The Impact of DARYL (D.A.R.Y.L. -The Production)

Exerpt from: 'D.A.R.Y.L -The Production'

For 11-year-old Barret Oliver, "D.A.R.Y.L." was an exhilarating and demanding experience. Chosen from hundreds of boys who auditioned for the part during a nationwide talent search, Oliver's credits include the lead roles in "The Neverending Story" and a 1984 Disney Studios featurette, "Frankenweenie." He is featured in Ron Howard's "Cocoon," in which he plays the grandson of Maureen Stapleton and Wilford Brimley.

Acting since the age of six, the young trouper was also seen in "Kiss Me Goodbye" as well as on numerous TV shows, including "The Incredible Hulk" and "Knight Rider," plus the premier episode of "Highway to Heaven," the hit series starring Michael Landon.

Oliver particularly enjoyed the latter part of the "D.A.R.Y.L." shoot when he, his parents and his brother, Kyle, 14, got to do some sightseeing in England before heading for home. "It's always hard to get back to the old routine," explained his mother, Kathy, "but it's worth it."

Oliver and Danny Corkill, who plays Daryl's best friend, Turtle, in the film, became good friends off the set as well. Ten-year-old Corkill, a fifth grader from suburban Chicago, was previously featured as Orlop in "Dune," Diane Keaton's son Eddie in "Mrs. Soffel" and Alex, the little boy who gets kidnapped in "Without a Trace." He has also appeared in various commercials and on TV in "Ryan's Hope."

Barret is quite an active young talent. Whether he continues in films in the fantasy genre or those of a different nature, he will doubtless continue to bring his personal, special realism to movie audiences.

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