Acting in the blood for Wilcox kids

But then two years ago, her son Rodney (known as JR) was cast as Linus in Northeastern Elementary School's staging of A Charlie Brown Christmas.

It was a big step for 10-year-old JR, who was very shy at the time. One of his teachers worked with him until he was comfortable enough to get up on stage.

JR's school play role turned out to be the beginning of a journey that has seen not just JR, but also most of the rest of his family, cast in film and television roles.

His two brothers, Brayden, 11, and Dalton, 6, have had a few non-speaking parts.

But JR, along with sister Catherine, 9, have now been in several film and television productions, and have a number of other acting jobs lined up.

They've even acted together a few times, including in the film October 30th: All Hallows Eve, which was shot last fall in Sault Ste. Marie, where they played young friends in a flashback scene.

JR and Catherine were also featured along with Tammy-lynn and Dalton in the “We all play for Canada” television commercial shot in Sudbury last year.

The siblings also appear together as elves in A Very Larry Christmas, shot in Parry Sound.

JR was also a photo double for a television movie called Pete's Christmas, something he'll also do in an upcoming series shooting out of Toronto called The Strain.

Tammy-lynn's own acting career has seen a resurgence, as she's landed several film and television parts.

Most exciting for the mother, though, is the change in JR since he got involved with show business.

“Over the last two years, we've just watched this child emerge out of his shell,” she said. “He is probably one of the most social children you'll meet now. He's very confident in public.”

Both JR and Catherine have the potential to become successful film and television actors, Tammy-lynn said.

While many children would find all of the waiting that comes with the industry frustrating, the siblings don't have a problem with amusing themselves on set, she said.

JR said he thinks acting is “really fun,” and said he'd like to do it for a living when he's older. “I'd like to do a big-budget movie or main character roles,” he said. “I think it would be cool.”

Tammy-lynn said she's now trying to get JR and Catherine an agent and hopefully some bigger roles.

“They love auditioning,” she said. “Whenever I audition for anything, they always ask me 'Is there anything for our age?' They're really enjoying it.”