South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
‘Twilight’ actor feels at home traveling
As “Twilight” celebrates the 10th anniversary of its theatrical release, Jackson Rathbone — who portrayed vampire Jasper Hale — is busy. He is one of the stars of the film “Heart, Baby!” and has a new single out, “Young and Tragic.” Born in Asia, the actor-musician says he traveled so much as a child that he feels “only at home when I’m traveling. I find myself residing mostly on airplanes, usually between Los Angeles and Austin. However, I’ve been known to fly all over the world for work, from Mexico to South Africa, Colombia to France, and even as far as the exotic plains of Canada!”
An edited version of our conversation follows.
Q: Where did you film “Heart, Baby!”?
A: We filmed in my mother’s hometown of New Orleans during Mardi Gras. I had my wife and our 3-year-old son join me and watch the parades. Mardi Gras can be a wonderful family experience. Debauchery isn’t necessary. Avoid the downtown parts of the parade. Go to the residential areas where the parades begin. Bring a folding chair, cooler full of beer and a jacket. And talk to anyone and everyone around you. Mardi Gras brings out the convivial nature of New Orleans.
Q: “Twilight” was filmed primarily in Portland, Ore., and Washington. I love the Pacific Northwest and its weather, but some people hate it. How did you feel about the area?
A: Personally, I’m not a fan of living in an area that rains half the year. That being said, there is nothing more beautiful to me than the mossy underbellies of the fauna of the Pacific Northwest. I have been back to Portland for work many times. I’ve played the venue Doug Fir Lounge as a musician and loved the food and sound system there. My sister, Kelly Garrett Rathbone Rebo, is an internationally renowned sculptor, and she resides in Portland with her husband. I visit as often as I can to get my fill of family, mossy trees and the vibrant art scene.
Q: Have you ever picked a film project because of where it was being shot?
A: Yes. If you have a film shooting in New Orleans, I’m bound to say yes. It is one of my favorite cities in the world.
Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?
A: San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. My family had a reunion there one year and we have been going back ever since. It’s not just all beaches and tropical alcoholic beverages. Check out the art walk in the historic main square.
Q: What untapped destination should people know about?
A: Traverse City, Mich. I went to school at Interlochen Arts Academy, which is one town over from Traverse. The summer and spring in that area, near the northern top of the Michigan mitten, is gorgeous. From cherry picking to sand dunes, don’t forget to stop at the Hofbrau and try one of their famous fried pickles.
Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A: Countless religious and political ideologies run amok, but we all share the same planet. Just remember the golden rule: Treat others as you would like to be treated.
For more from the reporter, visit www.jaehakim.com.