Let's Talk - Cobra Kai

Interview - Owen Morgan (Bert)

December 23, 2020 Just Curious Media Episode 36
Let's Talk - Cobra Kai
Interview - Owen Morgan (Bert)
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Show Notes Transcript

Let's Talk - Cobra Kai
Episode 36: Interview - Owen Morgan (Bert)

Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez have Owen Morgan on the show to discuss his role as Bert on Cobra Kai and much more.

Original Episode: S02E25

Recorded: 12-17-20
Studio: Just Curious Media
https://www.JustCuriousMedia.com/

Listen:
https://LetsTalkCobraKai.buzzsprout.com/

Watch:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNfekAT0gN4to-6j2iKhGQw/

Follow:
https://www.facebook.com/LetsTalkCobraKai/
https://www.instagram.com/LetsTalkCobraKai/
https://twitter.com/TalkCobraKai/

Hosts:
https://www.instagram.com/MrJasonConnell/
https://www.instagram.com/SalvadorLosAngeles/

Support:
https://www.patreon.com/LetsTalkCobraKai/

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Jason Connell:

Welcome to Just curious media. This is let's talk Cobra Kai. I'm Jason Connell.

Sal Rodriguez:

And I'm Sal Rodriguez.

Jason Connell:

All right, Sal, this is our second interview our conversation I should say, Man,

Sal Rodriguez:

big time excited about this one.

Jason Connell:

And this is our first Cobra Kai.

Sal Rodriguez:

Yeah, yeah, I thought about that because our previous guest, Griffin Santo, Pietro, and not officially a Miyagi dough. No, but Allah Russo. Allah Russo. Yes, Miyagi dough. No. So we're starting to get into the Dojo is now. And yeah, we got Bert.

Jason Connell:

Yes, we do. We have Owen Morgan, who plays Bert. On Cobra Kai. I had a great conversation with him. verts in 13 episodes, he's a very memorable character. He's got a lot of great lines that Sal I know you and I crack up about,

Sal Rodriguez:

yeah, what the interesting thing is, is before we ever talked about actually interviewing him for our show, we talked about him, we talked about his character. Yes, especially when he has these fight sequences.

Jason Connell:

And I told him about that I mentioned that there was some funny things that we love, like the big and bootylicious and so many more things that I don't want to divulge too much before the interview itself. But a really great time. Such a great kid, super talented, and a lot of fun nuggets that we're going to uncover.

Sal Rodriguez:

Yeah, very excited to have oh, and Morgan on the let's talk, Cobra Kai podcast.

Jason Connell:

And I want to make one thing very clear. There is no divulging anything about season three, I didn't even go there. I know that they're probably bound by secrecy. So there's none of that none of those types of spoilers, but just other things about his life, his acting career, and his character in general.

Sal Rodriguez:

One thing I want to get in the know about is how he got the role of Bert, I think it's an interesting story, if what I've heard is true about how he went from being an extra to being a member of Cobra Kai speaking role.

Jason Connell:

Yes, it's one of those rare situations that someone gets plucked out of the background. And then they become a cast member. It's it's a great story. I can't wait for him to share more about that. And of course, when he's telling me the story, I can only help but think about the documentary I did, titled strictly background, which covers the life of a movie extra, which I shared with him. So perhaps he'll enjoy that film, which is on amazon prime

Sal Rodriguez:

on big time, excited. I think it's a great story. It is the story that every extra wanted to happen to them. You know, every extra on any given set, wants the director to come to you at some point and say, Hey, you want to stay alive? And you're like, oh, yeah, that actually happened. I've only heard all my years of doing extra work back in the day. I only heard of these stories. But here's an actual living story that happened right before our eyes.

Jason Connell:

Yep, absolutely. So during the interview, Sal, I learned of something that's right up your alley, and I cannot wait to get your reaction when you hear it.

Sal Rodriguez:

Oh, my God. Are we going to see a Bert action figure?

Jason Connell:

I cannot divulge anything.

