interview | mace coronel

denim shirt + jeans. Alexander McQueen
opposite
denim jacket. Carter Young
sweater. Towncraft
trouser. Bode By Emily Adams Bode Aujla

Brimming with an insatiable need to create, Mace Coronel is just getting started. He’s no stranger to the camera, having begun his acting career at the age of 7. Starring in mainstream media, to eclectic indie films with everything else in between, he already has a laundry list of acting credits to his name and he’s only 18.

Taking on the role of Jay (Kelso) in Netflix’s That 90’s Show, we get to see Mace in a whole new light. This series focuses on the children of the characters that we know and love from the original That 70’s Show, ushering in a new era of trials and tribulations. Of growing up and not quite knowing what to make of the world around you. For fans of the original series, this is going to be an unexpected delight, and for those unfamiliar, the need to go back and watch That 70’s Show may be on the cards. 

It’s clear that Mace has a bright future ahead. Whether it’s making music, pursuing a new acting gig, taking photos or all three. He is one to keep your eye on. Schön! chats with the rising young actor to discuss That 90’s Show, the joy of shooting indie films, and more!

sweater. Towncraft
trousers. Bode By Emily Adams Bode Aujla
opposite
sweater. Towncraft
trousers. Bode By Emily Adams Bode Aujla

Without spoiling too much what can you tell us about Jay?

Jay is a high school kid who has many big dreams and aspirations but seems more entangled with ingratiating himself with the world and his small-town friend group.

What’s a piece of advice you would give Jay?

Focus more on martial arts and less on his screenplays. Start training Jiu Jitsu not only karate.

What is one quality you share with Jay and one you don’t?

We both have a love for combat sports, but I have trained in BJJ and MMA since I was a kid, not karate.

What was the dynamic like between you and your co-stars? Did you know any of them before making the show?

No, I did not know them prior to the show. Throughout the time we worked together, it was dope.

jacket. Jkeefer
tank t-shirt. Calvin Klein
jeans. Lucky Brand

If you could swap characters with one of your co-stars, who would it be and why?

I would swap characters with Tommy Chong, But I couldn’t because he is a legend on and off screen.

What are you as a viewer most looking forward to when the show hits the air?

I don’t watch myself, but I hope people have as much fun watching it as we did making it.

For some, like myself, it’s hard to believe the ’90s is a little over three decades ago. On a scale of 1-10, how much nostalgia are all of us late ‘80s/’90s babies going to be hit by?

I mean, it’s called that 90’s show so I hope the nostalgia will be felt. I can’t gauge anything on a scale of 1-10 because I was born in 2004, but I know the creators of the show worked really hard to make it reminiscent of that era.

What research did you have to do to prepare for the role?

I had never watched that 70’s show prior to playing Jay, so it was mostly watching episodes, and getting a feel for the tone, characters, and story to naturally exist within the world of the character.

leather jacket + trouser. Willy Chavarria
shirt. Union Bay

To switch gears: across your filmography, do you have a favourite scene that you’ve filmed? If so, which one and why?

I made a short film called Gibson, and one of my favourite shots was at a random gas station at night. The frame felt so bizarre and unique. Just spontaneously capturing shots on the spur of the moment, like street photography, and exploring random places was such a dope experience.

Your Instagram shows a discerning eye when it comes to photography. Do you have a favourite shot? What’s the story behind it?

I don’t have a favourite shot, each roll of film I shoot means a lot to me and just making art out of moments that exist is extremely fulfilling.

When you’re not on set, how do you spend your days?

These days I just focused on music and living my truth.

sweater. Towncraft
trousers. Bode By Emily Adams Bode Aujla
opposite
jacket. Jkeefer
tank t-shirt. Calvin Klein
jeans. Lucky Brand

What is a piece of advice you would give someone looking to break into the industry?

Don’t do it for vanity. Follow the truth, If you want to be behind or in front of the camera, just focus on being better at your craft. For actors in particular, I have been acting for a decade now and still haven’t fully “broken” into the industry. Acting requires lots of time-dedicated hard work, trial and error, and self-belief. Do it because you love it, otherwise, I think it’d be a waste of time.

What’s next for you? Is there a particular project that you’re looking forward to?

For myself? Just focusing on music, creating, and the introspective. For acting, hopefully, some bizarre indie film or Daniel Scheinert movie.

leather jacket. Officine Générale
shirt. Union Bay
trousers. Willy Chavarria

That 90’s Show is streaming now on Netflix.

photography. Johnson Lui @ 2dm Management
fashion. John Tan
talent. Mace Coronel
grooming. Asia Geiger @ Art Dept LA
words. Dana Reboe


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