Brendan Meyer, the 14-year-old actor who brings a genius-turned-teacher to life on YTV’s MR. YOUNG, offers readers a rare window into the day-to-day of a young star. From the show’s premiere era, he described what stardom feels like, how he stays grounded, and what the work is really like when cameras are rolling. For fans who missed the original magazine interviews, this is the full, candid account.
A typical day for Brendan on Mr. Young begins with rehearsal days on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when the cast runs through scenes and tightens timing with the script in hand. The rehearsal period ends with a full run-through to lock in the flow. Then Thursdays and Fridays are shoot days, with Friday reserved for a live audience. Each day stretches to about eleven hours, giving Brendan the chance to arrive, work, and head home to rest before the next long day begins.
Adjusting to TV life required a big move from Edmonton to Vancouver. Brendan’s mom and younger brother joined him, while his dad travels back and forth weekly. He has always been homeschooled, which keeps schooling flexible enough to fit around filming. On set, he still logs about three hours of school each day in addition to the acting workload, making the balance between education and work a challenge that remains enjoyable.
When it comes to performing in front of a live audience, Brendan leans toward the theatre-like buzz. The authentic laughter from a crowd elevates the energy, and in a multi-camera setup the show adds the laugh track later, so the live crowd helps with timing. Thursdays require waiting for laughs without knowing their length, while Fridays deliver immediate feedback that fuels the performance. The result is a blend of live energy and controlled takes, with five attempts to refine each moment.
Among his favorite shoots, the pilot stands out because the entire cast appeared together, something not always the case. He also enjoyed the carnival-themed outdoor episode, where carnival games and extra background activity gave the shoot a festival-like vibe. Filming in a fresh location brought new challenges and excitement. The Shakespeare episode resonated with him, reflecting his love for classic language and stagecraft.
On-set moments that felt ridiculous memory-bright: one episode features Mr. Tater, the principal, transformed into cereal in a gag that culminates with a splash into a milk vat. Such over-the-top stunts are part of the show’s charm. In another week, the actor wore a leprechaun suit and was knocked into a mud pit. Those moments were surprisingly light and fun, contrasting with the nerves that can come before turning the page to a new script. The anticipation is always there when the new episode opens, but humor tends to win out.
Homeschooling shaped Brendan’s approach to portraying teachers on screen. He drew inspiration from Will Shuster of Glee, who frequently framed lessons as a future-focused journey. Beyond TV, he found cues in inspirational films like Dead Poets Society and The Emperor’s Club, and he notes the cadence of teachers seen in other family-friendly sitcoms. The result is a portrayal that blends classroom energy with the rhythm of television, echoing both Shakespeare and modern hits alike.
Rather than imitate a single TV genius, he studies how characters explain complex ideas on popular shows, then translates that into approachable dialogue. The challenge is to sound confident and knowledgeable without getting tangled in jargon. It is a matter of treating science language like a plot element, much as one must master Shakespeare before delivering a line. It isn’t too hard, though some days demand extra effort to verbalize the science clearly.
English remains his favorite academic subject, a theme that stays constant even as biology becomes part of the on-screen arc. He finished English before the recent push and has begun biology studies alongside filming, keeping a steady educational pace. English still leads, with biology bringing a new angle to his on-screen work.
Brendan Meyer thanks the audience for the support and invites viewers to watch MR. YOUNG throughout the summer on YTV. The series continues to blend humor, science, and heart as it follows the adventures of a brilliant young teacher and his class.