Lights, camera, action: A young man realizes his acting dreams

Published 7:00 am Saturday, January 3, 2015

old soul: Eleven-year old Orion Cosme dreams of becoming an actor or musician one day. He recently was cast as an extra in a movie to be released in 2016.  Photo by Cassandra Favre

old soul: Eleven-year old Orion Cosme dreams of becoming an actor or musician one day. He recently was cast as an extra in a movie to be released in 2016.
Photo by Cassandra Favre


Some people dream about becoming an actor, and a few actually live the dream.
It’s an exciting career filled with the thrill of recognition and the opportunity to work with some of the most talented people in the world.
There are many types of film genres including comedy, drama, science fiction, documentaries and more.
Actors can choose the live-action theater, stand-up comedy or portray a character on the movie screen.
But where does a person begin their journey to stardom?
For 11-year-old Orion Cosme, the odyssey begins with a role as a movie extra.
Orion is the son of Charity and Angel Cosme, owners of Picayune’s Infused. Although, the family makes their home in Slidell, La., Orion spends his days at the family store in Picayune.
Orion is homeschooled and said his favorite subject is science, because he loves experimenting.
“I have wanted to be an actor since I was 5-years-old,” Orion said. “My dream is to either become a great actor or singer.”
During his free time, Orion enjoys the musical talents of groups including the Beatles, KISS, Queen and Bruno Mars.
“My favorite song by the Beatles is ‘Hey Jude,’ Orion said. “It makes me feel good. I’m also learning how to play the guitar.”
Orion has participated in two theater shows including “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” and “Alice through the Looking Glass.”
According to Orion, a friend told the family about a movie being filmed in New Orleans.
“The whole family signed up to be considered for a role,” Orion said.
Orion’s favorite movie is the “The Hunger Games.”
According to his mother Charity, in early December, the pair had just seen the latest installment at the theater when she received the message stating they were interested in casting Orion as an extra.
“I was really excited,” Orion said. “My part is what’s called a featured extra, which is a non-speaking role.”
Orion worked on set with actors Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg. The film is set to release in 2016 and according to IMDB.com, the name of the film is “Daddy’s Home.”
Orion said it was really great to work on the movie set.
“When I met Will Ferrell he asked me my name,” Orion said. “I told him my name and he told me his name. I said ‘I know who you are and I love your movies.’ He said, ‘Well that’s good because now you’re in one.’”
Orion said Mark Wahlberg teased him and gave him a fist bump.
Orion dreams of performing in comedies and emulates his favorite comedian, musician and actor, Jack Black.
“Jack Black is funny and he likes to make everyone laugh and feel good,” Orion said.
Charity Cosme said her son has always surprised her.
“He’s not like most other children,” Charity said. “He’s an old soul. I wish I had half the talent that comes naturally to him. If he wants this, we’ll get him there.”

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