Mitchell Hoog knows how to enjoy a day off. The 22-year-old actor, currently depicting Mac Morris, Mark Paul Gosselaar’s character Zac Morris’ son in the Saved by the Bell reboot on Peacock, is an actor we’ve had our eyes on for quite a while. His character in the reboot, Mac, is the comedic, silly prank-loving friend of the show, oftentimes being a voice of reason for his friends or the reason the characters find themselves in a sticky situation. Season 2 of Saved by the Bell depicts Mac in a new light, following a dramatic arc that follows his competitive side throughout the new season.

“Mac’s interesting because he is kind of overwhelmed by the luxury of privilege, which I, Mitchell, never really got,” said Hoog, “And so I can always appreciate somebody that’s so ignorant that it’s pure.” And while Hoog does an exceptional job portraying Mac in all his goofy glory, his pre-role ritual doesn’t involve much.“I tend to go and find the base beliefs of the person I’m playing,” said Hoog. “I try to find that and the through line of each character. Once you go into filming, you have to let it all go and be present and see what comes up.”

He finds it special to be a part of something that has meant so much to people, as Saved by the Bell captured the hearts of many back when it aired more than two decades ago.“It’s really fun to give people a new version of it as well, so they can fall in love with two versions: Zac and Mac,” said Hoog. “It’s nice to be in a comedic show that can hopefully make people laugh for 30 minutes.”

Pushing past Mac, Hoog has also starred in films such as the 2016 film Harriet, as well as the latest Conjuring film, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It. A renaissance man of sorts, Hoog’s passions lie in all things artistic. A painter, reader, writer, producer and fashion lover, it’s hard to imagine skills and talents he doesn’t have. And through all this, Hoog is humble. He knows the importance of a genuine relationship not only with those around you, but with your inner self as well. He doesn’t use social media on a regular basis, only opening up the apps again for promoting projects, finding inspiration in films, books and the people he surrounds himself with.

Hoog gravitates towards artistic representation within his personal style. Finding inspiration from brands such as Maison Margiela and Uma Wang, Hoog appreciates clothing that comes with a movement and meaning. Recently obtaining his first pair of Tabi boots, Hoog’s go-to outfit lately includes pairing the Tabi’s with bell bottom jeans — because of course. “I think I’m the person that puts on a good outfit to go to a grocery store,” laughed Hoog.

So what exactly is he doing if he’s not in front or behind the camera? Well, most of the time he’s reading, noting he just finished The Tibetan Book of the Dead and Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson. “I have three books I’m always reading at once,” says Hoog. “Morning I read self-help kind of stuff, or spiritual stuff, when it comes to Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, and then in the middle of the day usually I read more habitual type things like John Maxwell. And at night before bed I always read fantasy

His perfect day involves going to the beach and hanging out with a great group of people, but preferably, it’s spent alone, claiming he leans towards being a recluse on his days off. “Being more potent with my time is something that I’m working on right now,” he said. “When I’m doing the dishes, I’m doing the dishes, when you’re watching a movie you watch the movie, you’re not checking your phone during it. It’s almost like an active meditation is the best way to put it.”

An immersive actor, Hoog loves the duality aspect of acting and never thought his acting career would be where it is right now, Yet beyond the acting world, he’s ready to be on the opposite end on the camera, claiming his heart is still in the “Harriets and Richard Jewells,” type of films, ready to try a more comprehensive hand at producing and directing. “I didn’t know that I’d be where I’m at, and I think I’m still trying to comprehend that,” said Hoog. “But I also am looking forward to what’s coming, but it doesn’t feel out of place, it doesn’t feel overwhelming, I think I am where I’m meant to be.”