16- year-old star Leo Howard’s life is much like his show — kickin’. The Guinness Book of World Records certified that his directorial debut qualifies him as the youngest TV director ever. That episode of Kickin’ It, “Fight At the Museum” premieres tonight on Disney XD 8pmET/7pmCT. While talking about the episode, I asked Howard about himself and his interests and he revealed himself to be one of the most focused, energetic and overtly talented people with whom I’ve ever spoken. He must have limitless energy or his days must have 28 hours in them. Or both.
I’m a musician so I love to read Guitar World. I really like Iron Man Magazine, it’s a bodybuilding and fitness magazine. I was in the magazine, and I like what they stand for. I love motorcycles, so I’ll also read any kind of motorcycle magazine.
2) If your TV only carried just three networks or shows, what would they be?
Obviously Kickin’ It. One of my all-time favorite shows is Sons of Anarchy; I love that show to death. I also like any music videos from past decades and sometimes MTV or VH1 will run blocks of music from the ’60s ’70s and I like that.
3) What are three things you have to have in your fridge or pantry?
I love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches — so stuff to make that, chicken and rice — my family eats pretty clean so that’s a staple, and protein powder.
4) What’s a movie you can watch over and over again?
I love The Departed with Jack Nicolson, Matt Damon and Leonardo DiCaprio. And Scarface, who doesn’t love Scarface?
5) What has been your funniest or strangest fan encounter?
It’s funny and cute at the same time. Sometimes fans come up and they’re crying. They can’t talk because they’re crying. It’s sweet and funny and I enjoy it because it means they like me and they like the show.
6) Tell us about a time when you were star struck.
I’m a guitarist and I’m self-taught and I learned how to play off of YouTube Videos. There is a guy whose videos I always watched named Marty Schwartz and a friend of a friend knew him and had him call me. And I was star struck because it was not expected —I learned from him and he lived right down the street from me. But I got to meet him and we jam now. I respect him so much.
7) What’s your favorite sports team?
I’m not too much of a sports guy, but I do love the San Francisco 49ers.