Q: How did you end up in the role of Ranon? How exactly did the casting process work?
Mark Vande Brake
Mark Vande Brake was only six years old when he appeared in Willow as Willow's son Ranon, but the experience certainly left its mark. Recently, Mark was gracious enough to grant The Big Big Willow/Shadow Moon Homepage an interview. Here's what he had to say.
Q: How did you end up in the role of Ranon? How exactly did the casting process work?
A: Well, I belong to an organization called LPA - Little People of America and George (Lucas) sent out a casting notice to all people of short stature between the ages of 5-8 or something like that. So, I went to the Twin Cities near my home of Granite Falls, MN and auditioned! I did not really think I was going part since I was told a few hundred kids had also auditioned! Well, in a few weeks I was called back to be put on tape and in another few weeks I was told I got the part! :-) The same day the Twins won the world series in 1987!
Q: Do you have any favorite memories from the experience? Any particularly memorable moments you could share?
A: The most memorable moment is when I was doing the "in the hut" scene and they made me run into my parents bedroom. In one of the takes I tripped and fell on a bed post! The bed post went through my eye! OUCH! Well, you think I would have stopped and quite for the day right? Wrong, I patched it up and was able to finish the days shooting! What a little trooper, huh?! LOL!
Q: What was it like working with film veterans Ron Howard, George Lucas, Warwick Davis, and Billy Barty? Have you kept in touch with any of them?
A: Well, being only 6, I did not think much of it at the time. I knew this movie stuff was big but I thought they were just actors like me no big deal! Today, however, I realize just how famous and important these people really are. I do not talk to Ron Howard ever but I have kept in contact with Warwick Davis because he runs a casting agency called Willow Tree and we converse often. I have talked to Billy sometimes at the LPA conventions but lately he has gotten Alzheimer's or something and he really does not know who I am anymore! :-( I have only kept in contact with George through Warwick who has tried to get me a Star Wars part! hint, hint!!!
Q: Have you done any acting since Willow?
A: I have been offered parts in Pet Sematary as Cage's stunt double but my mom said it was to violent!!!!!!! Can you believe that? Anyway, I also got a part in a movie called The Kingdom of Heart. I was to be the main character, Happy! It was also starring Drew Barrymore and Hulk Hogan but it was never made because it was to be shot in Czechoslovakia and they had a freakin war there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHH!!!! Life stinks! Well, other than bad luck rolls, no I have not been in any other movies!
Q: What are you up to currently?
A: Well, right now I go to school and do odd parts in local plays, but nothing big!
Q: Anything else you'd like to add?
A: Yes, I am glad that there are so many people out there that still enjoy the movie! My only movie! :-( Can anyone get me a job!!! LOL!
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