(Young Hercules, speaking) perfectly captures the spirit and struggles of an adolescent Hercules trying to find his place in the world.
"Working on 'Hercules' has been my big break," admits Keaton. "I had only been in small independent productions so this was a great experience to work on a big film for three years with such a talented group of filmmakers.
"I see many things about myself in Hercules," says the actor. "I don't have a personal trainer, but I do have a personal animator, which is really cool. Watching the character, I see this weird facial contortion that I also do. Even the smile, the look of confusion and the expressions in the eyes are a lot like mine. I can relate to Hercules in a lot of ways. For example, being confused and not knowing really what you're supposed to be doing or not feeling accepted by people in certain situations. I think everyone has had those feelings at some point in their life."
At the ripe age of 18, Keaton's decision to become an actor was natural given the fact that he has always enjoyed being the center of attention and making people laugh. He is currently working on the independent feature "Illusion Infinity." His other film credits include Disney's "Newsies," "All I Want For Christmas" and the films "Showdown on Rio Road," "Just Write" and "Souler Opposites." For television, he has appeared in "Chicago Hope," "Step By Step," "Baywatch" and "Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman." His stage credits include "Lost in Yonkers" and "The Diary of Anne Frank."
Also a singer, he and his R&B band recently signed with Sony Records, with a single due out this summer. He plays piano, saxophone and clarinet.
Keaton is a native of Los Angeles, where he is currently studying the fine art of cinema as a student at USC.
ROGER BART
(Young Hercules, singing) delivers a fine tuned performance as the youthful and idealistic singing voice of an adolescent and outcast Hercules, who is determined to find his place in the world.
As a huge animation fan, being cast in "Hercules" is a life-long dream fulfilled. Bart is currently in the Broadway production of Alan Menken & Tim Rice's "King David" Before that he had the role of Bud Frump in the national touring company of "How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying" starring Ralph Macchio and directed by Des MacAnuff. Prior to that, he appeared in Fox TV's "The George Carlin Show" as George's son. He has also had the part of Cousin Kevin in "The Who's Tommy (U.S., Germany and London tours). Other credits include the role of Dickon in "The Secret Garden" and Tom Sawyer in "Big River" (Broadway and tour). Off-Broadway he has appeared in Todd Rundgren's musical "Up Against It." He graduated from Mason Gross School of Arts at Rutgers University with a degree in acting, which he has been doing since early childhood.
