The Disney+ re-do of Cheaper by the Dozen has, among its vast cast, Leo Abelo Perry, a Doylestown actor of the ripe age of nine. Despite his youth, however, this performer is also a podcast host, dancer, and social justice advocate. Samantha Bambino caught the rising star in the Lower Bucks Times.

The latest version of Cheaper by the Dozen, a story that was first made public as a 1948 autobiographical novel, is its fifth iteration as a form of entertainment (it’s been a play, a musical, and the basis for three other movies).

Perry plays Luca, one of a set of twins.

The news of his casting was a shock. “I just thought, ‘This is not happening to me,’” he said.

Acting with a cast of similarly-aged performers was fun, Perry characterized. When reflecting on the experience of filming Cheaper by the Dozen, Perry said he had a blast being surrounded by co-stars his own age. “I knew there was going to be so many kids on set, which means I get to make more friends,” he said.

In terms of his activism, Perry has raised funds for Black Lives Matter, as well as organizations that encourage children in both arts and sports.

Long-term career aspirations include more film work, especially with “Lin-Manuel Miranda or Trevor Noah. Those are my favorite people in the world,” Perry said.

More on this latest iteration of Cheaper by the Dozen is at the Lower Bucks Times.