On the fourth episode of “The Carrie Diaries,” in the midst of Halloween night, a wild party ensues in Manhattan. A young man clad in a black top hat, a touch of eyeliner, white suspenders, a button-up shirt and pants appears to welcome characters Carrie and her best guy friend, Walt, who just arrived.
His name is Bennett Wilcox, a pseudo intellectual and socialite in New York who writes for Interview magazine. The fourth episode, “Fright Night,” will air at 8 p.m. Monday night with 2012 alum Jake Robinson making his television debut playing Bennett.
From watching the promotional videos, Robinson’s character seems to be living and loving his time in New York, advising Walt to try new experiences. Bennett’s free-spirit and high status captivates Walt from the start.
“This is New York City,” Bennett says to Walt. “Anything can happen here. What are you afraid of? Taking a leap?”
One promotional video ends with Bennett quickly leaning in to kiss Walt, who viewers found out during the pilot episode was secretly gay. However, the video ends with the two just inches away from touching lips, making it uncertain whether the two actually kiss.
Although the importance of Robinson’s role on the show is unclear, his part is described as a recurring character. According to Laurie Smith, Robinson’s personal manager, Robinson has shot two episodes, is in the process of shooting for the third and has at least a fourth recurrence in store.
“The role that he’s playing is kind of getting bigger and bigger,” Smith said. “He’s recurring, and they’re sort of expanding on it every time.”
Smith said Robinson made a “real connection” through NBC to get a spot on “The Carrie Diaries.” Robinson interned for NBC casting at “30 Rock” during the end of his senior year, which Smith said was helpful in networking.
Robinson said taking the time to connect with other main figures in the industry was invaluable.
“Social networking (and) personal networking (are) the single most important way(s) that a young person can advance their career,” Robinson said. “Take, for example, the Justin Beibers of the world. You can become a social and cultural figure with influence in a short period of time via social media. However, my approach was not through Facebook or Twitter, but rather through real human interaction. The people and professionals I have become friends with are people that feel as if they know me and I know them. It’s our job to relate to each other in a real and personal setting.”
Working as a recurring character on NBC’s “Smash” was also important in securing his role as Bennett. Going into the auditions for “The Carrie Diaries,” Robinson was able to take what he learned and experienced from the character on “Smash” into auditions.
