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Among many other prominent film and television roles, Ramone Hamilton is the voice of George Beard in the DreamWorks animated TV series “Captain Underpants.” A staple in the lexicon of modern-day children’s books, Ramone has himself become an icon by carrying the torch for his generation through this key acting role. But his artistic skills do not stop with acting. He’s also a singer known for, among other performances, delivering an impressive a-cappella rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Ben” on the historic sitcom “Will & Grace.”
Born into a long line of entertainers, Ramone began his career in the footsteps of uncle and jazz icon Chico Hamilton, as well as grandfather and actor Bernie Hamilton who played Captain Dobey from the popular 1970s series “Starsky & Hutch.”
At age 5, Ramone recorded an anti-bullying CD with jazz icon Patti Austin and, by 7, had performed at the Walt Disney Concert Hall with the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles. He went on to perform in Las Vegas with Michael Jackson Tribute artist Scorpio, at various iconic venues across Los Angeles like The Troubadour and Whiskey A-Go-Go, and appeared on air for “Good Morning Atlanta.”
Ramone has since appeared in such films as Disney’s Academy Award-winning animated feature “Soul,” Universal Pictures’ “The Grinch,” and most recently, “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” among many others.
Vents had the privilege to speak with the hardworking young man to talk about his career, his passionate views on the declining morals of today’s society, and his heartwarming Christmas song that’s sure to take the season by storm.
First, we have to ask, when did you first get the artistic itch? How did you find your place in performing, especially at such a young age?
As a kid I grew up watching Disney and Nickelodeon. My absolute favorite show was the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and this is where I started to emulate some of the characters. This is what I’ve always loved to do. Entertaining has always been my passion, so I’ve just always loved it.
Since its early days at Scholastic book fairs, Captain Underpants has been a classic children’s story. How did you get involved in those projects? Did you have interest in the series prior to your involvement?
Of course! I was just like many other kids. My teachers suggested I read Captain Underpants to develop my reading skills. So I read a few of the books before I got the lead role. In terms of my involvement, I auditioned just like every other actor, but I wound up booking the role.
What can you tell us about playing George Beard that may surprise us?
When we first started recording the series, DreamWorks didn’t know whether kids or adults would be play the role. But after several episodes, they decided to go with kids. When you think about it, who better to play a kid than a kid?
You have an impressive range in your talents. Is there any kind of performance you tend to gravitate more toward? Acting? Singing? Voice over?
Acting. I love it. There’s something so special about waking up in the morning and going to set to work on a TV show or movie. I do love all the other kinds of performances I do too, but acting is different.
Is there a film that you have particularly fond memories of working on? Or any funny anecdotes?
Yes. I worked on a Netflix movie called “All Day and a Night” starring Jefferey Wright and Ashton Sander. In one particular scene I had to run 50 yards across a field, take after take after take. Plus, it was a 90-degree summer day in Oakland, California! There was supposed to be someone monitoring my activity as a child actor. My parents were on set and were not happy that I was not getting breaks and water between shots. But that’s what acting is about sometimes.
We understand that spreading a positive message is important to you. Can you tell us a little more about that?
It’s important to me that kids know that what you see on Instagram and social media is just that—and a lot of it is not real. In order to acquire possessions and be successful, whether it’s in school or just living, you have to set goals and work hard every day to achieve them. Dream big, because you can achieve your goals. Young people need to understand that it takes hard work to have the finer things in life, not the free and easy lifestyle you see on social media.
Can you tell us more about “Don’t Forget to Send a Christmas Card”? Have you always had an interest in Christmas music?
“Don’t Forget to Send a Christmas Card” was written by my grandfather Bernie Hamilton, an actor for over 50 years and best known for playing Captain Dobey on ABC’s “Starsky & Hutch.” I haven’t always had an interest in Christmas music, it just happened to be an opportunity to do something fun in the spirit of Christmas during the pandemic. The song includes people like Stevie Wonder’s bass player, Nathaniel Watts. And the video, which I directed, had a number of cameos by actors, including Isaac Ryan Brown (“Raven’s Home”), Jalyn Hall (“All American”), and Cameron J. Wright (“Family Reunion”). You can check out the video on my YouTube channel.
Do you have any specific Christmas music influences? Go-to Christmas songs?
“The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole is my absolute favorite, along with Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas.”
What is your favorite Christmas time activity?
Opening presents and gifts from old Saint Nick. In my house Santa baby does an exceptional job of putting gifts under the tree. But I have to say, I really look forward to getting gifts from the studios!
Is there a Christmas memory you especially cherish?
Honestly, I’m really looking forward to this upcoming Christmas. It’s a great time of year to be with family, enjoy the food, and have the much-needed time away from school.
What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects you’d like to mention?
On Netflix I’m part of a new animated series called “Karma’s World,” created by Ludacris. I play the role of Crash, who is the lead character, Karma’s arch nemesis. “Karma’s World” emphasizes positive images and storylines for Black and Latina girls. I’m also a filmmaker, and would love for you to check out my latest short film on my YouTube channel Ram One Productions, written, produced, and directed by yours truly, entitled, “The Dream.” Remember to like, subscribe, and share!
Where can we find you online?
Thank you for your time. Readers can follow me on Instagram @ramonehamiltonofficial. You can subscribe to my YouTube channel Ram One Productions and stream my Christmas song “Don’t Forget To Send A Christmas Card” on all platforms.