Sal Rodriguez:

I can't wait to hear it. Let's

Jason Connell:

get it started. All right, sit back, relax and enjoy our conversation with Owen Morgan. We are thrilled to have Owen Morgan, who plays Bert on the show today. Thank you for joining us.

Owen Morgan:

Thank you for having me on. Yeah,

Jason Connell:

so there's a lot of excitement right now on with Season Three around the corner. Of course, the trailer dropped into just a few days ago. And then of course, what happened in between Season Two and Three was it went to Netflix. So it became an even bigger hit. And so what's that been like?

Owen Morgan:

It's been pretty crazy. I gotta say, it's very exciting to be on such a big platform and to be able to be seen by so many new people. It's a great feeling to know that so many people get to experience the show now that it's on Netflix.

Jason Connell:

Because before I remember telling people about it. And in I was like, oh, where's that on YouTube? And not a lot of people I knew or friends had YouTube read. I was raving about the show. And then it goes Netflix and they're telling me about it like, Hey, have you seen the show? It's like, yeah, we've got a podcast about the show. And so I'm sure mums the word we're not here for any spoilers. Don't worry, I want to know in real time, but you must be excited with Season Three coming. And obviously you're in season three. There's no secret there. Right.

Owen Morgan:

I'm very excited to see what people think about it.

Jason Connell:

So you've played Bert. Of course, as I've already said, You're in 13 episodes across season one and season two. And I kind of describe you as like a younger, nerdy Karate Kid, no pun intended type with a lot of great comedic scenes. But how would you describe Bert?

Owen Morgan:

I would, I would call him probably the youngest of the group and probably consider the biggest underdog out of everyone. He takes karate. He tries his best at pretty much everything but it doesn't always work out for him. He has a lot of funny moments. Yeah, so basically, he's just the smallest and the weakest of the group.

Jason Connell:

And so what do you think led Bert to join Cobra Kai was it bullying was happening to him because he was kind of a smaller guy at the time or what was it? Do you think that pushed him there?

Owen Morgan:

Yeah, that seems the most likely probably based on how when he started his his stature based on how small he was, right and how small I was. I think it's I think it's safe to say he he at least felt unnoticed. Or if it was noticed it was in a very negative light.

Jason Connell:

Right? Absolutely. So here's a weird question. I just thought up today, but if you could give Bert a last name, what would it be? Hmm.

Owen Morgan:

I never thought about that one.

Jason Connell:

I know I just thought what would what is birth last name?

Owen Morgan:

I'm not sure. I think I found but like, once, but I can never come up with anything that really rolled off the tongue.

Jason Connell:

Yeah. And almost has to be like another be like, you know, like, a bee or something? No, thank you. Bye. We'll check back in later after season three or season four. Yeah, and then roll out a different answer. So Exactly. How old are you? I'm just curious, because I saw you had your learner's permit on your Instagram. So what does it make you 15. I'm 16 are now 16 years old. And so I mean, I remember being a young teen like that you grow so much in a short amount of time. And so when you join Cobra Kai season one, you were a lot smaller in stature. And you're going through this growth spurt right now,

Owen Morgan:

I think I was about 13 or 14 when I started.

Jason Connell:

Wow. So as future seasons come out, not only does Burt's character hopefully evolves, can maybe there'll be more martial arts or who knows it's kind of interesting timing for you to be growing at the same time as the show's growing. Yeah. So what led you to acting in the first place?

Owen Morgan:

Cobra Kai, I had, I had never even considered acting as like a career option. And then we decided that we just wanted to try and do some background stuff on the TV show that we had heard was hiring background people. Yeah. And after doing that for a while, eventually got bumped up to cast and after, you know, getting to fill and read scripts, and doing all that I realized, this is something I really, really enjoy. And I want to do this more.

Jason Connell:

Wow, that's amazing. And what a story coming from background to being cast because I started my film career making a documentary entitled, strictly background. Wow. And it's on Amazon. Now we follow 10 extras, like lifelong extras, the trials and tribulations and see who could stand out they were older. But check that out, you might find some interesting parallels, it really shows behind the scenes. So I can't believe you're the one of the success stories. That's really amazing that you, you made the jump. Yeah. And obviously you have talent, man. Not many people can say, I went on here. And then this is your first acting credit. And now you're on his hit show. Like that is a rare track and congratulations, right. It's really weird. So having spoken to your mother, I noticed she has a wonderful English accent. Yes. And so as an actor now, have you developed one as well? No, not at all?

