The perfect lookalike to Twilight's Robert Pattinson is multi-talented Brandon Register-Watford

  Brandon Register-Watford            (Photo Graphics/Jim Berkley-Harrison)

While visiting a tribute artist convention recently, in Orlando, Florida - Sunburst Celebrity Tribute Artist Convention - fellow artists thought they saw the actor Robert Pattinson, known for portraying many characters in many films, two of which have been the Harry Potter and Twilight sequels.

Turns out the gentleman these talent saw and met was also an actor, as well as a professional lookalike or tribute artist, his name is Brandon Register-Watford.  Brandon is also from England like Robert Pattinson and possesses all of Pattinson's same "measurements."

Brandon moved from Belgravia, England (near London), to America when he was 14.  He had relatives, on his mother's side, in the states.

Register-Watford (will be called Brandon), was kind enough to be interviewed, answering several questions pertaining to his work in the entertainment industry, and here is the result of that interview:

Brandon, what is your real name and what character or characters do you portray as either an actor or a tribute artist?

My name is Brandon Register, but I use the hyphenated Brandon Register-Watford as my stage name. Watford is my maternal family's name. Since they were instrumental in my career and American upbringing I feel it appropriate to use it. I portray Edward Cullen from the blockbuster film Twilight. I bear an uncanny resemblance to Robert Pattinson (the real Edward) and love the books, so it was an easy thing to be coaxed into."  ~ Where are you located and are you able to work everywhere?

(Originally from England) I am located in Orlando ,Florida currently and am available to work anywhere and everywhere possible. I love to travel, and the combination of portraying my character and traveling while doing so excites me."

Where did you work in the past and if not always an entertainer what did you do before?

I have been an entertainer for quite some time. My previous field of work was as a behind-the-scenes producer/director of television documentaries and commercials. I wanted to branch out into film and once I was there I rediscovered my love of performing. So I quit film making in order to become an entertainer in Orlando and am employed by the obvious entertainment venues around town (Orlando, Florida)...lol. But my passion is currently performing at Titanic the Experience on I-Drive. It combines my love of history and acting. Now this Twilight thing is just plain AWESOME! I mean I get to play a vampire for crying out loud!" 

What training do you have?

I have been acting ad performing since I was very young. I have participated in a slew of stage productions including roles such as Simon Stride in Jekyl &Hyde, Edna in Hair Spray, Curly in Oklahoma and Conrad Birdie in Bye Bye Birdie. Not to mention various films and music videos. Some of which can be viewed on Youtube. Plus my years of experience at Disney and Universal have prepared me for the "meet and greet" market."   ~  How did you begin in this business, and have or do you have support?

Now this is interesting. It began with a little movie called Harry Potter and the Goblet of fire in which the character Cedric Diggory has a prominent role. I began to receive messages and comments from friends insisting how much we two resembled each other. Then when the advance trailers for Twilight began to surface I was bombarded with e-mails, myspace messages and comments complete with links to the videos. Everyone insisted I looked like the lead Vampire Edward (Pattinson). I scoffed and immediately dismissed the resemblance. But then my friend and stylist Jamie MacMillan got hold of the reigns and formed a type of fan club for the novels. She badgered me until I relented to dressing as Edward and making an appearance. I did so and the screams haven't stopped since. She is, in fact, the person responsible for my Edward impersonation career. She created the makeup, style and even the hair color. She is phenomenal.

And my mother is to thank for fueling my lookalike career. She is my biggest fan in whatever I do and supports me whole heartedly with the aid of my sisters and her clients...lol. She has a bit of a shrine dedicated to me in her office and everytime I take a new photo it goes up on her wall, despite my pleas to remove it. Without the steely determination she has instilled in me I doubt that I would be driven enough to succeed in the entertainment industry. I come from a long line of incredible people and don't take a bit of it for granted."  ~ What do you like the most about your work?

