Wesley O'Mary in the press!

Hattiesburg American - January 29th, 2006.
Up and coming
By Molly Berry

Fans of "Big Momma's House 2" may have caught a glimpse of two familiar faces. No, not Martin Lawrence or Nia Long, but the Pine Belt's own Branum Stephan and Wesley O'Mary.

Branum, a Sacred Heart School sixth-grader, and Wesley, a homeschooled fourth-grader, were extras in the sequel to "Big Momma's House," which opened Friday in theaters.
The boys braved hours in a high school gymnasium in New Orleans with more than 300 other kids last June to film the "Big Momma's House 2" scenes, but both said it was a great experience.
Branum, 11, said they had to react to Martin Lawrence and his stunt double dressed in a chicken suit.
"I just hung out and laughed at the chicken," said Branum, who performed in the Hattiesburg Civic Light Opera's productions of "The Music Man," "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and "George M."  Branum also has been involved in Just Over the Rainbow Theatre and Treehouse Players productions. He said acting is fun but he isn't set on becoming an actor.
"I've met some friends, but I'm not as serious as they are about acting," he said. "If I become one it would be OK."

On the other hand, Wesley, 10, is more serious about acting.
"I want to be an actor and director one day," said Wesley, the son of Mike and Lisa O'Mary of Hattiesburg. He started acting when he was 5 with the Treehouse Players. He had a principal role in "Glory Road" and more than 10 theater productions under his belt.
His "Glory Road," scene was cut but his name was listed in the movie's credits and he is now eligible to join the Screen Actors Guild, said Lisa O'Mary.

"I'm not sure when he will actually join because once he does, he can only do union work and will not be allowed to do community plays, which he really enjoys," she said.

Since "Big Momma's House 2," Branum, the son of Mike and Vickie Stephan of Hattiesburg, has been an extra in "Failure to Launch," which opens Feb. 10, and "Stay Alive" which opens March 26.

Wesley was called back the next day for an additional scene in "Big Mamma's House" with 12 other kids.
Wesley said he plans to go to New York in February to find a summer training program. O'Mary said she goes online for information on actors and upcoming movies.

"I've noticed a lot of actors started really young," she said, adding she wished Wesley had waited until he was older to act. "He's got a great imagination and is very passionate about acting."

Vickie Stephan said she signed her son with a New Orleans talent agency last summer and they called him to be an extra in "Big Momma's House 2."
"He didn't have to audition for the 'Big Momma's House 2,' role, but I did send in headshots for 'Stay Alive'," said Stephan, adding that Branum and a blonde girl were chosen for a family scene in "Stay Alive."

"They were supposed to be brother and sister and it was amazing how much they looked alike," she said.  During shooting for "Big Momma's House," Stephan said parents were not allowed in the gymnasium with the children while they waited.
"They wouldn't let us anywhere near," Stephan said. "I wanted a Diet Coke and the only place to get one was in the gymnasium. I tried to sneak over there, but I got caught."

The boys were paid for $55 each their work as extras.

In his spare time, Branum plays recreational and varsity soccer and football. He also is involved in Sacred Heart's musical production, "School of Opera."

Wesley takes dance, gymnastics, voice and piano lessons. He also likes to play soccer and basketball.
Originally published January 29, 2006 -See The Hattiesburg American Article Here-


 

Big Momma's House 2 (2006)