Owen Morgan:

Well, I had a very light one when I was younger, but I grew out of that pretty quick. So

Jason Connell:

you may have to revisit that and future roles as you as your career broadens. So tell me about the casting process.

Owen Morgan:

Well, I had been on set for a couple of weeks as background. And I noticed from time to time they were they were I was generally being put pretty close to the camera after but eventually, I was just I was approached and asked if I wanted to audition for Kestrel and I. And so I think maybe a week later, I came in, I did that. I think maybe another week later, I found out that I got the part. And your

Jason Connell:

family and yourself just had to be like, Wait, this is happening. This is crazy. Yeah, this is it was so weird. And so at that point in time do you pivot to online school? I mean, I know we're in a weird time in the world with the pandemic, and most things resume anyway. But speaking to your mother, she said that you were homeschooled. So I'm assuming that everything transitioned at that point in time back in 2018, or 2017, whatever they were shooting first season,

Owen Morgan:

right. So I've been doing public school my entire life. And then I think after Season One, when we decided we wanted to keep doing this, it was the end of my middle school and I was about to go into high school. Okay, but we decided that the best course of action would be to do online school, because public schools won't really let you go for that many days, right that are required. So I've spent my whole high school doing it online.

Jason Connell:

You're ahead of the curve there. Yeah. Well, that's amazing. So I got to ask you, did you grow up or at some point in your childhood, a fan of the original Karate Kid movie?

Owen Morgan:

I think I had seen it once. I always knew of it. Obviously. It's an iconic movie from the 80s. So everybody kind of at least knew what it was. They knew the most famous scenes and stuff. But it wasn't anything I had like a strong attachment to

Jason Connell:

and how about the remake that came out later because that was probably more in line with. You've seen it when it first came out. I definitely remember it better. Okay. I also read that you recently are somewhat recent. They saw the sequels quite a good part two and part

Owen Morgan:

three. Yes, that was during the summer, I think. And that was great. Because in the community, everybody was making this big fuss over those notes. Like, I guess those are good. So I gave them a shot. I really enjoyed them.

Jason Connell:

And there's a lot of times are there a lot of times I was behind is like, I gotta see two and three again, because I didn't know this show would start to pull from those. And it does, as you know, now, so you see the little crumbs that they they lay out? Yeah. What is it like going working with a Roth macho, William Zabka, Martin Cove, and obviously so many other talented actors, but especially those three who are icons from the original movies,

Owen Morgan:

right? They are so awesome to work with. They're really they're really nice people. And they're just they're such a pleasure to work with because they're always so open. Especially Billy Zabka, who the first time I met him, I didn't know who he was. So I just I had a good conversation with him for a few minutes. I go back my mom's like, you know who that is? Right? And I was like, no. So by the time I figured out who it was, I was like, oh, okay, because I was already used to

Jason Connell:

that your sensei

Owen Morgan:

right? With with relevant Martin co those two, I already didn't know who they were. So it was a I was a little more nervous going into it. But when you get to know them, they're they're really nice people. Yeah,

Jason Connell:

I mean, rough macho was also a big childhood actor. So he probably has a really good presence and knows how to communicate with you guys, younger actors, in my mind is like this harmonious set. That's amazing, despite the fact that it's about bloodshed and hatred between Miyagi tail and Cobra Kai, but I can see the set just being one big happy family,

Owen Morgan:

right in between scenes. Everyone is just so nice to each other. It's awesome. That's great.

Jason Connell:

And so how about friendships on the set with the Cobra Kai students, or even Miyagi those students? I don't know. I'm sure you've bonded with some of these people that you're around all the time. You're in high school, for goodness sake, right?

