Luke Speakman is a fast-rising American child actor known for his versatility, natural charisma, and emotionally resonant performances.
He made his professional debut at age five as Sam in Steven Spielberg’s Amazing Stories (Apple TV+). Since then, Luke has appeared on major platforms including NBC, Peacock, Hulu, Disney+, and QCODE Media.
His international breakout role was as Sean in the critically acclaimed Japanese series Lost Man Found (Hirowareta Otoko), a Disney+ Japan Original also streaming on Hulu and Hotstar.
Luke can be seen as Matthew Graff in the recently released Warner Bros. blockbuster hit Weapons, a feature by Zach Cregger in theaters everywhere, performing his own stunts alongside Josh Brolin and Julia Garner.
Luke also co-stars in The Invisible Raptor with Sean Astin and has starred in award-winning short films featured at the Mammoth Film Festival.
Based between Los Angeles and Atlanta, Luke is represented by Paradigm Talent Agency and Kim Eva Matuka at Schuller Talent, and continues to train rigorously while balancing a diverse set of interests, including American Ninja Warrior training, piano, and baseball.
Luke caught up with K9 Magazine to talk about his dogs, work, and life.
Tell us all about all the dogs you've loved in your life.
I’ve had a lot of lovable dogs in my life! The oldest one is Cheddar. He’s the “alpha” of the group and super protective.
We’re not exactly sure what kind of dog he is, but we think he might be part cat because he has these amazing paws that can open doors and even grab meat off the counter!
Then there’s Gracie, our total love bug. She’s a Pitbull mix and one of the sweetest dogs in the world. Funny story—if you’re sitting on one side of the couch and you call her, she’ll literally climb over everyone just to sit in your lap.
She can even turn on the TV because she always steps on the remote!
Waffles is the youngest—and he is technically my dog, so of course he’s the best. He never stops moving! If you start petting him, you’re basically signing a contract to never stop.
He’s a Golden Retriever, so playing fetch is his absolute favorite thing.
And even though she’s not officially part of my family, I have an “adopted” dog named Delilah. She was my acting partner once, and she’s so sweet and super well-trained.
We worked on a project called Howl and the Dead and have been friends ever since. I try to visit her every time I am out in LA!
You're obviously a huge dog lover. How long have dogs been a major part of your life, and how would you explain the importance of dogs to someone who hadn't ever experienced the joy of a canine/human relationship in their life?
We’ve had a dog since the day I was born, so I have no idea what life is like without one—and I don’t ever want to find out! My dogs are honestly one of the best parts of my life.
They pick me up when I am down, and I pick them when they’re “down” too… like, down off my bed! A dog is seriously the best friend you could ever have. They’re always ready to play or snuggle.
Had a bad day? Your dog’s right there. Got in a fight with a friend? Your dog still loves you. Failed a test? Your dog doesn’t care. Need someone to listen? Your dog’s got two ears ready to go! You will never be lonely with a pup at your side!
What are your favorite things to do with your dog(s)?
With Waffles, it’s definitely playing fetch or swimming in the pool. He loves the water. He also follows me wherever I go. Cheddar and Gracie are older now—Gracie’s still a little crazy, but not “play” crazy, if you know what I mean.
Cheddar’s more of a cuddle buddy than a play buddy. So yeah, these days it’s mostly Waffles I play with, while Cheddar and Gracie are just my cuddle bugs.
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You have a really interesting career... What advice would you give to the many people who want to follow your path in career terms? What are the absolute best (and worst) things about your work?
If I had to give advice, I’d say, “Don’t give up—ever.” Things might not happen right away, but even if they do, you still have to be patient. Acting is kind of like “hurry up and wait,” so just hang in there.
The right role will come to you eventually. The hardest part would be that the only guarantee you will have is hearing “NO”. Don’t take it personally. Use it as a chance to learn and grow. Your time is coming!
Here are our quick-fire questions. Are you ready?
Which do you prefer and why?
