The Many Talents of SCOTT GRIMES

The Many Talents of SCOTT GRIMES

Karen Levitt

You might think Scott Grimes is a new artist, but he's actually been around for quite a while, listing among his credits appearances in films like "Critters" and "Critters II" and television shows like "Who's The Boss?" "Charles In Charge," "The Twilight Zone," "Hotel," and several variety specials.

Now Scott has released a debut album on A&M Records called Scott Grimes. Produced by Richard Carpenter (of the Carpenters), the record launches a new phase in the 18-yearold actor's career.

But let's start at the beginning. Scott was born on July 9, 1971 in Lowell, Massachusetts. He began performing as a young child and landed his first onstage singing role in "Oliver" when he was nine years old. He eventually went to New York with his parents and found an agent, which led to commercials and a lead role in the Broadway musical "Nine." Next came numerous television roles and a role in a movie that led to his family's relocation to Los Angeles.

Despite all this, Scott insists he never intended to be an actor. "I didn't think I was really good at first," he says. "I laughed and cracked up and stuff like that." His singing career started when he landed a starring role in the series "Together We Stand" (later called "Nothing is Easy") with Dee Wallace Stone, who was like a second mom to Scott. Stone wrote songs in addition to acting, Scott explains, and "wanted A&M to hear some of her work. So I sang one of her songs on the demo tape. We both went to A&M, and the music was eventually brought to Herb Alpert (co-founder of A&M Records), who was interested in signing me."

Alpert introduced Scott to Richard Carpenter and the pair hit it off immediately. After Scott signed a contract with the record company, Carpenter became the producer of his first album. "He's really terrific and very musical," says Scott. "He's helped me a lot. I learned a lot about producing. He's really incredible in the studio."

Scott says that his album "is not Richard Carpenter's style, but there is some tint of him in there." His personal influences include U2, Sting and Richard Marx. "I would love to sing a song with U2," Scott says. "I also think Sting is an incredible musician."

Though Scott likes to write songs as well as’sing them, he says it's not always easy. "I can't actually sit down and say to myself, 'Let's write a song.' If I see something on the street that makes good lyrics, I just write a song, just about what is going on that day. I like to write meaningful stuff, but not mushy—I don't like that."

While Scott plans to promote his album before returning to acting, he will start shooting "Quick Stick," an action film about lacrosse, in North Carolina at the end of August. He also plans to co-star in a serious drama about two boys who have cancer called "Our Town." He enjoys all kinds of acting, from drama to action to comedy. "Comedy is harder than drama because you have to make people laugh," says Scott. "In a drama, you don't have to make people cry."

Scott is interested in directing and cinematography and is studying both at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. He will direct his next video and would eventually like to produce his own albums.

Scott has some advice for young people trying to break into show business. "If you're going through a hard time, don't quit—you're not giving yourself a chance. There are lots of ups and downs."

Even though he has such a busy schedule, Scott is looking forward to making another album. "I'm ready to go back in the studio," he laughs. One thing is for sure, though—we haven't heard the last of Scott Grimes!