Owen Morgan:

Definitely. That's one of the best parts of every, every day when I get to go there. It's getting to hang out with all those different people. And all the adults, they're all so nice. And they're all are so interactive. Yeah, everyone's constantly hanging out with each other cracking jokes, doing different activities, on and off of set. So it's always just so fun to get to hang out with everybody. And although most of the time I do hang out with people on the Cobra Kai, because that's who I spend the most time around, I have gotten to hang around the Miyagi dose a couple of times. That's great.

Jason Connell:

So are you keeping up? Like through zoom? Are you guys somehow interacting? Because it's been a while since you even shot season three, right? It has

Owen Morgan:

it has. Personally, I haven't. But I'm excited for when I get to go and see them again,

Jason Connell:

I'm sure. And what's it like filming in Atlanta,

Owen Morgan:

it is a lot of fun. It's great that I don't have to go very far. It's only like an hour drive. So getting to getting to go on set is just amazing. I get to go downtown, every every time. So that's that's always awesome. And also we get to sometimes we'll go with other cast members, and we'll do different stuff in the city just hanging out going out to dinner doing activities. It's awesome.

Jason Connell:

That's great. So a couple of funny sayings that definitely stand out to me with Bert and I'm just gonna go through a few and we can talk about them when Hawk kicked Bert in the head when training outside pretty funny. See. I mean, obviously didn't really kick you. But Bert is sometimes at the expense of some of these physical jokes.

Owen Morgan:

Right? It was it was really fun to film that one. They had a stunt double ready for, for doing that. But in the end, I was the one that actually ended up doing that. It wasn't it wasn't super hard. I just tend to time to fall, right. Yeah, but it was it was really fun to do. It was really fun to watch it pay off on the screen.

Jason Connell:

It played great. Yeah, you've dropped just in time. It's like such a funny throw away like the he just kicked bird in the head knocked him down. It was great. And then of course, I'd be remiss if we didn't get into this scene, which is just hysterical. And you probably know this pretty well. But when Bert buys a carton of milk, which I would say, code for the big and bootylicious. And that's not enough, you come out and you oversee your own Sensei, a little drunk, inebriated, urinating on his elusive auto license plate. And did you get to share this with everyone at all valley? Just that whole sequence is like man Burt's coming of age here. I love that sequence.

Owen Morgan:

That was such a fun scene to film. First of all, it was it was basically my big debut. Yeah, it was the first time I ever had blinds for some I've really got to act. And I was I was terrified the entire time because I never felt so much pressure before. But yeah, getting to getting to do and watch your pay off. I know all these different people that constantly bring it up to me, because it's it's just it's such a cool and funny scene.

Jason Connell:

That's cool to know. That was your first scene with lines. Great job and you nailed it, obviously because it led you're so wonderful. Yeah, we were cracking up sound I my co host that same just made us cry so well well done oh and crying a good way cry in a good way right right so later at the All Valley and that same episode I love when Bert goes up against this acrobatic fighter let anybody would have had issues with even Miguel and that leads to getting kicked in the stomach it was like it was another one of those funny sequences like bird has no chance against this guy who's obviously been training since birth right and here you are and you're giving it your best and

Owen Morgan:

it's guys in a completely different weight class to totally unfair matchup

Jason Connell:

I get what was that like to reenact all Valley? There you are they all valley right and all be all in the trilogy. But what was that like for you?

Owen Morgan:

It was it was really cool. Obviously, I wasn't the one that went flying. That was an actual stunt double. But I got I got to the before standing there and the after crumpled up on the ground. And it was it was really weird to do the scene because I could see all the other Cobras and everybody in the background, chanting Bert and stuff like that. And it was just it was so cool. To just to hear that. And I was like this is this is really cool. I think that was when I really decided I want to do this more. What

Jason Connell:

a great episode. This was a pivotal point for you.

Owen Morgan:

Oh and right. Yeah, Episode 10.

Jason Connell:

So you also it's kind of funny to see you fight with glasses on. I do train in martial arts. And in my younger days, I fought in tournaments. I wouldn't see a guy with glasses. He probably put goggles or contacts and just for the sheer sake of safety, but they just stick bird out there. Yeah, you're good, buddy. Just go for it.

