Born in London, Ontario, 15-year-old Jonny Gray now lives on a farm in Ilderton, Ontario with his parents, three siblings, five dogs, eight cats, and 17 horses.
A newcomer in the entertainment industry, Jonny got his big break in 2012 when he entered a video contest to become a reporter at the annual King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament in Thailand and won an all-expense paid trip to report live from the charity event.
Since that time, Jonny’s credits include the recurring role of ‘Zach’ in the TVO children’s series Annedroids and the role of young ‘Dan” in Paranormal Witness 3 “The Curse of Lonergan Farm.”
Like his Max & Shred character, Jonny is an avid snowboarder, and plays a variety of other sports as well, including polo, hockey, football, skateboarding, volleyball, soccer, skiing, lacrosse, and baseball. In his spare time, he also enjoys hanging out with his two older brothers, playing the drums, and getting together with his co-star Jake Goodman to jam.
A serious animal lover, Jonny frequently lends his support to the Humane Society and has also participated in Polo for the Cure, Canadian Cancer Society, and ALS Association of Canada campaigns.
How did you get your start in acting?
A few years ago I entered and won a contest to be a reporter at a charity event in Thailand! I enjoyed it so much it was my inspiration to start acting.
How were you selected for this show?
I went to a series of auditions over several months. Eventually I started to do tests with other actors and then got the call that I was chosen for the role!
Can you tell the readers a little bit about the show?
Max and Shred is a buddy comedy about a superstar snowboarder who shares a room with an awkward genius. The series chronicles the shenanigans of the two boys as they work through their friendship.
Did you have any prior knowledge of snowboarding?
Although it wasn’t a requirement of the part in the TV show, I have been snowboarding since I was a little kid.
Is there anything you can share about the upcoming episodes?
Well Max might briefly have a love interest, he finally gets to compete in the World Cup, and he might even get a new look!
What was your favorite episode of the season?
I loved the episode where Max’s dog comes for a visit.
What can we expect for the next season?
Well I don’t get the stories far in advance but we have just started filming season two and its sure to be filled with lots more adventure and misadventure, but I can guarantee there will lots of laughs!
Where we can follow you?
Twitter – @jonnygrayy
Instagram – jonnygrayactor
Facebook – jonnygrayofficial
Hobbies – Hockey, polo, football, guitar, drums
Sport team – Boston Bruins
Favourite music – Rap
What music can we find on your iPod?
J Cole, Biggie Smalls, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar
Where do see yourself in five years?
In five years I hope I am still lucky enough to be a working actor, but I really want to go to University and study science.
How do balance your personal life with your acting life?
It can really difficult to find time for my personal life during filming because I have to move away from home, but my family comes with me as much as possible and I go home on weekends and see my friends and my brothers and sister.
If you could choose, what three actors would you really want to work with?
I’d love to work with James Franco, Will Ferrell, and Robert De Niro. They are all different but are all so funny.
What is the best and worst part of being an actor?
The best part of being an actor is being in the company of so many interesting and talented people. The worst part is having to be apart from friends and family.
What are your future goals?
I am going to keep acting for as long as people want to see my work, but one day I hope to graduate from University with a degree in science.
Best Advice ever given?
Keep it real!
Who inspires you?
I look up to my brothers, but I’m also inspired by my parents who are dedicated and give 100% to everything they do.
