Currently, I star in "Wizards of Waverly Place" as Justin Russo, the oldest of the three siblings on the show. I love Justin because although the theme in life right now is "Do what's bad," like that's cool, Justin makes it cool to be a good guy. When someone marches to the beat of their own drum and is totally confident in their own ways and doesn't care what anyone else thinks, that is cool!

Let me tell you how all this came about: I had been acting in Los Angeles since age ten and had three series, numerous guest stars, and a few movies under my belt. I was told that I caught the eye of a Disney executive who took notice of my work on a show for FOX called, The Pitts, produced by Mike Scully (Simpsons.) I was booked on one episode of That's So Raven, and producers asked me back numerous times to recur as "Larry." At age 16, I read for a leading role for a Disney pilot that involved magic and wizards. Being a fan of magic/wizard-world/ action and adventure, it sounded like a great concept for a show. I auditioned and was offered the role. I wasn't really sure if I wanted to get tied up in another series, but my mom felt that the work involved on a live-audience show, day-in and day-out, is a great training ground for a young teen actor; very similar to what theater actors experience, except that each week I would have a new story line.

You know what they say ...mom knows best... well she was right. There is nothing better than the on-the-job training that you get when you are working everyday, around amazing industry people, professional writers, and actors that become part of your family. Week after week, the sky is the limit as to what the writers can come up with, and because of all the magic elements in the show, I have the opportunities to play a wide variety of characters, such as the episode I turned into a werewolf, or Dr. Frankenstein, Charlie Chaplin, Doc Holliday to name some; as well the episodes I have time-warped to other countries, Wizard World, outer-space; fallen in-love with a vampire, a zantori, and a punk-rocker. Each day, as I park my car and walk past the original sound stage of "I Love Lucy," it really blows me away to think I am even walking on the same grounds that Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz did!

Growing up as a child actor, being fortunate enough to work consistently, surrounded in a creative environment, it was only natural that I would gravitate towards ALL aspects of the business. I started a production company, called YUTE, whereby I can produce, write, direct, and sometimes star in, stories that I want to tell. I was fortunate enough that the Producer of Wizards of Waverly Place, took notice of my aspirations, and allowed me to write an episode for the show. Just like my career path, it wasn't going to be just handed to me, I had to work hard for it and started a one-year apprenticeship, working closely with the show-runner and writers, researching, writing, shadowing, and mentoring. And now I am a member of the WGA!

So, I suppose the over-all theme of my life so far has been "work hard to get what you want, and when the opportunities arise, recognize it, and anything is possible." And that is exactly what I will continue to do. Now that I am an adult, I can't wait to show the world all that I have in the works. I want to thank all my fans, all over the world, and yes even from China, Brazil, Italy, France, Sweden, Germany, Japan, Russia, too many to list, and all across the United States. I read your messages and feel your love!