Owen Morgan:

Right and there's like, just just go out there.

Jason Connell:

What was it like to don the infamous Cobra Kai black cut off sleeve, the famous ski it was cold.

Owen Morgan:

I was not used to it. It was it was definitely something to get used to. I thought it looked really cool on me. I remember looking in the mirror trying it on thinking wow, this is cool.

Jason Connell:

You've made it you're a Cobra Kai. Not many can say that.

Owen Morgan:

I was like, Yeah, I've made it.

Jason Connell:

So let's cut to season two finale. And this this episode. Of course, it raised the bar raised episode. It's incredible. It's incredible. And it's been a cliffhanger forever for everybody.

Owen Morgan:

Yeah, what two years now?

Jason Connell:

Yeah. So the classic showdown Bert verse Nathaniel, what an amazing fight. And it What a good idea to give size up to people relatively the same size at the time. I'm not sure now. But describe that to me that fight that sequence being choreographed executing it. It's just really well done.

Owen Morgan:

Just getting to do that was so much fun. We both beforehand, maybe a couple of days before we filmed, we got taken to the side. And you know, we practiced all the choreography with some stunt coordinators. I was I was really nervous because this was my first like, wasn't my first real fight scene. I think I think it might have been, or at least my first big one. Yeah. out of out of all of them. And so I felt like I had a lot of pressure. I was like, I gotta do this, right? I know karate, but I gotta do this. Right. So once again, getting to see that finally done was just oh, it was so good. I was so relieved.

Jason Connell:

Yeah, you guys both did a great job. And you could tell you guys actually are friends and get along and there's some right care for one another but great acting, and it was a good sequence of that whole episode. I thought it was really, really good. So you said you know karate. Do you have a background in karate martial arts?

Owen Morgan:

I do. I've been taking karate for seven years. Wow. Doing it since I was young. I'm a black belt now. I got my black belt last year.

Jason Connell:

Congrats, man. Congratulations. Thank you. So did that come into play during the casting process? You think?

Owen Morgan:

I not sure. I don't know. I don't think it was super public knowledge that I was experienced in karate. Yeah, I don't think that and I don't think that was a big player either. Because I didn't really have to do any karate in season one. Right? It was mostly you know, just cracking jokes and stuff and getting beaten up.

Jason Connell:

Well Oh, and I'll say it didn't hurt in a black but also shows some discipline, which is huge, obviously. And I'm curious at how many people if they don't already study or practice martial arts if they're on the show that then begin to do so just because of this the sheer subject matter. And you know, you've been submerged in it. Do they train you guys on set? I know that you already practice but is there any of that going on? As you become more more in fight scenes?

Owen Morgan:

I know that the main cast members get trained I personally haven't been like trained. Obviously we go we go through the stunts and we we trained in the choreography whenever we have a fight scene to film right but I have never been like personally trained

Jason Connell:

yet. Yeah, just wait. It's coming. days coming. So I gotta tell you this next part. This next question will excite my co host Sal because he's also a huge toy collector. So, I've gotta say I saw on your Instagram that there's this Bert Funko Pop figure. What is that?

Owen Morgan:

Yes. So we my mom is friends with someone who makes various fan made Funko Pops about different things. And her son I think is also background on the show. Okay. You can see him in seasons one and two. I think his name is Connor you place Kev on it. And yeah, so she made various Cobra Kai related Funko Pops and sent me one. I actually have it right over there. How

Jason Connell:

I love it. Man, what's really cool to have your own figure at this stage in your career. Right? Even if it's made for someone, you know, a, it's cool that you have one. It's really cool. I love it. And so, what do you want to see? Now? Again, no spoilers not asking wouldn't do that. But how do you want to see Burt's character evolve around to win more.

Owen Morgan:

I think that'd be a step in the right direction. You know, seeing him seeing who dominates and fights would be nice. Well, as you

Jason Connell:

grow and your own martial arts background could get recognized, there could be some more scenes that Owen is able to show off Burt's moves. So I can see that happening. Yeah, especially if the show gets bigger, you gotta keep raising the stakes.

