At a Glance
- Alexander Gould went from voicing Nemo in Finding Nemo to playing Shane Botwin on the boundary-pushing series Weeds
- The actor says the cast and crew protected him from the show’s intense content during his 8 years on set
- Gould started the show at age 10 and finished at 18, calling it a formative experience
- Why it matters: His story highlights how child actors navigate mature content and the lasting impact of early fame
Alexander Gould’s transition from the wholesome world of Finding Nemo to the provocative landscape of Weeds represents one of Hollywood’s most striking career pivots. The actor, now 31, first gained fame as the voice of Disney’s beloved clownfish before taking on the role of Shane Botwin in the dark comedy-drama series that pushed television boundaries.
From Family-Friendly To Boundary-Breaking
“I always joke about that, because it’s funny. I went from being the most family-friendly movie of all time, probably, to the least family-friendly show, at least at that time. It was one of the first that really broke a lot of boundaries,” Gould tells News Of Losangeles.
The marketing shift required a significant adjustment for the young actor. From an external-facing standpoint, it presented challenges that demanded a complete pivot in how he was presented to audiences. However, Gould embraced both opportunities, noting that he was older when taking on the Weeds role and had the chance to grow up alongside his character.
Protection On Set
Despite Weeds’ controversial storylines and mature themes, Gould reveals he was largely shielded from the show’s more intense elements. The series, which aired from 2005 to 2012, featured content that broke new ground for television at the time.
“I was honestly sheltered on Weeds from a lot of the very intense content. So I didn’t always know that that was happening around me. I was very much given my lines and given some context, and sometimes not a lot of context, to what was happening and just told that,” he shares.
This protective approach allowed Gould to focus on his performance without being overwhelmed by the show’s darker elements. The production team and cast members worked together to create a safe environment for the young actor.
Learning From Legends
The Weeds cast became a second family for Gould during his eight years on the series. Working alongside accomplished actors provided invaluable learning opportunities that shaped his craft.
“The cast of Weeds was amazing and so was the crew. Everyone who worked on that show was really awesome. I got to learn a lot from a lot of really impressive actors,” Gould explains.
His co-stars included Mary-Louise Parker, Hunter Parrish, and Kevin Nealon. Gould particularly credits Mary-Louise Parker for her mentorship, while also learning from guest stars like Richard Dreyfuss and Albert Brooks who appeared throughout the series’ run.
Formative Years In Hollywood
The timing of Gould’s Weeds experience coincided with crucial developmental years. He began the series at age 10 and completed it at 18, essentially growing up on set.
“I started the show when I was 10 years old and finished when I was 18, so it was really formative years of my life. So those people, for the time I was on set, became a close circle and loved working with everyone,” he reflects.
These years proved instrumental in shaping both his personal and professional identity. The close-knit environment provided stability during a period when most teenagers navigate the challenges of adolescence.
Stepping Away From The Spotlight
Following Weeds’ conclusion, Gould made the deliberate choice to step back from acting. This decision reflected a desire for personal growth and exploration beyond Hollywood.
“I stopped acting and wanted to just go learn the new things and travel and see the world and have that. I was lucky to have that experience. I think a lot of people want to see new things and do new things after high school, in that time,” he explains.
The actor attended college, pursuing education outside the entertainment industry. This break allowed him to gain perspective and life experience beyond his early fame.
A Brief Return Cut Short
In 2018, Gould attempted to restart his acting career after completing his college education. He began auditioning again and secured two significant projects that promised to mark his return to the industry.
“I went to college and then actually came back to acting for a little bit in 2018 after college, auditioned for a bunch of things, had two big projects lined up, and then COVID happened and they both got canceled. And I decided to take another break,” he shares.
The pandemic’s impact on the entertainment industry derailed his comeback plans, leading to another hiatus from professional acting.
Embracing A New Chapter
Gould has recently reignited his passion for acting and begun auditioning once again. Simultaneously, he’s exploring new ways to connect with audiences and share his experiences.
“I actually just recently started acting and auditioning again, as I’m also posting on social media and trying to talk with fans and expand the content that I’m doing and also talk about my story,” he reveals.
This marks the first time Gould has openly discussed his experiences growing up in Hollywood and working on major productions. His renewed focus includes building connections with fans through social media platforms.
Podcast Plans And Future Goals
The actor is preparing to launch a podcast following the new year, aiming to create content that explores his journey and connects with others who share similar experiences.
“I’m going to be starting a podcast, probably just after the new year. We’ll be dripping it out and would love to see that grow and maybe get to talk to other people with similar experiences to talk about their experiences,” Gould explains.
He recognizes that child acting has become an increasingly relevant topic of conversation. Gould hopes to facilitate meaningful discussions about the unique challenges and opportunities faced by young performers in the entertainment industry.
Key Takeaways
- Alexander Gould successfully navigated the transition from child star to adult, taking breaks to pursue education and personal growth
- The protective environment on Weeds allowed him to develop as an actor without exposure to the show’s mature content
- His upcoming podcast will explore themes of child acting and Hollywood experiences, potentially helping others navigate similar paths
- Gould’s story demonstrates that stepping away from fame can provide valuable perspective for personal development