I love the adoration my character receives from teenagers and children. Harry Potter is said to have started kids reading again, well Twilight fueled that same audience to continue this trend. The novels and now the films have such a world wide following amongst tweens and young adults that whenever I go into a Hot Topic or FYE I'm immediately identified and cornered. This intrusion into my personal life was difficult at first, but they're all just so darn cute I can't resist performing for them and taking as many photo's as they request." ~ Are you able to make a living at this work?

In this economy it is hard to make a living doing anything entertainment-related. That's why I maintain at least one contracted position.  If I performed as a variety of characters I would imagine I would be in higher demand for a diverse demographic. I have recently been offered the opportunity to create my own Twilight themed show and tour with the EYECON convention. This would mean casting the whole Cullen family of Vampire's and their enemies. I imagine that would sustain a performer for quite a while or at least as long as the interest holds out...lol." ~ Where do you work mostly as this character?

The most frequent jobs I've had as Edward are with my main client Barnes and Noble Booksellers. They hired me initially to perform as Edward at their Breaking Dawn Book release party. It was the final installment in the Twilight saga and they were holding a huge event for the followers. I've appeared there since at various Twilight themed events like the DVD release party and the National Turn Off the Television Week event. Outside of this my most frequent requests are for birthday parties, sweet sixteen parties, bookstore gatherings and various Twilight themed events like my favorite the "Twilight Prom"."  ~ What are some common questions, Brandon, that fans ask you (in or out of costume)?

I'm most frequently asked 'Are you the guy from Twilight?' That one never gets old...lol. But the questions are different when I'm in costume. I have to wear makeup and contact lenses to complete the Vampire look, and once I'm complete, people only want to know about things related to my character. Like 'What was it like becoming a Vampire? Why won't you make Bella a Vampire?' and my favorite one to avoid 'What was it like in that cabin the first time you and Bella____?'  It gives me great pleasure to answer the way my character would answer those questions. And to avoid the more adult conversation I tend to use my improvisational skills to skirt around vulgarity. You have no idea how many mothers and grandmothers have naughty things on their minds when it comes to a heart throb Vampire." ~ What do you see as your future in this work or as this character?

I really have no expectations with this character. He's not as flashy and performance driven as say Cher or Elvis, so he doesn't draw as big a crowd when I'm in a room full of impersonators...lol. He doesn't sing, dance or play lively music. In fact that's my biggest challenge thus far - entertaining people with his sullen and brooding demeanor. If I break away from that I get judged on not being enough like him but If I limit myself to that I am bored, and no one wants to have anything more to do with me other than a photo. Other than the two shows I'm developing currently I really don't see a need for my character after the Twilight Saga is completed on film. But only time will tell if this particular vampire love story will endure the ages, it very well could be the next Dracula. Then perhaps he will be a popular imitation character for generations like Cher and Elvis, but he had better start swiveling those hips if he wants to impress the masses for that long...lol." ~ What is the funniest blooper, mistake or embarrassing moment that has happened when you have been Edward?

Edward has very controlled motions and looks, so I'm usually very careful not to seem too out of character by making rash decisions or moving in a non-Edward manner. He comes from the Edwardian Age, so I conduct myself in that respect. Good posture and a firm handshake are in order. So you're hard pressed to find me making any real embarrassing mistakes there. But my most horrific experience is when the heavily intoxicated grandmother of one of my clients insisted that I bite her. When I insisted, in my character, that she wouldn't enjoy that nearly as much as she thinks she would, she began to get loud and belligerent. I stepped back and excused myself to the interior party and had to wait out the scene. My client was apologetic and put an end to her shenanigans, but I was still thoroughly embarrassed. That hasn't happened since and hopefully never will [again]."

Thank you Brandon, continued success as "Edward" and other characters in the entertainment industry.  We will continue to look for you at Disney, Universal Studios, bookstores, on stage, the silver screen and then some!

Another such tribute artist convention to look for Brandon and other wonderfully talented lookalikes will be in Las Vegas, Nevada at The Reel Awards and at the Celebrity Impersonators Convention in March, 2010.