An Inspiring Performance
Logan Marmino’s first foray into acting leaves a lasting impression.
Logan Marmino may be just 12 years old, but he seems wise beyond his years. He’s spirited and eager to embrace life, seizing opportunities no matter how daunting they appear at first glance.
In fact, when the lifelong resident of Medford, New Jersey, happened upon a worldwide casting call search on Instagram for a 12-year-old amputee to play the leading role of Josh Dubin in the new series Best Foot Forward, he did not hesitate. That is, once he confirmed that his parents were onboard with him pursuing the acting gig.
The inspiring new series is based on Paralympic athlete, author, and motivational speaker Josh Sundquist’s first book, Just Don’t Fall: A Hilariously True Story of Childhood, Cancer, Amputation, Romantic Yearning, Truth, and Olympic Greatness, and is considered a game-changer for disability acceptance. Sundquist serves as a writer and executive producer on the new Apple TV+ series, and he also has a role in the show as the teen’s prosthetist.
Marmino’s mother, Jennifer, spent a few months in Los Angeles with her son as he filmed the show. While she is fiercely proud of her son’s new acting career, she admits that she and her husband, Paul, were surprised by the recent turn of events in their family’s life. With 8-year-old twins at home, Marmino’s parents had to juggle family life on opposite coasts, but ultimately found a way to allow their son to chase this Hollywood dream.
We had the chance to speak with Marmino about the show, being a role model for others, and getting bit by the acting bug.
Q&A
You auditioned for this leading role even though you had no prior acting experience. Where does your confidence come from?
You have to try everything. And look where we are now. I guess just being on set and being with everybody. It was a very comfortable environment and everybody on the set just made it a lot better. So, I just wanted to try it.
You auditioned for this leading role even though you had no prior acting experience. Where does your confidence come from?
You have to try everything. And look where we are now. I guess just being on set and being with everybody. It was a very comfortable environment and everybody on the set just made it a lot better. So, I just wanted to try it.
What do you appreciate and relate to when it came to your character Josh?
I definitely appreciated the whole kid with the leg thing, and everybody kind of bullying him with kindness; that was a big one. When it comes to the writing, it’s everything that pretty much anybody with a disability can relate to. I appreciate that this show is one of a kind, and that people with disabilities can really see themselves on screen because nothing like that has ever happened before on TV.
I definitely appreciated the whole kid with the leg thing, and everybody kind of bullying him with kindness; that was a big one. When it comes to the writing, it’s everything that pretty much anybody with a disability can relate to. I appreciate that this show is one of a kind, and that people with disabilities can really see themselves on screen because nothing like that has ever happened before on TV.
What do you see as a life lesson from Best Foot Forward?
The biggest lesson in the show that I can think of is that we’re all people and we all have our differences at the end of the day, and if we can all just embrace our differences and all just respect each other. We are all normal but in our own ways.
The biggest lesson in the show that I can think of is that we’re all people and we all have our differences at the end of the day, and if we can all just embrace our differences and all just respect each other. We are all normal but in our own ways.
What would you say to someone watching the show who’s worried about being bullied?
I would say just be yourself. That’s the best thing you can do. It doesn’t matter what other people think. If you’re going out there every day and being yourself, that’s a win. So, I would say, “You do you.”
I would say just be yourself. That’s the best thing you can do. It doesn’t matter what other people think. If you’re going out there every day and being yourself, that’s a win. So, I would say, “You do you.”
Do you see Josh Sundquist as a positive role model?
Josh is great. We’re good friends. I love spending time with him on and off the set. He is just an amazing person, and he’s extremely funny. Everything that he’s doing with social media and now the show and just spreading awareness for amputees, I think what he’s doing is great.
Josh is great. We’re good friends. I love spending time with him on and off the set. He is just an amazing person, and he’s extremely funny. Everything that he’s doing with social media and now the show and just spreading awareness for amputees, I think what he’s doing is great.
You were born and raised in Medford, so what do you like about the town? How would we spend our time if we hung out?
My favorite thing to do in Medford is riding my bike and going to Medford Lakes to walk in the woods, go fishing for largemouth bass, or spend time with my friends. I love the small-town feel and the fact that it’s so peaceful. There’s not much going on, but that’s the beauty of it.
My favorite thing to do in Medford is riding my bike and going to Medford Lakes to walk in the woods, go fishing for largemouth bass, or spend time with my friends. I love the small-town feel and the fact that it’s so peaceful. There’s not much going on, but that’s the beauty of it.
What are some of your favorite ways to spend time with family?
Since the age of 9, I have been on a travel baseball team, the Jersey State Bombers, and my family enjoys coming to the games. We always do weekend breakfasts around our baseball schedules. I also enjoy making homemade doughnuts with my dad, and I make a great omelet.
Since the age of 9, I have been on a travel baseball team, the Jersey State Bombers, and my family enjoys coming to the games. We always do weekend breakfasts around our baseball schedules. I also enjoy making homemade doughnuts with my dad, and I make a great omelet.
How do you feel about people who put limits on you or anybody else?
Well, I guess you’ve just got to prove them wrong. They can say what you can and can’t do, but they don’t know that about you. Somebody will have a picture in their head of me not being able to do what they do, and the best way to tell them that I can do what they can do or do it better is just to prove them wrong. My hashtag always has been #NoLimits.
Well, I guess you’ve just got to prove them wrong. They can say what you can and can’t do, but they don’t know that about you. Somebody will have a picture in their head of me not being able to do what they do, and the best way to tell them that I can do what they can do or do it better is just to prove them wrong. My hashtag always has been #NoLimits.
Are you going to pursue more acting roles?
Maybe. I loved Best Foot Forward, so my fingers are crossed for Season 2.
Maybe. I loved Best Foot Forward, so my fingers are crossed for Season 2.
Published (and copyrighted) in Suburban Life, September 2022.
