"Inside The Osmonds" - jayosmond.com 2001
Thomas Dekker in the role of the younger Donny Osmond...
Thomas was familiar with the Osmonds prior to getting the role of young Donny in "Inside The Osmonds," though he had never met any of the family. His mother is a big fan of the Osmonds, she's from Britain and remembers all of the screaming fans during the 70s. With his mother being a fan, he had already seen videos of the Osmonds performing. Thomas really likes the Osmonds' music, especially "One Bad Apple," his favorite.
Thomas studied for his role by renting videos and watching the Osmonds perform. The production company had CD's of Osmond music, as well as a tape of the Osmonds dancing, to further help his studies after he won the role. Having Jimmy Osmond at the set when production began was a big help too, he would guide everyone saying, "This isn't right, here's how it was," etc. " Jimmy was just great, and I really enjoyed having the opportunity to meet him," said Thomas.
The concert shots are actually performed by the actors, with some songs being filmed before an audience of 1,000 screaming extras! On "Honey I Shrunk the Kids," Thomas sang and danced as well, but said, "I've never performed the role of a mega star!"
Thomas feels the movie will be great, and said, "The actors are not trying to BE Osmonds, but are trying to bring that energy from the beginning of the Osmonds' super-stardom to the screen."
Filming was really fun for Thomas. Thomas and some of the other actors were cast in L.A., while others were cast in Toronto. During the course of filming, and the time they spent together preparing for scenes, Thomas said, "It was funny, we really started to feel like brothers."
Prior to his meeting Donny Osmond for the first time, Thomas was asked how he thought he would feel when he met Donny Osmond, and replied, "It will be so interesting! I can't imagine the real Donny there while I am acting out the part of young Donny. I feel it will be an amazing experience. Having the opportunity to play Donny Osmond is such a tremendous thrill and honor."
Thomas' role as Donny will go from a little before the One Bad Apple period of time, to right before Puppy Love, until "Donny" is about 14 years old. Patrick Levis then comes in to play Donny during the Donny & Marie Show era.
Thomas is 12 years old now, but started his career back at the age of five! He feels he's been very fortunate to have some wonderful roles, but his part in "Inside The Osmonds" is described as, "…the ultimate role for me so far." He loves 70s styles, so he had a lot of fun with the costumes, wigs, etc. used in the movie. Thomas even had a lesson in sign language so he could talk to his onscreen brothers, Virl and Tom. "Inside The Osmonds" was a great time for Thomas, and he thinks fans are really going to enjoy this movie.
~ Thomas Dekker
* Article from jayosmond.com
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