Jesse McCartney: Golden Boy

New York born, blonde-haired surfer boy Jesse McCartney, who'll be 18 on April 9th, has been performing all his life. He sang on Broadway as a child then paid dues on the soap "All My Children". Going back to his musical roots saw the cutie joining the boy band Dream Street at only age 12! A Radio Disney fave, the group scored a platinum CD. Jesse took a detour from the group to create music for films like Hilary Duff's Cinderella Story ("The Best Day of My Life") and Ella Enchanted for which he sang a new version of Elton John's "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" with star Anne Hathaway.

Last year, the hot young actor splashed back into the acting pool carrying a surfboard for the WB's "Summerland" series. Keeping his music very alive, he also finished his first solo album "Beautiful Soul" (title track and lead single). The record combined pop-rock with some dance beats and soulfilled tunes. We caught up with Jesse hanging with his fellow "Summerland" cast members in L.A. Tune in....

TeenTelevision: Did you come from a musical family or were your folks theater and music buffs?

Jesse: They were definitely theater rats back in the '70's and '80's. That's where they met, in the theater, through music and being on stage together. When I came along, they were a huge infuence on me. I watched all their video tapes and all the classic shows; "Oliver", "The King and I", I watched all of them. Eventually, I picked up on it.

TeenTelevision: What do they do now?

Jesse: My dad owns his own insurance company and my mom is now the manager of my career so she's out here (in L.A.) with me.

TeenTelevision: It must have been cool growing up around the theater. What do you remember of that?

Jesse: I just remember the smell of the theater and walking in there; the lights and the wardrobe and really falling in love with it and watching people clap at the end of each performance or laugh or cry. It was cool, fun and entertaining.

TeenTelevision: Your fans are getting pretty rabid out there. How do you feel about this fame?

Jesse: It's unbelievable. When I first started this whole career, I never thought that it would actually get this far. The fact that people are happy to talk to me or even get an autograph is very fulfilling.

TeenTelevision: You didn't expect the reaction to you in this show?

Jesse: No. I moved out here (L.A.) two years ago for my first pilot season and I didn't even know what a pilot season was. Everything has come a long way. I'm very happy about it.

TeenTelevision: From some clips we've seen, looks like your character is going to get more feisty and rebellious this season. True?

Jesse: We're going to surprise you. There's a lot of drama on "Summerland", especially with my storyline. He gets way into the whole surfing thing, the pro surfing tournament and everything that goes with that. Of course the relationships, the scandalous side of him will be intyeresting to see. I think this season is awesome. I really think peole are going to enjoy it.

TeenTelevision: What issue that touched your character has also helped you personally?

Jesse: Being that he doesn't have any parents, I found, through the character, that I can see what it's like for real kids out there who don't have any parents and what they go through. Unfortunately, for my character, it's been drugs, alcohol and promiscuous sex – good times. No. I've come to the conclusion that it's probably one of the hardest things ever. I couldn't imagine myself having to grow up without parents.

TeenTelevision: At one point, you and Roger Daltry of "The Who" shared a role in "The Christmas Carol". What was the youngest age that you ever starred in a musical?

Jesse: I was seven and then 12 for "Christmas Carol".

TeenTelevision: So you always sang. Was a singing career always important to you?

Jesse: When I started (the pop career) I was very new to the whole thing. With recording and training and going through trial and error, you see different paths that you can take. Eventually I said "This is what I'm going to do". I'm very excited about the whole singing career but I'm just as excited to see where I'm going to go next. It's a roller coaster for me and I'm having a great time.

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Lynn Barker is a Hollywood-based entertainment journalist and porduced screenwriter.