Mindy Kaling directed ‘Never Have I Ever’ hit Netflix on 12th August and since then it has taken the streaming platform by storm. The lead cast includes regulars such as Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Darren Barnet and Jaren Lewinson. However, this popular show marks the acting debut of Resse Witherspoon’s son Deacon Phillippe. Mindy Kaling is known to be a good friend of Witherspoon. Kaling recently talked about his casting process in an interview with Variety.
Deacon Phillippe’s role in the series
The show Never Have I Ever follows the life of an Indian American teenager Devi Vishwakumar (Maitreyi Ramakrishna). It shows the romantic relationship and her journey after her father’s sudden death. In the new season, Phillippe plays the role of Parker. Parker is the friend and member of the debate team of Devi’s love interest Des(Anirudh Pisharody). In the show, we can see that Parker is having a hard time because of his parents divorce. In a short screen time Phillippe indeed did a commendable performance.
Why did Mindy kaling casted Phillippe?
In an interview with Variety Mindy Kaling, the maker of the series, talked about the casting process of Deacon Phillippe. Mindy’s good friend Reese Witherspoon, the mother of the young actor. She previously told Kaling about Deacon’s interest in acting. Kaling said in the interview that ,”We were breaking the season and there was this role that seemed like it would be perfect for Deacon.” Moreover she described Deacon as a ‘humble kid’ and ‘well raised’. She continued to praise him as she added “He’s obviously so talented and he’s great-looking, and we just thought he would be great and he was excited to come and do it. He’s just such a well-raised kid. He’s so talented, he’s so funny and fit in perfectly with the cast. The cast and the crew loved him and it was special to have him.”
There is no doubt about Deacon’s talent and we are looking forward to seeing more from him.
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