'Lizzie McGuire' to Spielberg’s 'AI': Jake Thomas Reflects on Being a Child Actor in Hollywood

Welcome to The Sit and Chat! Once a week we sit down with a guest to talk about their career and life endeavors. In this episode of Sit and Chat, hosts Jake Short and Bradley Steven Perry are joined by special guest Jake Thomas, best known for his role as Matt McGuire on "Lizzie McGuire." The conversation begins with a hilarious and bizarre story involving a squash at a Sprouts Market before diving into Jake’s journey from Knoxville, Tennessee, to becoming a young Hollywood star. Jake shares his early experiences in the entertainment industry, including landing a role in Steven Spielberg’s "AI: Artificial Intelligence" at just nine years old. He reflects on his time on "Lizzie McGuire" and "Cory in the House," offering a rare glimpse behind the scenes of two beloved Disney Channel shows. He also discusses his transition from acting to directing, focusing on creating kids' content for brands like Nickelodeon and Paramount. Jake Short and Bradley Steven Perry add their own stories to the mix, sharing embarrassing moments from their Disney Channel days on shows like "Good Luck Charlie" and "Mighty Med." They reflect on the pressures of performing in front of live audiences, the awkwardness of auditions, and the challenges of growing up in the spotlight. The trio's conversation blends humor, honesty, and nostalgia, creating an engaging look at the unique experiences of child actors. With plenty of laughs and a few shoutouts to sponsors like HelloFresh, this episode offers a mix of lighthearted fun and heartfelt reflection. Whether you're a fan of Disney Channel alumni or curious about the behind-the-scenes world of Hollywood, this episode is a must-listen. Follow The Sit and Chat socials: Instagram: @thesitandchat tik tok: @sitandchatpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557273508310 Chapters: #LizzieMcGuire #JakeThomas #AI #SitAndChat #JakeShort #BradleyStevenPerry #DisneyChannel #GoodLuckCharlie #MightyMed #CoryInTheHouse #StevenSpielberg #ChildActors #Nickelodeon #BehindTheScenes #HollywoodStories #ActingJourney #PodcastLife #HelloFresh #Nostalgia #DisneyAlumni