I think that Theo is a talented young actor, and it's cool that he lives in California so it doesn't make it as impossible to suddenly bump into him somewhere unlike some of the other characters, and he really developed as an actor in the time between the pre-pubescent pilots and the other 22 episodes. I think he opened up more and more as he was given more roles and he was more than just a secondary character to the principles. He was definitely a valuble member to the cast and, to be politically correct, it was good that an African-American be put on a show of this caliber in this type of role, the best friend of a white kid. I think it rounded out the cast well, and showed good race relations in real situations.
Here is some biographical information on Theo/Theodore (don't know his preference, I like Theo) brought to you by the Family Channel Canada and the Disney Channel.
Family Channel's Theo Borders Background
Theodore Borders as "Miles"
Theodore Borders plays Miles, the best friend and constant companion of Tucker (played by Ben Foster). While Tucker faces the challenges of eighth grade with jokes and manic energy, the easy-going Miles prefers to keep his cool.
Fourteen-year-old Theodore Borders has played a wide range of roles in films and television. His movie appearances include Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves, Second Chance, Beverly Hills Cop 3, Second Dance, 24-7 Deep and Western Avenue. On television, Theodore has been seen in the series Jag, E.R., Sister-Sister, Step by Step, Pearl's Place and Raising Caines. He trained in voice and theater at the University of Redlands in California.
Theodore enjoys working on a show that understands the trials of being a teenager. "This is a show that kids can relate to," he says. His own life, however, differs slightly from his character's. "Miles is a very cool, laid-back character, unlike myself," Theodore explains. "I'm more of a class clown."
Theodore Borders was born in Beverly Hills, raised in San Bernardino and now lives in Burbank, California.
Here is the Disney Channel's Quick-Bio on Theo:
NAME: Theodore Borders
CHARACTER NAME: Miles
AGE: 14
BIRTHDAY: August 25, 1982
BIRTHPLACE: Beverly Hills, CA
FAVORITE COLOR: Blue
FAVORITE FOOD: "A good burger"
FAVORITE HOBBY: Writing
FAVORITE SPORT: Basketball
FAVORITE MUSIC GROUP: Def Squad
FAVORITE MOVIE: "Set It Off"
FAVORITE TV SHOW: "The Drew Carey Show"
FAVORITE ACTOR: Lawrence Fishburn
FAVORITE ACTRESS: Jada Pickett
FAVORITE QUOTE: "Keep your friends close and your enemies
even closer." --The Godfather GOAL: "To write and
direct film."
IF NOT A PROFESSIONAL ACTOR, WHAT WOULD YOU BE? "A
Writer."
Theodore Borders On Himself Ben and Friendship (Disney)
"The first time I met Ben was on my fifth call back for `Flash Forward.' I had to read with a bunch of different actors, who were auditioning for the role of Tucker. He was a little nervous, but he was funny. He was definitely the person they were looking for. At one point, he and I were alone in the room together, and once we started talking, he started to really loosen up.
"Ben's a very intense actor. He likes to meditate sometimes off set and go over his lines. He concentrates. Sometimes he messes around and is pretty funny, but once the camera rolls, it's like `boom,' he's Tucker.
"We really have good chemistry together on screen. I really enjoyed doing the episode `Curtain Call' with him. We got to do this very emotional scene, where Tucker and Becca got into a fight and I explain to him how important she is to him in his life. It was an intense scene between the two of us.
"Our friendship, on screen, is very strong. Tucker and Miles stick by one another and respect each other's decisions. It's tight and solid. They're true buds.
"Friendship, in general, is very important. It's one of the most important things that we have. There's some friendships and loves that can be tighter than your own blood relatives. I have some friends back home that are like my brothers. I know they'd do anything, within reason, for me and vice versa. It's all about love and trust and respect. Without that, where would any of us be?"
