Suit by SECOND/LAYER Inc.
Shirt by Mothfood

Braeden De La Garza, an actor, musician, and singer, who, at the young age of 7, has performed in multiple stage productions, and starred in numerous projects most recently as Prince Emmett in “The Quest” on Disney +. This multi-talented actor will soon star as Brent Chambers in Freeform’s newest season of the series “Cruel Summer,” in which he plays the son of a prominent family, who enjoys exerting his power. He lives in Los Angeles.

**Left:**
Suit by SECOND/LAYER Inc.
Shirt by Mothfood
**Right:**
Shirt by Eton
Jewelry by David Yurman horse ring,
Sunglasses by AKILA® Eyewear

What motivated you to pursue acting as a career?
When I was younger, I spent a lot of time sitting in bed with my mom and older sister watching TV at night before bed. I was always amazed at the fact that kids my age were on television, pretending to be other people, and I knew from an early age that’s what I wanted to do.

What is like being a young star navigating Hollywood?
Well, I think “star” is a bit too strong of a word. I’m not sure I’m one of those yet. For now, I’m just hustling like everyone else in Hollywood. I’ve lived here for about two years, and I’m happy to say I’ve found a core group of friends that have been there for me and always support me, and vice versa. It’s nice to have people in your life who are going/have gone through the same things you are. You learn to lean on each other.

**Left:**
Suit by SECOND/LAYER Inc.
Shirt by Mothfood
**Right:**
Sweater by Paul Smith
Necklace by VITALY

Which acting projects have you been most passionate about in the past?
In high school, I played “The Old Man” in a play called “The Old Man and The Old Moon.” It was a fun play that involved live folk music and puppetry, and it’s always stuck out as the acting “job” I’ve felt the most passion about. I just loved everything about it, and it was also my first lead role in anything. It will always hold a special place in my heart.

What character in the past did you enjoy playing the most?
Brent has been my favorite character to play. I was surprised at how layered and fleshed out the role became by the end of the series. I really got to show off my acting chops by the end of it all.

Sweater by Paul Smith
Necklace by VITALY

What challenges have you dealt with as an actor?
It’s a brutal industry. I pride myself on working my way up through the industry completely on my own, but with that comes a lot of challenges. My first headshot was taken on my phone in my bedroom, and for years the only “auditions” I would go on were ones I found by scouring the internet for any open casting calls in my area. I was lucky to have a couple lines on a film shot in Dallas, and I met some wonderful people who introduced me to more wonderful people, but that’s how the business seems to go. You have to work as hard as you can at all times, so that you can be prepared for any opportunity that comes along. It’s tough, but extremely rewarding.

With your newest show “Cruel Summer,” how did you prepare for your role? Do you feel connected to your character Brent?
At first, when the role was offered to me, Brent was a somewhat one-dimensional character. He was the arrogant older brother, who would come in every once in a while and make fun of his brother and their friends, and then leave. My preparation for that was pretty simple. However, during production I was blessed with the opportunity to take my role WAY deeper than I ever thought I could, and the writers and creatives instilled a lot of confidence in me to take Brent in a direction I never thought I would be able to take him. For that, I had to dig deep and find his emotional core, and learn to pull from that. The second half of the season especially, you see Brent change and grow in so many ways it was hard for me to keep up. I know this sounds like gibberish now, but when you watch the series, it will all make sense.

**Left:**
Suit by SECOND/LAYER Inc.
Shirt by Mothfood
**Right:**
Shirt by Eton
Jean by 8/2
Jewelry by David Yurman horse ring,
Sunglasses by AKILA® Eyewear

How do you unwind after a long day on set?
Playing music. It’s how I unwind from anything. Nothing relaxes me more.

Who would you say is your current celebrity crush?
Larry David.

What was your first acting role?
Little Little John in Robin Hood: The Next Generation. I was in sixth grade, and it was directed by my favorite teacher of all time, Ms. Galt.

Shirt by Eton
Jean by 8/2
Jewelry by David Yurman horse ring,
Sunglasses by AKILA® Eyewear

Who is your biggest music idol?
Paul McCartney. I love that man to death. I have an entire wall of my apartment dedicated to him. Seriously.

What is one message you would love to give to your fans?
Listen to RAM by Paul McCartney.

Social Media.
Instagram: @braedendlgarza

CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Photographer: Ben Cope
Talent: Braeden De La Garza
Fashion Stylist: Tiffany Briseno at The Only Agency
Groomer: Annette Chaisson for Exclusive Artists using KohGenDo
Assistant Fashion Stylist: Anastasia Larae
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Alexis Yap, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine