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We recently had the chance to speak with Ryan McCartan from Disney Channel’s new series “Liv & Maddie.” During the interview, Ryan talks about his first project, working on “The Middle”, working on “Liv & Maddie”, his upcoming projects, and more!

Make sure you check it out below!

1. How did you get your start in acting?

When I was younger I was very involved in athletics, but I was then diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes. Struggling with the management of a new disease, I ended up quitting all my sports. I was eagerly looking for a new hobby when I saw auditions for a local theater in Minneapolis, MN (My home town!). I auditioned and got my first professional role ever at the age of 8. I’ve been acting ever since!

2. What was your first project?

The first thing I ever booked was the role “Karl” in an original musical called “The Christmas Schooner,” which was about a boat that took Christmas trees to Chicago many many years ago, sailing Lake Michigan in the dangerous winter time!

3. What was it like working on “The Middle?”
My role on The Middle was relatively small. My call time was crazy- I think 6AM. Went into hair and make up, was shooting by 8:00 and was out of there by 9:00! They work quickly and efficiently. The set was a lot of fun to be on, the crew is fantastic, and I even got to have a very nice conversation with Beau Wirick!

4. How would you describe your character on Liv&Maddie?
Diggie is not your typical jock. He’s driven, and loves basketball, but he has a soft side that he isn’t afraid to expose. He’s funny and quirky, and he has a certain charming nature to him that we see when he gets nervous and playful around Maddie. He’s loyal and a great friend, not only to Maddie but to her brother Joey and to all of Maddie’s friends as well!

5. Can you describe your reaction when you received the role?
I did a chemistry read with Dove and Joey about a week prior to receiving an email that said it was between me and two other people for the role. “We’ll know tomorrow,” it said. Sure enough, the next day I heard back from them saying they needed to deliberate further, and we’d hear after the weekend. Monday, I heard nothing. I had basically given up when I got the phone call two days later saying I booked it. My knees buckled, I fell into my bed. My mouth hurt from smiling so much. I’ve wanted to work for Disney since I was a little kid. This is quite literally a dream come true!

6. What can fans expect to see from your character on upcoming episodes?
The Diggie/Maddie “flirtationship” continues to blossom, and we see some funny interactions between Diggie and other members of the Rooney family as well! He’s a guy you’ll be seeing around a lot, and that quirky energy I talked about before definitely -allows for a lot of funny moments!

7. Can you spill anything from upcoming episodes?
I can, but I won’t. 😉 That ruins all the fun, doesn’t it? All I’ll say is that if you were a fan of “Miggie” in the first episode, you’ll love what’s coming!

8. When can fans catch Liv&Maddie?
Sunday nights on the Disney Channel starting September 15th!

9. What are your social media accounts?
Follow me on Facebook (Ryan Jerome McCartan) or “like” my fan page (Ryan McCartan). I’m also on Twitter: @ryanmccartan

10. Do you have any other upcoming projects?
Yes! Andy Fickman, who also directs Liv and Maddie, is directing the world premier of Heathers the Musical, here in Hollywood! I play the male lead, JD. We’ll be opening in late September and we’ll run three weekends! We have websites and press releases all over the place: You can Google “Heathers the Musical,” or follow us on Twitter @HeathersMusical

11. Do you have anything you want to say to your fans?
Often times actors and celebrities overlook the importance of their fan base. No one gets anywhere alone, and without the support of my fans I wouldn’t be even remotely close to where I am now! I love and appreciate each and every one of them, and (hint hint) I’ve NEVER ignored a SINGLE piece of fan mail, so send away! Fans are everything, and I will preach that for the rest of my career! 🙂 Thank you now and always, from the bottom of my heart.

Thank you so much for speaking with us Ryan!