Getting to know
Mr. Corbin Bleu

Kids Stuff
By William Feldman

Welcome to Kids Stuff. Today’s column, Part 3, includes more info on The Disney Channel Games 2007 talent, which was held April 24 to 27. I also have information on the annual Running For Cover 5K Run/1-Mile Walk to fight melanoma, and a weekend family fun idea.
Again, if you missed reading the first two parts of my column, don’t worry, the games will be televised throughout the summer starting with the opening ceremonies on Friday, June 15, on your Disney cable station. This is an important event that has kids and tweens’ favorite Disney Channel actors and actresses competing to benefit four great children charities: Make-A-Wish, Starlight Starbright, UNICEF and various Boys & Girls Clubs.
Next in my line of interviews is Corbin Bleu. Corbin co-starred as Chad Danforth in the original High School Musical and currently is in its sequel High School Musical II. He also stars on the television series Flight 29 Down. Corbin was selected as one of Teen’s People’s 25 Under 25 and Teen Vogue’s Young Hollywood stars. His career began with print ads at age 2 and commercials by age 3. Corbin commented that the greatest influence on him as a younger child was his parents.
"Both of my parents are in the industry. I followed in their footsteps," he said. "My dad is an actor, as well. They’ve pretty much taught me everything that I know."
The number of hours working on a set is limited for people under age 18. But, Corbin says, "Now that I am eighteen, it can be anything. It depends on what project you are doing and who you are working with. Some directors like a lot more takes, so they kind of go for a little longer. Some directors like to just move along. So, it can vary where I have had days where I have gone in for an hour and do one thing and leave. I’ve also had days where I have worked for fourteen hours."
Corbin loves helping and being involved with children’s charities.
"I am part of a couple of different charities such as Starlight Starbright, Make-A-Wish, Famous Phone Friends, Ronald McDonald House, and a lot of other things that you go to the hospital and visit children or donate money or work at different events that kids come to," he said.
Stranded on an island with only one phone call to make, seemed like a good question for Corbin, who starred on Flight 29 Down.
"I probably would rely on my family," he said, adding with a smile, "not one of my little sisters, because they would not know what I was talking about. They would just say ‘Corbie is on an island somewhere.’ I would rely on my oldest sister or one of my parents."
Corbin has some helpful advice for any youngster interested in pursuing a career in the arts:
"The biggest thing to remember is to pursue what you truly want to do. If you are doing it for the fame or fortune, it is not really a good idea to go for it," he said. "If you really want to go for it and you really want to succeed, just do it because you have a huge passion for it, because there is a lot of rejection in the industry. You don’t always make your first couple of auditions. As long as you love doing what you are doing, it shouldn’t matter."
The personal side of Corbin: Corbin just turned 18. He still lives at home and does chores, and he has three sisters, ages 3, 5, and 14.
I read that he is a very grounded individual and grew up just as a regular kid would.
"I remain very grounded, because I have a wonderful family that keeps me grounded, and the most important part is to stay grounded. We try to keep ourselves as normal as possible," he said.
Is it time for education?
"I graduated from high school. I have gotten accepted into four different colleges, but I had to defer them for now," he explained. "I’m working right now. I definitely think that college is an experience and something I want to enjoy. If there is work, I am not going to give it up, however, if I do go to college I think I would like to major in psychology."
Corbin also revealed that he loves massages.
"They are relaxing and it is just important to rejuvenate yourself," he said. "Being an actor, you are constantly working and traveling. You never really have moments for yourself. Every time you are out in public there are always autographs and pictures. So, being able to go and have your own time is important. It is important for your work, to have a good head and clear mind."
Corbin confided in me about his favorite role:
"When I was eight years old I got to play on a show called Born Free. I played an autistic child who could talk to animals. I got to work with a blind kangaroo, a real-life lion, a chimpanzee and a baboon. I got to be up close to them and touch them. I got to hold a baby cub. It was an amazing experience."
Where does he see himself in five years?
"Just doing many different things," he said. "I’m one of those people that likes to do a whole bunch of different stuff. So, I want to do another album, go on tour some more, do some features, maybe do a TV show, direct, produce, go on Broadway, do whatever I can do."
Next week, the last of my celebrity interviews will include brief interviews with The Cheetah girls, Jonas Brothers and Ashley Tisdale.

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The Running For Cover 5K Run/1-Mile Walk to fight melanoma will take place Sunday, June 24, at 9 a.m., at the Wachovia Complex. This benefit hopes to raise awareness of melanoma and generate funds to support the continuous fight against skin cancer.
I read the proceeds will benefit the Noreen O’Neill Foundation for Melanoma Research (FMR) and the Wistar Institute.
Here is some background info I was given on FMR.
It was founded in 1999 by Noreen O’Neill after she was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. FMR is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and funding melanoma research.
The Wistar Institute has earned the National Cancer Institute’s prestigious Cancer Center designation since 1972.
Their scientists are focused especially on cancer genetics, tumor development, and cancer vaccines, working to understand melanoma and other cancers, including those of the lung, brain, colon and breast.
Their mission — to conquer cancer and other diseases through biomedical research.
Running For Cover last year raised more than $40,000 from the local community and corporate partners. Last year this event had more than 500 people who registered for the run.
Log onto FoundationForMelanomaResearch.org or call 215-898-3930 and sign up to participate in the important event.

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Last week, I had a chance to interview Jesse McCartney. He mentioned he will be at Morey’s Piers on June 3 for the second annual Radio Disney Music Festival at the Wildwood Convention Center. His opening act is Bad Boy Records’ B5. Jesse also mentioned a percentage of the proceeds benefit Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Atlantic & Cape May Counties.
I researched that concert tickets include one-day admission to Morey’s Piers Amusements and Beachfront Waterparks.
For more information, see www.moreyspiers.com
Columnist William Feldman can be contacted by e-mail at wmkidscolumn@aol.com