Malachi Barton is steadily carving out his niche as one of Disney’s rising stars, evident in his latest role in the highly anticipated “Camp Rock 3.” The young actor, known for his work in “Zombies 4,” recently spoke to PEOPLE about his experiences navigating fame since childhood and the unique pressures that come with stepping into iconic franchises.
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The 19-year-old talent’s journey into acting began early, influenced by his parents’ careers in the entertainment industry. His mother, Felicia Barton, is a former contestant on “American Idol,” while his father, Loren Barton, has made a name for himself as a guitarist and tour manager. Growing up in such a creative environment, Barton quickly realised his own aspirations. He fondly remembers a pivotal conversation with his father, who prompted him to choose between being a creator or a consumer, a notion that greatly shaped his ambitions.
Barton’s career took off at the tender age of four when a studio owner discovered him dancing atop a rental car to a Justin Bieber song. This chance encounter led to his first manager connecting with him when he was just five years old. Reflecting on this serendipitous moment, Barton expressed gratitude, stating, “It was such an amazing right place, right time.”
His breakout role came in the Disney Channel series “Stuck in the Middle,” a sitcom that not only gave him the opportunity to shine but also launched the careers of talents like Jenna Ortega and Ariana Greenblatt. He praised the camaraderie on set, stating, “It was really cool because we got to learn off of each other. It was like a test trial in a way for all of us.” Barton also expressed his admiration for Ortega, describing her as “one of the kindest people” he has met, and mentioned her treatment of everyone on set, emphasising the importance of kindness in their competitive industry.
Barton’s experience with the “Zombies” franchise further solidified his place in Disney’s universe. He and co-stars Meg Donnelly and Milo Manheim, who played pivotal roles in the series, shared a supportive atmosphere. He acknowledged their contributions, saying they “passed the torch on so well” as he took on new challenges within the franchise.
The young actor’s latest venture, “Camp Rock 3,” introduces another layer to his career as he takes on the character of Fletch, a misunderstood camper who forges a unique bond with aspiring singer-songwriter Sage, portrayed by Liamani Segura. Stepping into a role alongside the likes of the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato certainly brought its own set of challenges, but Barton credits the welcoming environment created by the original cast for easing his transition into this beloved franchise.
“The first day I spent with them on set we were playing, we were chucking around a football,” he recounted. “It was just very chill. It was almost like they welcomed me in as another brother in a way.” He expressed gratitude for their support, noting that their presence has provided him with guidance and encouragement.
Currently balancing multiple commitments, including filming for “Coven Academy,” set to premiere later this year, and gearing up for the Worlds Collide Tour, Barton admits that the whirlwind of the last few years has been overwhelming at times. “It’s definitely been crazier than ever,” he remarked candidly. He acknowledged the challenges of growing up under the public gaze, noting that many fans might not fully grasp the pressures of living life so visibly.
Despite the influx of opinions that social media brings, Barton finds solace in his faith and the loved ones surrounding him. He expressed, “My relationship with God is my number one.” This perspective helps him maintain focus, reminding himself that only one opinion truly matters in the grand scheme.
As Barton continues to navigate the complexities of fame, he emphasises the importance of personal peace amidst the external chaos. “There’s a crazy pressure that gets put onto that… It can get crazy. But I’ve just been adjusting, and I’m still adjusting, and I don’t think I’m gonna stop adjusting,” he explains.
With “Camp Rock 3” now streaming on Disney+, Malachi Barton is not only thriving in his roles but also learning valuable lessons along the way—ensuring that while fame may come with its challenges, it also offers opportunities for meaningful interactions with fans.