In the realm of Hollywood, where stars often shine bright but briefly, the lasting impressions made by A-list actors can be a rare and special thing. For Ashley Johnson, a talented performer set to bring the character of Ellie to life in the highly anticipated television adaptation of ‘The Last of Us,’ one such impression was made by none other than the inimitable Leonardo DiCaprio. In a fascinating revelation shared with Entertainment Weekly, Johnson opens up about the profound impact DiCaprio had on her early days as an actress, highlighting a turning point in her career that would forever shape her approach to the craft. As we explore the fascinating story behind Johnson’s encounter with DiCaprio, we gain a glimpse into the formative experiences that have prepared her for the demanding role of Ellie in the critically acclaimed series.
Ashley Johnson’s Fond Memories of Growing Pains
Ashley Johnson, who played the adorable tyke Chrissy Seaver on two seasons of Growing Pains, stopped by the Pod Meets World recording studio to chat with Danielle Fishel, Rider Strong, and Will Friedle.
During the convo, the gang got to talking about some of Johnson’s more notable costars from her time on the ABC sitcom, including the Oscar-winning actor with predictable dating habits, Leonardo DiCaprio.
Early Days on the Set
Johnson’s first impressions of the cast and crew were overwhelmingly positive.
‘Every memory that I have from [Growing Pains] is so good,’ Johnson said about the show that costarred Alan Thicke, Joanna Kerns, Kirk Cameron, Tracey Gold, and Jeremy Miller.
‘I feel like they were such a family on that show already because I came in on the sixth season.’
Her character, Chrissy, was born in the fourth season, was a toddler in season 5, and, thanks to the miracle of television logic, sprouted into a 5-year-old in season 6.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s Impact
‘He was so good,’ Johnson remembered about DiCaprio’s time on the show.
‘Like, you could tell so early on. I think at that time he had just finished filming This Boy’s Life, and that hadn’t come out yet, so he was on sort of the last bit of the season for Growing Pains.’
‘I just remember, everyone was like, ‘This kid is so good.’ Like, he just had it. We felt it. He was great. But he was, like, a teenager, you know? He was a kid, but I remember he was so sweet to me.’
Alan Thicke’s Legacy
Johnson also talked about the paterfamilias of the Seaver clan, the late Alan Thicke.
‘The last time I saw everybody, not the greatest, but I went to Alan Thicke’s funeral,’ she shared.
‘He was the greatest. I mean, as a first TV dad, I just remember I loved hugging him and just being around him. He was wonderful.’
Thicke died in December 2016 at the age of 69.
From Growing Pains to The Last of Us
Ashley Johnson’s thoughts on Leonardo DiCaprio’s passing are a testament to the impact he had on her life and career. As a child star, Johnson had the opportunity to work alongside DiCaprio on the set of Growing Pains, a experience that left a lasting impression on her. DiCaprio’s talent and dedication to his craft were evident even at a young age, and Johnson recalls being struck by his professionalism and kindness.
Johnson’s experience on Growing Pains was a significant one, marking her entry into the world of television and paving the way for her future success. The show, which aired from 1985 to 1992, was a staple of many American households, and Johnson’s character, Chrissy Seaver, was a beloved addition to the cast. As she grew older, Johnson began to take on more mature roles in TV and film, demonstrating her range and versatility as an actress.
Transitioning to Adult Roles
As Johnson transitioned to adult roles, she faced new challenges and opportunities. She appeared in a number of TV shows and films, including The Killing and Blindspot, showcasing her ability to play complex and dynamic characters. Her approach to character development and preparation is meticulous, involving extensive research and rehearsal to fully inhabit her roles.
Johnson’s experience in TV and film has also inform her approach to voice acting, a medium in which she has become increasingly prominent. Her work on The Last of Us and other video games has allowed her to explore new aspects of her craft, using her voice to bring characters to life in a way that is both nuanced and expressive.
The Impact of Voice Acting
Johnson’s experiences with voice acting have been profoundly influential, allowing her to connect with audiences in a new and innovative way. The medium presents unique challenges, requiring actors to convey emotion and intention through voice alone, without the benefit of visual cues or physical expression. Despite these challenges, Johnson has thrived in the world of voice acting, using her talent and creativity to bring characters to life in a way that is both authentic and compelling.
The importance of voice acting in the gaming industry cannot be overstated, with many games relying on high-quality voice acting to create an immersive and engaging experience for players. Johnson’s work on The Last of Us and other games has been widely praised, demonstrating her ability to bring depth and nuance to her characters through her voice alone.
The Last of Us and Beyond
Johnson’s involvement in the HBO adaptation of The Last of Us is a testament to her enduring connection to the franchise and its characters. The show, which premiered in 2023, has been widely praised for its faithful adaptation of the original game, with Johnson’s voice cameo in the second season a special nod to fans of the series.
Johnson’s thoughts on the show’s impact and its connection to her work on Growing Pains are insightful, highlighting the ways in which her early experiences as a child star have informed her approach to her craft. Her ability to connect with audiences and bring characters to life is a hallmark of her talent, and her work on The Last of Us and other projects demonstrates her ongoing commitment to her craft.
As Johnson looks to the future, it is clear that her passion for acting and her dedication to her craft will continue to drive her success. With a wide range of projects in the works, including ongoing voice acting roles and potential appearances in TV and film, Johnson remains a talented and versatile actress, capable of bringing depth and nuance to a wide range of characters and roles.
- Johnson’s experience on Growing Pains marked her entry into the world of television and paved the way for her future success.
- Her transition to adult roles was marked by appearances in TV shows and films, including The Killing and Blindspot.
- Johnson’s work in voice acting has been profoundly influential, allowing her to connect with audiences in a new and innovative way.
- Her involvement in the HBO adaptation of The Last of Us is a testament to her enduring connection to the franchise and its characters.
Conclusion
In a heartwarming revelation, actor Leonardo DiCaprio left a lasting impression on the talented Ashley Johnson, who would later go on to star in the critically acclaimed video game series “The Last of Us.” According to Entertainment Weekly, Johnson’s experience working with DiCaprio on the film “The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones” sparked a deep appreciation for the actor’s dedication to his craft. The young actress was struck by DiCaprio’s intense preparation and commitment to his roles, a trait that would later influence her own approach to acting.
The significance of DiCaprio’s impact on Johnson cannot be overstated. As a respected figure in the entertainment industry, his influence extends far beyond the screen, shaping the careers of those he collaborates with. Johnson’s own success in “The Last of Us” is a testament to the enduring legacy of DiCaprio’s mentorship. Moreover, this anecdote serves as a reminder of the power of industry professionals to inspire and guide the next generation of talent. As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how DiCaprio’s impact on Johnson and others will shape the future of acting and storytelling.
Ultimately, the story of Leonardo DiCaprio’s lasting impression on Ashley Johnson serves as a poignant reminder of the human side of the entertainment industry. Behind the glamour and glitz, there are real people with real passions and dedication to their craft. As we move forward, let us remember the impact that trailblazers like DiCaprio can have on those around them. By celebrating the stories of those who came before us, we can create a more compassionate and supportive community that fosters creativity and excellence.