Check out our interview with Netflix’s “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” actor Tyler Cotton.
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina reimagines the origin and adventures of Sabrina the Teenage Witch as a dark coming-of-age story that traffics in horror, the occult and, of course, witchcraft. In Part Four, The Eldritch Terrors will descend upon Greendale. The coven must fight each terrifying threat one-by-one (The Weird, The Returned, The Darkness to name a few), all leading up to…The Void, which is the End of All Things. As the witches wage war, with the help of The Fright Club, Nick begins to slowly earn his way back into Sabrina’s heart, but will it be too late?
Follow Tyler @ty_cotton
Hi Tyler, please tell us a little about you?
Hey! I’m Tyler Cotton! I grew up in Calgary Alberta Canada and I play Melvin in the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Goofy, caring, humourous
How did you get started into acting?
Through my dad! He had a tv show in Calgary called “The PetGuys” so through that show I got to be in a few episodes and do some commercials. Then when I was a bit older I started doing background work in Calgary and was on AMC’s “Hell on Wheels” and got the chance to chat with Christopher Heyerdahl on set and I knew this was my passion! A few months later I packed my bags, moved to Vancouver and the rest is history.
How has this changed your life?
The show has changed my life in many ways, one of the biggest would be experience. This is my first time being in such a large show!
What is the best and worst part of being an actor?
One of the best things for me is learning, with each role comes new research and new opportunities to grow. I honestly don’t know if there is a worst part of being an actor. You struggle a lot but that’s just part of the journey!
Tell us about your work in the Netflix Original series “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina?” And about your character Melvin?
So I play Melvin, a warlock at the academy. Melvin is a shy, socially awkward person who doesn’t necessarily fit in.
How do you prepare for a role?
Lots of research! For Melvin specifically, the show hadn’t come out yet when I auditioned for the role so I really went in blind, the only info I had was from the few scenes I was given and a few scenes from when I auditioned for Harvey. I read books on witchcraft, did my research on the history of witches, and I went to church a few times.
What other projects have you been part of that you really enjoyed?
I was in The Magicians for a quick scene which was really fun, it was my first professional role!
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
Anything! I would really like to do a role that is very physically demanding, I’d love to do some fight choreography. I’d also love to do something really dramatic and grounded.
I’m really open to anything though!
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
So many things. One of my favourite feelings is when you are stuck in a character and trying to figure them out and then all of a sudden it just clicks and you learn something new about the character, that’s quite rewarding.
How would your best friend describe you?
Funny, nerdy, hardworking
What’s next for Tyler Cotton in 2021?
I’m not sure, to be honest, I’ve got some script ideas that I’m gonna start writing!
What is your favorite healthy food?
Steamed vegetables
And your favorite cheat food?
Pizza
How would you explain your fashion style?
Pretty casual. Usually nice pants, boots, a shirt and a sweater! Although we are in lockdown so you’re lucky if I’m even wearing pants 😂
What is your own definition of happiness?
Acceptance, helping others, laughter, and community
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
My grandpa Cotton. He passed away when I was very young, I’d love to meet him
Best advice ever given?
My dad told me one day that “Passion outweighs everything” and I think that’s really important in this industry, if you stay passionate and work hard, good things will come
Do you support any charity?
I try to support the Make-a-Wish Foundation whenever I can!
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
Haha I don’t know! Working hopefully!
Favorite song? Why?
Right now my favourite song is “The Wisp Sings” by Winter Aid. There is just something about the opening that connects to me on a level that I can’t explain hahaha
What do you think of Social Media?
I think social media is tricky. I really try to show an honest representation of my self, I’m really nerdy so I post about comics or Star Wars, I like puns and bad jokes, I try to post some Inspirational stuff every once and a while, and I never photoshop my photos to change my physical appearance. I want my social media to be me!
Where we can follow you?
On my Instagram @ty_cotton
Quote: “Believe you can and you’re halfway there”
Favorite Singer/Artist: “The Head and the Heart” and “Gleneagle”
Movie: Star Wars
Travel Destination: Japan
Sports Team: Toronto Blue Jays or the Calgary Flames
Tv Show: Right now it’s the Mandalorian
Book: A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers
Photo credit: The Portrait Sessions
