David Mazouz

We spoke with David Mazouz about his work on Gotham, what fascinates him about the industry, what the future holds, and his next feature film, The Birthday Cake starring Ewan McGregor, Val Kilmer, Lorraine Bracco & William Fichtner.

From a very young age you had been working on commercials with one of the greats, Kiefer Sutherland.

The early roles sparked my initial love for acting. Commercials introduced me to set life, politics of the business, and how to have fun in front of the camera. Then TOUCH solidified that when I got the opportunity to work with Kiefer, who I learned so much about acting from and taking care of your crew. He showed me firsthand what it means to be a fair, kind, and respected leader.

Prior to Gotham, of all the roles you have played in the past, which is your favorite?

I think my favorite role before Gotham was The Office or Touch for different reasons. The Office because it’s so iconic now, as well as the cast being so exceptionally nice to a little 9 year old me. Touch, like I mentioned before, was my first long term acting job. It was the first time I had an on-set family and the first time I could intimately know a character for multiple years.

What attracted you to begin a career as an actor?

I started acting classes at 5. It was a hobby I looked forward to every week. I honestly started because my older sister wanted to get into it and I was just being a follower little brother. In retrospect, though, acting—that time between action and cut—is when I do and always have felt most alive.

Is there a specific actor or actress that you most look up to or find yourself inspired by?

Since Gotham, I’ve looked up to Christina Bale. He went from Batman to Moses! I’ve always looked up to Leonardo Dicaprio because he started as a kid, too. Some of my favorites are Ed Norton, Hugh Jackman, and Jared Leto.

What was your initial audition like for Gotham and how did you think you did?

I had an 102 degree fever for my first audition but I thought it went well (which I guess it did!) They gave me dummy sides (not from the actual show) but the essence of the character shone through and it really excited me. I then auditioned 6 more times.

What qualities do you think make for a good film or tv show?

I think any quality film or TV program should expose you (the viewer) to a new perspective. That new perspective could be from a group that has already been explored or be about people/animals pop cultures has never even thought about before. The important thing is the audience (regardless of their age, race, sexual orientation, country of origin, socioeconomic status) can relate and engage with the story and—most importantly—the new perspective on an EMOTIONAL level.

Are there any potential projects that we can foresee from you in the near future?

I have a movie called The Birthday Cake coming out in theaters June 18th! It stars Ewan Mcgregor, Shiloh Fernandez, Emory Cohen, Val Kilmer, Ashley Benson, and many more! Also many more projects on the way!

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