‘Little Boy’ Star Jakob Salvati On Acting & Autism

The upcoming 1940s faith-based drama, Little Boy, is sure to bring on the waterworks as it rolls into theaters this weekend.

When BackstageOL’s Dave Morales asked Jakob Salvati, who stars as Pepper Flynt Busbee in the film, how he got into acting, he stated, “I’ve been acting since I was four, and my brother is autistic. He has two very strong parts of the brain.”

His brother’s savant skills, in regards to photographic memory and perfect pitch, allows him to excel in the performing arts. “They use the photographic memory to memorize the lines, and the perfect pitch was for some singing or acting jobs that may be involved,” Salvati explained. “[Since] I was four, I just kept tagging along and getting those roles.”

In the film, Pepper is given the nickname Little Boy because of his diminutive stature, and as a result, he is the target for the town bullies. Michael Rapaport, who plays Pepper’s father, described to Morales the importance of family and how it is valuable to portray bullying throughout the film because it helps raise awareness.

“It was important and a privilege to be a part of something that had such strong messages, tones, and themes,” Rapaport praised. “I think it’s a type of movie that will last the test of time. It’s a timeless film.”

Below is the official synopsis for the PG-13 war drama, which highlights themes of faith, hope and love in the face of adversity:

LITTLE BOY is the magical story of a 7-year old boy who is willing to do whatever it takes to end World War II so he can bring his father home. The story reveals the indescribable love a father has for his little boy and the love a son has for his father.

Alongside Salvati and Rapaport, Little Boy stars Kevin James, Emily Watson and David Henrie. It was directed by Alejandro Monteverde, and written by Monteverde and Pepe Portillo.

Little Boy hits theaters Friday, April 24^th. Check out the full interview below!