Growing up in Grand Prairie, Texas, Spencer Stevenson got an early start entertaining audiences by participating in his elementary school talent show at the age of 8. Now, the young actor can be seen in Hulu’s highly anticipated film Rosaline, a fresh and comedic twist on Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, told from the perspective of Romeo’s jilted ex.
Heartbroken when Romeo meets Juliet and begins to pursue her, Rosaline schemes to foil the famous romance and win her guy back. Stevenson plays Paris, Rosaline’s gay best friend and confidant, who is roped into her crazy antics. A self-described “theater junkie,” he hopes this is a breakthrough role that will sustain his acting journey.
Rosaline also stars Kaitlyn Dever, Kyle Allen, Minnie Driver, Bradley Whitford, Isabela Merced, and Christopher McDonald.
Stevenson’s additional film credits include Quinn in Rollers and Paul in Never Goin’ Back, and he has also appeared on the small screen in The Purge, Mindhunter, Solve, and One Mississippi.
He took some time to chat more about Rosaline and his love of acting with OFM.
Hi, Spencer! Can you begin by telling us what you enjoyed the most about being involved with Rosaline?
Honestly, working with everyone involved. Everyone is so cool and amazing, and I got to learn a lot. I’m kind of a newcomer to all this. I’ve been working for around 10 years, but this is definitely a change from what I’ve been doing, so to learn from Kaitlyn Dever and build those friendships was awesome.
There’s nothing better than having great chemistry with everyone on and off set.
Yes, for sure!
You play Paris, and this is your first starring role. What is the number one lesson you took away from this experience?
I learned to let go of all the BS that I have in my head (laughs). I overthink so much, but this whole journey allowed me to let go. I enjoyed every single second of being out of my comfort zone, and I learned so much by pushing my boundaries.
When you found out there was going to be a comedic retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, what did you think?
I didn’t know about it until I got the audition, but from the start, as soon as I read the script, I thought it was amazing. It’s so hilarious, and I was like, I absolutely need to be a part of this. I fell in love with Paris immediately. We’re so similar, and I was like, “This is going to be great.”
Yeah, can you tell us a bit more about Paris and how you made this character your own?
Paris is very similar to me. I had a blast playing him because it was like stepping into my own shoes, but with a twist. Paris is basically Rosaline’s gay bestie, and he tries to help keep her head on straight, as gay best friends do. I’m like that in real life as well. I’m best friends with Maia Mitchell and Cierra Ramirez, and I’m their go-to for a lot of things. I’m always the one to be like, girl, let’s get it together! So, it was nice to play Paris, who is very similar.
In addition to your character, how else do you believe Rosaline will appeal to LGBTQ viewers?
I just think they’re going to love it. Representation matters so much for me. Growing up, I didn’t really have anyone to mirror anything for me, so I didn’t see myself on screen much. So, I’m happy to give that back and show that other people are seen, especially in Shakespeare. That’s a tricky one right there, and I’m half-Black and gay in real life, as well, so I think my representation will do a lot for young kids, especially kids in the South. I’m from Texas and come from a conservative background, so I think it’s going to do some wonders. At least I hope it does.
Ultimately, is there anything in particular you hope audiences take away from this film?
Just have fun. I mean, these past couple years have been a lot for everybody, so I think this is exactly what we all need right now. It’s a good journey, it’s a good ride, it’s funny, and there’s a lot of love. So, I think it’s exactly what we all need right now.
Have you always had a passion for acting and performing?
Yes, I started acting in third grade when I got into my first play, Christmas at the O.K. Corral, and that’s when my spark for acting kind of started. However, the inspiration started earlier by watching Raven Symone in That’s So Raven. I was obsessed with her, and I literally wanted to be her. Here we are some 10 or 15 years later working for Disney now!
Maybe you’ll have a chance to work with her someday.
I would love that!
Have you always been a fan of Shakespeare’s works?
Yes. I went to Texas State University and got a BFA in acting as well, so we did a lot of Shakespeare there. Although, I was really bad at it, and I actually failed my Shakespeare class in college. (laughs). It took me so long to understand it, but then I had that little book/cheat sheet, Shakespeare for Dummies, or something like that where it was translated into real words. Once I started to understand it, I found it amazing.
Which piece is your favorite?
Honestly, I would say Macbeth because, I mean, it’s literally Macbeth! I’ve done a little bit of everything.
What are some future goals you hope to accomplish with your career?
This was a massive one. I’m just in shock that I’m even in this position right now. It’s kind of crazy. Literally, if it all comes to an end, I’m happy. But other goals, I would love to be on a show like Euphoria. I would love to be a series regular or leading a show like that. Pushing boundaries, but I’d also love to be on something cheekier like the new Gossip Girl. That’s pretty much my vibe.
Before we wrap up, are there any other upcoming projects or anything else you would like to mention or plug?
Nothing that I can plug right now, but there is something, so stay tuned!
Stay up-to-date and connect with Stevenson on Instagram and TikTok @spencerrstevensonn. Rosaline is now available to stream on Hulu.
Photos courtesy of Dylan Perlot and Hulu.
