LINDSEY BOERMA
Staff Writer
PAUL CLARK/Photo Editor
Admit it. Even if you were never a religious watcher of Disney channel’s original hit series, “Lizzie McGuire,” you have probably heard about the show and can recognize a few of the prominent characters. If this is the case, freshman Clayton Snyder should look strikingly familiar.
Snyder, the actor known for his role on the Disney Channel series, played the dim-witted but oh-so-suave heartthrob Ethan Craft. So to those of you who have come to the Los Angeles area with aspirations of seeing your first star, look no further. The star has stepped off the set of “Lizzie McGuire” and onto Pepperdine’s campus.
Despite the fact that passersby recognize him for his television and movie appearances, Snyder has set aside his acting career to focus on being an accomplished student, athlete on the men’s water polo team and all-around regular guy. While not entirely sure in which direction he’d like his life to lead, Snyder said he hopes to use his years at Pepperdine to figure it out.
With everything you’ve been involved in, have you been able to choose a major?
Well I’ve been thinking about that, but right now I’m undecided.
Why did you decide to take a break from acting?
Basically, in high school it came down to three things: school, water polo and acting. But if I was to continue to live a healthy lifestyle, I had to cut something out. I realized that acting just was not as important to me.
So do you think that you’ll ever get back into acting?
It’s a question I’ve pondered quite a bit. My family really wants me to get back into it, but it’s been a bummer experience. I’d go to the places that I used to love to go to with my friends, and all of a sudden people would ask me for my autograph. It really bothered me. I mean, it’s great financially, but I definitely feel more accomplished being a good student and athlete than an actor.
Ah, so the “Hollywood life” is no myth?
No, it’s no myth. And I didn’t even have that big of a part. I can’t fathom what big stars like Tom Cruise go through. They must love acting enough, but I just can’t put up with that.
You were in the “Lizzie McGuire” television series, and then eventually did “The Lizzie McGuire Movie.” Which did you like better, the television experience or the movie experience?
Well the movie experience was way better, going to Rome and everything. And since I was hardly in the movie at all, I got to tour and visit places. But it wouldn’t have been as good if I had not been on the show beforehand and made all of those friends.
Did you always want to go to Pepperdine?
No. I was raised a Bruin. I lived my life assuming I would go to UCLA. Then I started getting water polo information from Pepperdine, and I looked into it, still thinking I was going to UCLA. But eventually I ended up here, and through experience, I learned that this is definitely the right choice for me.
How far would you like to go in water polo?
Another question I’ve pondered. It would be amazing to say, “Wow. I’m in the Olympics.” But I feel like I still haven’t found what I love to do. I’ll just see how it plays out.
You have an interest in music, right? Do you have a band?
Yeah, I’m in this awesome band called “Slight Miscalculation.” We just kind of get together and jam and do funny things, or I just play by myself.
So other than acting, water polo, and music, do you feel like there is anything else that really defines you?
Defines me? Not really. Or at least not anything that you could put on paper. I’d say I’m a good friend. I guess you just have to get to know me.
8-28-2006
