EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Actor Austin North

Actor Austin North is no stranger to Disney Channel. You’ll recognize him as Holland from ‘A.N.T. Farm,’ as well as his role on Disney XD’s ‘Kickin’ It.’ Recently, he was featured in Kailey Swanson’s newest music video “Hooked.”

We got to chat with Austin about his career on screen and in music. What did he have to tell us? 

Fanlala: Tell us about your roles on both ‘A.N.T. Farm.’ and ‘Kickin’ It.’ What was it like working on the set of two popular Disney Channel shows?

Austin North: Well, on 'A.N.T. Farm,' I play Holland on this year's "MutANT Farm 2" (Halloween) episode.  I also play Ricky Weaver on 'Kickin' It.'  What's great about that, is both these shows are taped on the same studio lot, right next to each other. Literally, my dressing room from 'Kickin' It' was right around the corner in the hallway from my 'A.N.T. Farm' one.  It was great because when we had down-time, I got to hang out with all of my friends from both shows.

F: How is acting in a music video different from the other experiences you’ve had on a set?

AN: Shooting the music video was different because it's not a speaking part.  It's just all facial & body expressions.  Another difference is that on the Disney sets, it's all indoors, but in the music video we were outside shooting all along 3rd street Promenade & on the Pier in Santa Monica, then in Beverly Hills.

F: Are you able to play any instruments?

AN: Yes, I have played drums for about 6 years now.  I love it!  I've played in a band for 3 years & have started doing drum covers on my YouTube channel (austinnorth55).  I also own a cajon (acoustic drum), which is cool for acoustic sets.

F: What did you like most about working on “Hooked” with Kailey Swanson?

AN: Kailey & I have known each other for about probably almost 3 years.  We've all hung out with friends & also taken classes together, so we're really comfortable working together.  We could crack those insider jokes & laugh & have fun while working.  It was a blast!

F: How did you discover that you wanted to work in acting?

AN: Honestly, I kind of 'fell' into it.  My sister encouraged me to get started, then it just started rolling. I discovered that I loved being in front of people & making them laugh. My parents really support me & have helped me to get to this place.  I was in Atlanta when it all started & my whole family was willing to travel back & forth & transition everything.  It's really worked out great for all of us!

F: When you’re not acting or in front of a camera, what do you like to do in your spare time?

AN: In my spare time, I like to play basketball, workout, drive (yes, I got my license this month!:) ... ummm ... eat Pinkberry, hang out with my friends & family, play with my dogs.  When it's warm enough, I swim, go surfing.  In the winter, I like to go snowboarding.  My sister sings & plays keys/guitar, so we're doing some recording.  I love to play drums, of course.  I also like doing techy stuff with computers & (video) cameras & stuff.

Let us know what you thought of Austin in the recently aired episode of ‘A.N.T. Farm.’ And make sure you check him out in the video for Kailey Swanson’s “Hooked” down below!