Published on January 13th, 2025 | by Jimmy Star

Exclusive HYPE Magazine Interview with Jayd Deroché – The Multi-Talented Teen Taking Over the Screen and Stage

At just 13 years old, Jayd Deroché is making waves across film, television, and music with a level of talent and versatility that’s hard to match. From starring roles on Netflix and Amazon to lending his voice to iconic animated characters, this rising star is just getting started. We caught up with Jayd to talk about his incredible journey, favorite moments, and what’s coming next!

Q: You’ve accomplished so much at just 13 years old! How did you first get started in acting, and what keeps you motivated?

Jayd: I started in the industry when I was 4, but my mom wanted to make sure it was something I really wanted, so we waited a bit. When I was seven, I began dancing and singing to Michael Jackson. My mom’s friend saw me on Instagram and invited me to perform “Thriller” at a Halloween event. I said yes, and from there, things really took off!

One of the coolest moments was when my parents surprised me with tickets to see The Jacksons. During the show, Jermaine Jackson actually lifted me onto the stage, and I got to dance with them—it was unreal! Moments like that keep me motivated and remind me why I love what I do.

Q: Your roles span major platforms like Netflix, Amazon, and Lifetime. What has been your favorite character to portray so far, and why?

Jayd: My favorite character so far has to be Aiden Henley in I Woke Up a Vampire on Netflix. It was such a fun project! I put a lot of effort into Aiden’s character, and it was amazing working with other talented kids. Plus, the special effects made everything even cooler! Being a series regular on such a unique show was definitely a highlight for me.

Q: From I Woke Up a Vampire to Ruby & the Well, you’ve worked on diverse projects. How do you prepare for such different roles?

Jayd: I always follow my process, which I call PPP—Plan, Prepare, Produce. First, I study the character and figure out how they would act in different situations. For example, Aiden was a cool, gamer-type kid, so I had to bring out that vibe in my performance. Meanwhile, Jelani in Ruby & the Well was more emotional, so I had to approach that differently. Planning out the character really helps me deliver my best work.

Q: As a young actor, how do you balance school, acting, and your personal life?

Jayd: It’s definitely been a challenge, especially with how busy things have been. When I was in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, I had rehearsals all day, and I’d record for animated series early in the morning before rehearsals started. Once the shows began, I was performing 8–9 shows a week while juggling school, voice roles, singing live, and auditions—it was a lot!

Last year, I switched to an online private school, which made balancing things easier, but now I’m back in person at a school that accommodates my schedule. Time management is key, and my mom makes sure I still get to do normal kid stuff whenever I can.

Q: You’ve voiced iconic characters like Super Why and Boomer in Paw Patrol. How do you bring animated characters to life?

Jayd: Bringing characters to life is so much fun! For Boomer in Paw Patrol, I worked with my amazing director, Steph Misayo Seki, to create the perfect villainous laugh and a “know-it-all” attitude. It’s all about finding that unique voice and personality to make the character stand out.

Q: What was it like voicing David in Barney’s World, especially with the musical elements involved?

Jayd: Voicing David in Barney’s World was awesome! He’s such a cute little character, and the stories are really meaningful for young viewers. Since I love singing, the musical parts were right up my alley. It’s been amazing to be part of a production with so much heart and music.

Q: You’ve portrayed historical icons like Jackie Robinson and Alvin Ailey in Xavier Riddle. How did you approach those roles?

Jayd: Honestly, it wasn’t challenging—it was more of an honor. Playing such incredible icons and sharing their stories made me feel really proud. It’s important to show the struggles they faced and the legacy they left behind.

Q: Your musical talents are extraordinary—playing multiple instruments and creating your own beats. How does music complement your acting career?

Jayd: Music helps in so many ways! A lot of roles ask for singing samples during auditions, so being a musician gives me an advantage. When I was filming A Christmas Serenade, the director, Roger Bobb, asked me to sing on the spot, and I was ready because of my background in music.

I started playing violin when I was three, which helped me learn other instruments. My older brother plays more than eight instruments, so I look up to him a lot. Music also helps with musical theater—I can’t say much yet, but there’s an upcoming production where I play an iconic character and sing four songs. I’m so excited for it to be released!

Q: Tell us about your upcoming debut EP and music video. What can fans expect?

Jayd: My first EP is going to be a mix of pop, 80s vibes, R&B, and a ballad. I’ve created about 38 beats so far, and I’m still exploring different genres. My goal is to make music that people can vibe to—whether it makes them dance, feel happy, or even shed a tear. I just want people to connect with it.

Q: Performing with The Jacksons and debuting at the London Palladium are incredible! What’s your most memorable moment from these experiences?

Jayd: Performing with The Jacksons was like a dream come true! I was seven, and when I got on stage with them, I felt like I was Michael Jackson. Marlon and I even spun around together—it was such an epic moment.

For the London Palladium production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, my solo, “Benjamin Calypso,” was my favorite moment. Performing live every day was such an amazing experience.

Q: With such a diverse portfolio, what’s a dream role or project you hope to tackle?

Jayd: My dream role would be playing a lead in a Marvel movie! I’d also love to keep producing music and eventually perform at my own concerts.

Q: Many of our readers are aspiring creatives. What advice would you give them?

Jayd: My advice is to work hard and never give up. It takes years of training and dedication. Do your research, get a good agent, and keep learning. Classes and training are super important, so keep pushing towards your goals!

Q: Lastly, what’s one fun fact about you that fans might not know?

Jayd: A fun fact is that I actually like cooking! It’s something I enjoy doing when I’m not working.

Jayd Deroché is a powerhouse of talent with a bright future ahead. From acting and voice work to music and live performances, he’s doing it all—and we can’t wait to see what he does next!

Follow Jayd on Instagram: @jayd.vaid

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Tags: Barneys World, Hype Magazine, Jayd Deroché, Paw Patrol