Chillin’ with Jimmy Bellinger

Jimmy is a familiar face on television, commercials (Skittles, anyone?) and in indie films.

He recently made his studio film debut in the Universal Pictures prom night comedy, Blockers. The modern-day film follows a group of teens who have made a “sex pact” to lose their virginity on the night of their senior prom. Bellinger plays the role of “Chad,” who is attending prom with his best friend, “Sam,” played by Gideon Adlon. Chad is a musical theater enthusiast who is an inexperienced, nice guy who has to come to terms with his date’s intentions and he is terrified of crossing boundaries with his best friend. The film is directed by Kay Cannon (writer of the Pitch Perfect franchise) and also stars John Cena, Leslie Mann and Ike Barinholtz.

Bellinger has honed his craft in Los Angeles and is passionate about dog rescue and fostering, environmental conservation, suicide prevention, dementia research and ending world hunger. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, learning about wine, occasionally playing poker and video games with friends and of course, finding good food! He also is an accomplished vocalist and musician. Jimmy recently adopted a dog named Miley who lives with him in Los Angeles and has stolen his heart.

Tell us a bit about the projects you are working on.

My new movie Blockers is a hilarious, raunchy comedy from Universal, directed by the insanely talented Kay Cannon and produced by Seth Rogan and Evan Goldberg among many others! I play Chad, the dorky musical theater nerd who goes to prom with his best friend Sam (Gideon Adlon).  Soon he learns his date’s intention to lose her virginity and has to make a decision. I won’t give any more away, but let’s just say this movie has some insane comedy and big laughs from beginning to end.

With your busy schedule, what do you like to do with your downtime?

When I’m not busy I enjoy being home with my dog Miley. I cook a lot of different food. I go to the farmer’s market weekly. I do wine tastings weekly. I hang out with friends. It’s nothing too crazy.

When you go out to eat, where do you like to dine?

When I go out for dinner I’m open to eating anything that’s delicious. When I was in Atlanta shooting Blockers I went out to every good restaurant I could while I was there. I don’t necessarily have a favorite type of food. I just love delicious food. Atlanta has an amazing food scene with some incredible restaurants and I ate food from a lot of different cultures. It was one of my favorite culinary experiences. In Los Angeles where I live, we have amazing restaurants as well. Food from all over the world. It’s hard to pick a favorite because I love it all. If you make good food. I will eat it.

What types of dishes do you usually order?

Depending on where I’m at will influence my food order. I love curry from India and Thailand. I love Mexican food. I love a good steak. Well-made Italian is also something I really enjoy. At the end of the day I’m a foodie. I will try anything, I like most things and I appreciate when chefs go outside the box or give me something I haven’t experienced.

Do you cook?

I love to cook. I almost went to culinary school twice but I chose to pursue acting. I still cook at home a lot. I have a shelf full of cook books that I’m always learning from. Then I go to the farmer’s market every Sunday to get my ingredients. I’ve become very big on cooking seasonal and local. I’m always trying to improve and I feel cooking is a skill you can use your entire life.

What types of drinks do you order when out?

My primary drink is wine. Over the last year I’ve really fallen in love. Constantly doing wine tastings, some blind tastings, reading up on it and educating myself. So if I had the choice I’d drink wine. However not every bar has a good wine list so it really just depends on where I’m at. I also do enjoy a well-made cocktail. But if I’m at more of a dive bar or just standard American/sports bar I’m usually just getting a vodka or gin soda.

Do you prepare drinks at home?

I do prepare drinks at home. Like I mentioned before I drink a lot of wine right now so if it’s a day I’m drinking at home I’ll usually have a bottle decanting. But if I’m not in the wine mood, I’ll usually make a fresh Margarita or an Old Fashioned. Whatever I’m feeling at that time.

Do you own a home bar?

I don’t exactly own a home bar per se. But I have a large bookcase with all sorts of square cubby holes in it. I use a few to store glassware for cocktails and wine. As well as a smaller one that holds my tools. Then on top I have all my bottles of alcohol. So, I do have a “bar” it’s just not your traditional bar.

What is it stocked with?

My bar is stocked with a small collection of glassware. Then I have most of the tools you’d need to make a decent cocktail. I also have a small atomizer for vermouth with my martinis. Then I have most of your standard alcohol. Also a couple of bitters. If I need anything special, then I’ll go out and get it. But I try to keep it relatively standard. Especially since right now I’m much more focused on wine.

What is your favorite drink/cocktail?

Other than wine, I’d say my favorite cocktail is a fresh juice, well-made Margarita. Especially when it has a little extra something, like Serrano pepper or maybe a more untraditional citrus. But really when it comes down to it, a good cocktail is a good cocktail. No matter what spirit, liqueur or other ingredient that’s in it. If it’s delicious then I’ll love it.

Have you ever been a bartender? 

I’ve never been a bartender but I’ve thought about it and I think I would really enjoy it if I was working in a nice cocktail bar. It’s very creative and I think it has plenty of similarities with cooking. Exploring flavors and finding that perfect fit.

Follow Jimmy on Instagram and Twitter.