viewer, never daring to miss an episode of my favorite shows. To this day, when I see a familiar actor or actress from the program, I associate them with the show I grew up watching, portraying them as a lighthearted, family-friendly character to all viewers.
Over time, though the association is present, it’s become clear that several of these stars have matured and broadened their experience with acting to reach out to a more mature audience. They are wanting to appeal to a greater crowd of adults, as opposed to young children and teenagers.
One actor I have grown up watching, Ross Lynch, has recently made headlines that have captured my interest. Lynch formerly starred on Disney Channel as Austin Moon on "Austin and Ally", being depicted as an overnight musical sensation trying his best to succeed in the industry. This was the Ross Lynch I became accustomed to and pictured when hearing his name.
Lynch has recently made his departure from the channel, landing a role in the newly released film, "My Friend Dahmer", portraying Jeffrey Dahmer himself. For those who are unfamiliar, Jeffrey Dahmer was a serial killer and sex offender, conducting murders from 1978-1991, combining the acts of rape, dismemberment, necrophilia, and cannibalism with the murders he committed.
I’m not going into detail; use Google if I’ve spiked your curiosity.
Based on the graphic novel with the same name, "My Friend Dahmer" delves into Dahmer’s high school years, shortly before beginning his killing spree, giving an inside look at the personal issues and experiences he faced at the time. It slowly leads up to the morbid life he was beginning to immerse into.
After watching the trailer for the film, I was shocked to see what you would call a piece of my childhood and my early teen years being placed into an entirely opposite context from what I would expect. It was a shocking discovery, to say the least, but one that has had my immediate attention and curiosity for the past week or so.
Seeing an actor with a Disney-filled background taking on such a graphic role really opens your mind to witness the potential of what can and has been done. Breaking out from the expectations that have been placed on yourself as an actor from the channel is an accomplishment that deserves to be the subject of any news headline. Showing what you are capable of as a performer, and the type of character you can portray with a strong resemblance is powerful, and definitely something to be noted.
Of course, I now plan to be watching this film as soon as possible. I’m excited to see the role Lynch has embodied, and what his future plans will be as an actor.