Big dogs or little dogs?
Big cuddly dogs!
Calm, relaxed dogs or dogs who live at 100mph?
Definitely 100 MPH!
Dogs who do as they're asked most of the time, or dogs who do pretty much whatever they like whenever they like?
Hmm… I do like a cheeky pup! So, probably dogs who do whatever they like!
Dogs who love to walk by your side or dogs who like to race off and cover ten thousand yards in 3 seconds?
Walk by my side like my Waffles.
Days off or days at work?
I love my work! So, days at work!
The fastest route or the scenic route?
Scenic! Time to explore!
Nighttime or early morning?
Nighttime because it is pup cuddle time!
Describe the last time you laughed out loud because of something you saw a dog do.
It was actually with Gracie this last Halloween. She had a spider costume and ran down the hallway with the spider legs flapping in the wind. She was so excited to be included in the Halloween activities!
What do you like to do in your downtime?
I actually do not have much downtime, but lately I have been experimenting with making my own music. I play the piano and use an app on my iPad to compose short songs!
Let us in on a secret that very few people know about you.
I am not a Chick-fil-A fan! It’s a nice place and all… just not a fan of chicken!
What is your current favorite…?
TV show?
I honestly don’t have one! I don’t have a lot of time to watch TV.
Album?
Anything by Imagine Dragons.
Film?
WEAPONS, of course! And then probably BOLT.
Animal charity(s)?
I am currently an ambassador for a kid and dog educational program called C.A.R.E. (Canine Awareness and Responsibility Education), which is a program under The Preston’s Planet Foundation.
The foundation trains service dogs for women and children—especially those with trauma or “invisible” disabilities often overlooked by other organizations.
Puppies are sourced from rescues or reputable breeders, raised with positive, rewards-based training, and matched early with future handlers to build strong bonds.
Dogs are taught specialized tasks like providing deep-pressure therapy, blocking, and retrieving essential items, offering both practical aid and emotional support. If a dog is better suited as a pet than a service animal, it is placed in a loving forever home.
Focused mainly in Southern California, the program also partners with rescues to reduce dog homelessness and promote the human-animal bond.
In C.A.R.E., we are currently creating various community programs to support families in need of training. We also plan to help educate children by teaching dog bite prevention, body language, wellness care, and positive reinforcement in a fun and interactive atmosphere!
Stay tuned for more and visit www.prestonsplanet.org for more!
If you had to choose just one, what product or service would you say has most changed your life, do you think, and why?
Waffles, the food!
Tell us about some of the most memorable moments from your work.
Working with Delilah the pup in Howl at the Dead! I learned so much about animal training and had to use those skills in our scenes together.
My favorite memory is a scene we did where she was supposed to lick my face. They put whipped cream on my cheek, and when given the cue, she went wild licking it up! It was so fun! I remember wanting to repeat that scene over and over!
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Finish the following sentence, "Dogs are..."...
Dogs are literally the best thing ever in the whole world. If I had to pick between dogs or cats, it’s dogs all the way—sorry cat people, I’m team pup!
And finally, this is always a tough question and often requires some serious thought… If dogs had the ability to speak, and you could ask your dog just one question and one question only, what would you ask them, and what do you think that they'd say?
I would ask, "Can I ask you more questions?" JUST KIDDING! Hmmmmm, I think I would ask them, “Do you know what we're asking you to do and you just choose not to do it on purpose?”. I am pretty sure the answer would be YES!
This is an opportunity to talk about any causes, projects, business ventures, etc. that are important to you and you'd like us to tell our readers about.
I can’t wait for the future! There are a few major opportunities in the works that I can’t really talk about yet. One even has me flying to Brazil for 5 weeks! Stay tuned!
Also coming soon, I will be raffling my super cool sneakers I wore on the Weapons World Premiere Red Carpet for Make-A-Wish! Follow me on Instagram to keep up to date with the raffle!
Thanks, Luke!
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Photo Credit: Aiva Genys Instagram
