Joshua Bassett Owns Only One Pair Of Shoes
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20-year-old Joshua Bassett is living his teenage dream.
Words by Dio Anthony
Stepping into his role as the gentle and emotional Ricky Bowen on Disney +’s High School Musical: The Musical: The Series—and carving his own personal space in the record industry.
Born in sunny Ocean Side, California just three days before Christmas Day, the teen idol seemed destined for greatness. While on a break from filming a film in New York City, Bassett catches up with American Studies a few weeks into his arrival in New York, his very first time on his own in the city that never sleeps.
AMERICAN STUDIES: I’ve read about you growing up in a house full of sisters. What do you remember most about those days?
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JOSHUA BASSETT: Ahh how do I pick! I mean at any given moment you can bet all 6 of us were singing six completely different show tunes. We did most things together, bein’ homeschooled and all! We always had a Disney-buddy at Disneyland so we were never lost! So many more but that should give you the idea!
AS: To add to that experience, you were also homeschooled...Was there ever a time when you were being homeschooled that you started wanting something different?
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BASSETT: [Laughs] Uhm.. the whole time? I always wanted to have a “normal” life and go to some sort of public school, but it was never something my parents could be convinced of while I was at home. However, I don’t think I would be nearly the same person I am today if I hadn’t been homeschooled.
AMERICAN STUDIES: We’re meeting you at a very busy time in your life... Most 20 year olds don’t have as much on their plate as you currently do. How do you manage to stay equally and consistently present with your energy with all the things you have to tend to?
BASSETT: Ah! The big question! Still something I’m figuring out. There’s so much pressure, mixed with emotional events, and everybody needing something from you. Managing so much can be really challenging but I’m fortunate to have a wonderful team that is constantly making sure I’m healthy and thriving; and if I’m not, we figure out how to help me be.
AMERICAN STUDIES: I read that you love to read outside of work. What’re you currently reading What’s your favorite book?
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BASSETT: Currently reading “How to Do the Work” by Dr Nicole LePera; it combines spirituality, nutrition, health, emotional healing, and more into a powerhouse of a book! My all-time fav is either “The Art of the Idea,” or “The Untethered Soul.”
AS:One detail that stood out to me about your life is how you worked at Legoland. What was that experience truly like?
BASSETT: I learned so much! Every day was a new challenge and completely different. Considering 90% of it was improv, I was constantly on my feet (literally and figuratively!) I got by making up songs for families based on whatever they told me about them. It was a fun little exercise for songwriting!
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AS: We’re so impressed with the art of songwriting. What’s that process like for you personally?
BASSETT: There is none! I write songs on walks, in bed, in the car, while filming, you name it. Wherever creativity strikes! Obviously I have to sit down eventually and reel in the ideas, but how and when I get them is a mystery to me!
AS: When we met, you were freshly moved to NYC from LA. Have you been exploring? Is it all it’s cracked up to be?
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BASSETT: I haven’t had a ton of time to explore, but I will say it has exceeded my expectations! I always knew this was the place for me, but now I’m living proof.
AS: First memory that pops into your head when thinking of this season of the HSMTMTS ?
BASSETT: I think about the cast and all the wonderful memories we share on and off screen. It’s truly a special group.
AS: What’s the last thing you googled?
BASSETT: The author of “How to Do the Work”’s name so I could include it in this interview…(it’s Dr Nicole LePera in case you forgot!)
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AS: Do you google yourself? Have you ever?
BASSETT: Once I had to because I needed my ID and my wallet had recently been stolen… I stay away from it in general though!
AS:What’s your favorite scary movie?
BASSETT: ‘Get Out’ - easily.
AS:Last song you listened to?
BASSETT: Don’t know the song name, but I know it was jazz!
AS: What’s your favorite instrument?
BASSETT: I think the Piano. I will always love the piano.
AS: What movie or tv show are you falling asleep to at night?
BASSETT: I used to fall asleep to stand-up comedy when I was younger, but now, it’s shamefully TikTok.
AS: Favorite decade in American history and why?
BASSETT: 2020-2030. We’re finally undoing the wrong that’s been done for far too many years. This is the decade of growth and re-building the very foundation. I have no doubt that the country and world as we know it will be unrecognizable (for the better) by 2030.
AS: What posters did you have growing up in your childhood bedroom?
BASSETT: I don’t remember any posters, but I know I had Spider-Man sheets!
AS: What’s the most used app on your phone?
BASSETT: ..TikTok…
AS: What’s your favorite piece of clothing you own?
BASSETT: My high top Converse (AKA literally the only shoes I own!). No need for any other pair of shoes. As soon as this pair is done, I’ll order the same ones again!
Photographer Isaac Anthony Styling Kirsten McGovern Grooming Melissa DeZarate Production Dio Anthony