Back in Session with Belmont Cameli

"Saved By The Bell" was one of the most iconic TV shows of the 90s, making mega-stars out of its young cast members. Now a "Saved By The Bell" reboot is premiering on NBC's Peacock streaming service, featuring much of the original cast alongside a new generation of charismatic high school students. 

Belmont Cameli, an up-and-coming actor from Chicago, is one of these new cast members destined for stardom. He plays Jamie Spano, captain of the high school football team and son of Elizabeth Berkley's original series character Jessie. Like his character, Belmont played football in high school, but the similarities end there. Jamie is a lovable jock whose first scene features him reading a textbook upside-down; Belmont, by contrast, says he's always taken his studies very seriously and didn't even realize he wanted to act until after a year of business school.

Belmont grew up with a tight-knit family and is proud of his Italian heritage. He believes he inherited much of his acting talent and his sense of humor from his dad, who used to speak at every family function. Belmont's unusual name is also a family legacy: when his grandfather Belmondo immigrated from Italy years ago, his name was Americanized to Belmont.

22-year-old Belmont has appeared in student films and a 2018 episode of "Empire," but the "Saved by the Bell" reboot is his major television debut. He began his career by modeling to become comfortable on sets and make connections, but acting, writing and directing are his ultimate goals. Belmont moved to Los Angles a year ago to start auditioning, which he says he loves because it gives him the opportunity to practice acting. A hard worker to the core, Belmont appreciates any chance to work on his craft.

We were excited to ask Belmont some questions about his journey from Chicago to "Saved By The Bell."

TIMO WEILAND coat

How would you describe yourself the man and the actor? And when did you first perform?

I was in plays as a kid, but it wasn’t until I had finished my first year of business school that I realized I was about to spend a lot of time and money doing something I had no interest in doing. And so I turned again to acting. Since then I’ve been immersing myself in the craft; I have so much to learn. That’s my favorite part, there’s always more to do.

What is the biggest lesson learned as an older brother?

Setting a bad example works.

How connected are you to your Italian roots? Any experiences that come to mind?

I was raised predominantly by my nuclear Italian family. South-side Chicagoans. They are my soul. My father used to speak at every family function. Holidays, weddings, funerals, you name it, he was up front making everybody laugh. He used to write me bits and impressions to do. Those were our prime years as writing-partners.

I read that you said goodbye to the “green machine”, what can you say is your dream car?

An old dark green jaguar with a gaudy interior, maybe. I don’t know a ton about cars and I like old, weird shit.

NANUSHKA top, RAG & BONE jeans, PRADA shoes

How is this pandemic treating you? Any new hobbies that you have taken up?

I’ve dabbled in new and old hobbies and my creativity has certainly benefitted from isolation, but mostly I’ve found myself on the phone with my family and friends more and more often.

What are some of the things you do to keep yourself active between projects?

I actually really enjoy auditioning since it is my primary form of practice, and this year especially it’s been my only opportunity to play outside of working on the show. I’m also learning a lot as a screenwriter by way of trial and error, and I’ve been getting back to my musical roots as well.

ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA outfit

Let’s talk about “Saved By The Bell”: How was the process like in landing this role?

I taped the audition in my moms basement with my best friend. He was incredibly nervous, it was hilarious. We ended up having so much fun with it that I left a blooper at the end — I couldn’t get through one of the lines. Then I met Alycia and Elizabeth at the next auditions, and they were both so wonderful. The whole experience was such a blessing.

What do you love about Jamie Spano?

Jamie has a great big heart and he’s not afraid to spill it all over. He maintains this weird balance between a laughable lack of common sense and a firm grasp on the complexities of being in high school. His loyalty is admirable, plus, I just think he’s so funny.

How familiar were you with “Saved By The Bell” and the iconic original cast?

I hadn’t watched the show growing up, but it was very cool watching the show during auditions, and then eventually meeting and working with the original cast. I feel very lucky to be a part of the new show.

What’s going to surprise people about this show?

I think people will be pleasantly surprised by the conversations had on screen. Our show-runner Tracey Wigfield did a wonderful job composing a show that isn’t afraid to discuss real issues, while still being able to poke fun at itself.

SCOTCH & SODA knit, COS pants

How was it working with your on-screen mom Elizabeth Berkley? Any particular moment that stands out?

Elizabeth has been a joy. There was one day on set where we were chatting amongst crew, seated at the monitors. All of a sudden it was hours later, everybody had moved themselves and their gear to the following scenes, and we were just two people sitting in chairs in the middle of an empty room having a heart to heart.

Which castmate did you connect with the most? Why them?

Every member of the cast is truly exceptional, but I just gotta say, Alycia Pascual-Peña is an absolute treasure. I’ve had the privilege of becoming quite close with her over the year. She belittles me like family, and I love her for it. I’d go to war for that girl any day.

With the original sitcom being so loved, what are you speculating about this reboot? What feelings come up?

I’m just excited to see how people respond. Reboots can be touch and go these days, but I really think our show got it right. I’m proud of that.

ENTIRE WORLD cardigan

If you could cast yourself in a show, which would that be?

Succession is uncanny. I love a series where all the characters are the smartest in the room. I’d also love to play in peculiar worlds, universes akin to say, American Horror Story. I’m a big fan of anthologies. Euphoria is charting new territory too.

Lastly, what is the dream?

Ooooh, profound. I’d be happy if when someday people look back at my life, they’ll exhale out of their nose a little and go, “nice.”

Belmont loves acting, with writing and directing on the horizon, but he also still enjoys modeling and fashion. An avid thrift shopper, he has his own unique retro sense of style that always reflects his mood. He says he's inspired by Harry Styles and other modern icons who prove that men's fashion can be anything we want it to be.

But Belmont isn't just any handsome up-and-coming model and actor. He also has a heart even bigger than the "Saved By The Bell" franchise, with a deep love for his friends and family. A few years ago, Belmont even donated a kidney to a stranger.

More than anything, Belmont is excited that "Saved By The Bell" can open doors to other exciting projects in the future. We can't wait to see what this talented young actor will achieve next.

Words by Sonia Webber

Photography by Adrian Martin

Grooming by Joanna Ford

Produced by Eff Ulloa