Brock Ciarlelli is passionate about making people laugh. This became instantly apparent as we sat down to chat with him late last Monday in AF. After thanking him for agreeing to the interview, he responded with, “No problem, the only thing I have to do tonight is go to Target to get a new Loofah.”
Brock is, without a doubt, busier than that. He is a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, works in Admissions, gives campus tours and is an Orientation Assistant. But his true claim to fame is one that has given him recognition far beyond the Chapman community. Brock is well known nationally and internationally, as a recurring guest star on the ABC Show “The Middle.”
Growing up, Brock was always involved with community theatre in his hometown of Littleton, Colorado. For more than 10 years, Brock performed in a variety of shows, from Peter Pan, to Aladdin, and even as the infamous Ryan Evans in High School Musical. During his sophomore year of high school, he flew out to Los Angeles to audition during pilot season for “The Middle.” The following fall, Brock landed his first episode as Brad Bottig, ex-boyfriend of daughter Sue on the show. Since then, he has appeared in all six seasons of “The Middle.”
He describes the environment on set as light and fun, and expresses how grateful he is to work with his cast members, “Everyone is very genuine and actually cares about one another and their successes,” says Brock.
Brock beams as he shows us a large manilla envelope full of fan mail. He actually reads every single letter, and even uses Google Translate on letters from international fans.
“I was in Starbucks last week, and I experienced my first crying fan,” says Brock. “It was so humbling. Last night I got fan mail from Brazil- it’s so cool that it’s global, it’s really surreal.”
Apart from the glamour of Hollywood life, Brock finds great joy being on the Chapman campus.
“I love having the opportunity to actually help someone through the difficult process of choosing a college,” says Brock about working in Admissions. “I have even been told my tour was the main reason some students chose to attend Chapman.” We’re guessing it’s because Brock is so funny and relatable- he likes to put the crowds at ease by mentioning he got 1’s on his AP tests, and he keeps everyone laughing with his witty one liners.
After graduation this May, Brock intends to pursue acting full time. If that doesn’t work out, he always has his degree to fall back on – Mathematics. Although with all of his talent, we doubt he’ll need a back up plan at all.
-Interviewed by Eleanor Donohue and Lauren Holzer.
Have an idea for a Campus Celebrity? Email your submissions to laurenholzer@hercampus.com or elliedonohue@hercampus.com.