Owen Morgan:

Gotta keep bumping it up.

Jason Connell:

You have to, we want to see Bert continue to shine and get more and more screentime as much as possible. Always enjoy you on there. And now I just want to quickly shift to your Instagram, okay, because I got a kick out of it. I know you from the show, but I want to get a little context. So you want to say your handle for everybody.

Owen Morgan:

My Instagram is ow three n m zero RGA n but I love

Jason Connell:

your description that says robots will someday take over the world and what they do if I'm not acting, I'll be continuing to play video games and live on macaroni and cheese now. Yeah. Did you know that Daniel Russo raves about mac and cheese and the Karate Kid Part Three feel like I remember that. Yeah, he goes on and on about it because he's like, I can live on this stuff. So I don't know if you Oh, right. Yes, you and Daniel have that in common, which is kind of very meta, if you will. And I see that you have been playing the Cobra Kai video game. I've not seen it yet. How is that

Owen Morgan:

is fun. I'm not good at it. I haven't made it very far. In all the times I've tried to play it but it's really fun. It's really cool to see is Bert on the game. From my understanding. Yes, I heard that. I heard somewhere that he is in the game. I'm not I'm not sure where haven't gotten that close yet. But I have heard that he's in there. Well, it gets

Jason Connell:

you on the game. Well, I want to check it out. I really do. I'm not a gamer like I used to be but the game looks neat. And I definitely want to check it out. So I mentioned this earlier, but you passed your you have a driver's license or learner's permit. So which one is it? Exactly?

Owen Morgan:

I have my driver's license now.

Jason Connell:

So are you now driving around?

Owen Morgan:

I am I have my own car and everything man

Jason Connell:

excited I remember those days. Good job and especially in this pandemic with all the lockdown sometimes it's gotta go for a ride sometimes back to the same we talked about a minute ago, but there's the got milk add on your Instagram, which is great.

Owen Morgan:

Right? That was some fan art. I got it was by I think it's rice art. He's he's made some really good art. I follow him. He's He's really good. You can tell he's really passionate about the Cobra Kai fan base. And I've loved I'd love to spend hours with me.

Jason Connell:

That's really cool. It's a cool piece. I highly recommend anyone to check that out on Owens Instagram. So I want to obviously give you best wishes. We want to see your career blossom. Burt on Cobra Kai to continue getting more and more screen time. And love to check in with you down the road as you take on new adventures and new projects. No, thank

Owen Morgan:

you very much.

Jason Connell:

Good luck to you. And I'm rooting for Bert and season three.

Owen Morgan:

Thank you. It was great to be here.

Jason Connell:

Wow, what a great time it was talking with Owen. I can just see his character Burt getting bigger and bigger on Cobra Kai and just just a wonderful chance to catch up with him.

Sal Rodriguez:

Yeah, very exciting to hear and very excited to hear about the Funko Pop. I want to get one myself.

Jason Connell:

Yeah, I knew you'd be excited by that news. Oh, yeah. Yeah. Well, if you want to see it up close the Bert one that is check out his Instagram.

Sal Rodriguez:

I definitely want to see it. But unfortunately, I mean, I'd like to get one I'd like to own one. Can I can I get one for myself? Or was this just a one only single single unit?

Jason Connell:

The I think at this point in time it's a one off but you never know man. I mean, you know that Cobra Kai merch is probably come in at some point very soon.

Sal Rodriguez:

Oh, yeah. I can't wait. I'm very excited to have oh and Morgan on the podcast. Thanks. So and thanks for being a part of the family.

Jason Connell:

Yes, thank you. Oh, and we will be checking in with him in the near future to see what I want and Burt are up to so thank you so much for listening and we great Really appreciate it if you could subscribe rate and review us wherever you get your podcast.

Sal Rodriguez:

You can also follow us on social media at let's talk Cobra Kai and please message us if you have any comments or questions

Jason Connell:

if you'd like to become a patreon supporter of the show, just search for let's talk Cobra Kai. And if you're just curious about our other shows, please visit just curious media.com

Sal Rodriguez:

No Mercy

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