Season three of Disney’s hit show A.N.T. FARM just kicked off in Canada and joining the main cast this season is 12-year-old Aedin Mincks as the super-intelligent, advanced talent Angus Chestnut! Angus dedicates his time to being a technology prodigy who is always hacking into computers while still persistently trying to work his romance magic on his classmate, Olive.
On top of being in one of the biggest shows for kids right now, Aedin’s a great actor who has already worked with the likes of Seth MacFarlane and Mila Kunis in TED and Bradley Cooper and Zach Galifianakis in THE HANGOVER PART II.
THE MAGAZINE chatted with Aedin about the two Angus’ in his life and what he’s cooking for dinner.
You play Angus Chestnut on Disney’s A.N.T. FARM. Tell us about him.
Angus is a computer genius. He’s in love with Olive and he’s a real ladies man.
What do you like most about your character?
I like him because he’s fearless. I’m kind of the same way. I don’t really get embarrassed about anything. He’s funny, too.
Angus is very tech-savvy and is known as “The Hacker.” How good are you with technology?
I’m pretty good but not like hacking the CIA and launching off missiles. I also don’t like playing videos games that much. I’m usually out being active – swimming, jumping on my trampoline, and playing with my dogs. I have two dogs. One’s named Frodo and he’s a shiatsu. The other’s named Angus and he’s an English bulldog. Angus is named after my character. The fur on his back looks like Mickey Mouse.
Angus has a big crush on his classmate, Olive. However, it seems to be a one-sided relationship. Will they ever connect on that level?
Probably not. I think it will always be a rejection thing. Maybe they will be just friends.
We’re in the middle of season three right now. What can we expect from the rest of this season?
Since we’re away from our parents, we have to start taking on more responsibilities. Recently, we had to make up rules for ourselves. There’s more comedy and everyone’s more mature. There are some new hairdos. There’s an episode this season where Angus goes a little crazy and gets a little angry. It’s kind of funny. I don’t want to give away too much!
What has been the most memorable moment on-set?
I’d have to say anytime when Chyna sings a song or every time there’s an audience taping night.
Are there any on-set pranksters?
Jake Short teepee’d one of the ladders on set and he’s always doing Nerf ambushes where he comes out of nowhere and starts shooting Nerf guns.
How did you get your start in acting?
My brother was going out for auditions and I would just be playing on my Game Boy. I was interested in acting and loved movies like Star Wars. I’d just be sitting there and they’d say, “Oh, he’s cute! What about him?” My mom said no and she said it was because for acting, you have to be a good listener and you have to pay attention. I was only six, so I wasn’t the best at that. Then, I convinced my mom to let me audition and now I’m here!
If you weren’t an actor, what would you be doing?
I would probably just be in school right now. Work-wise, I’d probably be a cook or a masseuse. My Mom says I give great shoulder rubs. I’m a great cook. I was planning on making spinach falafel today. I make a great sauce on the side for them. I also make a really great vegan macaroni. For the “cheese”, it’s actually just cashews and a whole bunch of other natural ingredients mixed together.
Are you currently working on any other projects outside of A.N.T. FARM?
For adults, I did one episode of a show called SULLIVAN AND SON. It’s a cool TBS show.
Tell THE MAGAZINE readers why they have to watch A.N.T. ARM.
The comedy and how much we’ve matured from the last two seasons. The show has changed a lot and we’ve all grown up. That’s what I love about it.
Thank you, Aedin.