Mainer’s acting gig only temporary

LEWISTON – Noah Gray-Cabey has an impressive resume: “CSI: Miami,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Ghost Whisperer.” These days, the 11-year-old actor from Maine has a regular role on NBC’s hit show “Heroes.”

While Noah’s enjoying being a celebrity, he’s not letting it go to his head. “I don’t get my hopes up, ever, ever, ever,” he said.

“Heroes” premiered last fall. By November, it was the highest-rated new show. It was picked up for the season and received two Golden Globe nominations.

“To land the part is crazy. To have [‘Heroes’] picked up is crazier,” Noah said. “For it to do so well is even crazier,” he told the Sun Journal newspaper while spending the holidays in his hometown of Newry, near the Sunday River ski resort.

Noah moved to California to be closer to Hollywood three years ago, but he still enjoys coming to Maine to take it easy, play with his grandmother’s dog and enjoy the snow.

It was the piano that first got Noah noticed in his hometown. By age 4, Noah was a child prodigy. By 5, he was performing benefit concerts. He became the youngest soloist to perform with an orchestra at Australia’s Sydney Opera House.

It was Noah’s “The Oprah Winfrey Show” interview that caught the attention of writers on “My Wife and Kids.” Noah was invited to appear in an episode.

Last year, he landed a part in M. Night Shyamalan’s movie “Lady in the Water.” Then came “Heroes” and the role of Micah Sanders, a brilliant, soulful kid whose mother is an online stripper and whose father is serving life in prison.

Noah still plays the piano and dabbles in magic tricks. He recently took up the saxophone. He also formed his own foundation. Action in Music takes disadvantaged but gifted young musicians to Africa to help AIDS orphans.

Because Noah is eager to do everything, “The hardest thing for both of us really is to keep it balanced,” said his mother, Whitney Gray.

As for Noah, he says the acting gig is temporary. Acting is fun now, he said, but he’s thinking bigger. Instead, he said, “I want to be president.”