Instagram: @theparkerbates

Where are you originally from?

I was born in Frisco, Texas and moved to Los Angeles almost two years ago.  

When and how did acting start for you?

My brother totally made me want to be an actor!  We have been in the industry since we were three and four, so we kind of went from modeling, to commercials, to film and tv.

How is it to work alongside wonderful actors like Milo Ventimiglia, Chrissy Metz, Justin Hartley and Mandy Moore?

This Is Us was my first tv show ever, so I am so thankful for the amazing actors I get to learn from.  I try to listen, watch, and soak up everything around me.  It’s the most amazing place to learn and grow as an actor, because I have people all around me who want to help me and who I can look up to.  They all set a great example of what hard work, dedication and teamwork looks like.

Tell us more about your character Kevin from THIS IS US.

Kevin is definitely the funny one, so I really like that part!  He is also really protective of his sister, so that makes me feel good, but sometimes, Kevin has to be mean to Randall, so that is kind of the hardest part.  I’m a lover, not a fighter!  This season I think people will connect with Kevin more, because you will see his struggles and worries.  

Do you remember your first ever audition?

When I was six years old, I went with my big brother, Prestyn, to his audition for Leap Frog.  The casting director ask my mom if I could audition too!  I didn't let her answer, I just jumped up and went in the room!  I booked the job and I loved every minute! 

How do you balance your time? 

It takes a whole team of people!  My mom is kind of a rock star because she plans everything and keeps everyone in our house on a schedule.  My dad takes off work a lot to sit on set with me or my brother, and take us to soccer.  Our agents at Coast to Coast, our manager Mrs. Margot, and Platform PR are all part of the amazing team that makes the dream work!  I'm gracious to them all for helping me everyday!

What do you usually do for fun?

I'm a total foodie!  I might be a little kid, but I love to try new foods and visit new places.  When I get free time, I love traveling, going to the beach and playing soccer.

Who is your acting idol / an actor that you dream to work with?

Oh wow, I have so many!  I have to say my top two are Leonardo DiCaprio and Kerry Washington, and if I could work with them both at the same time, that would be epic!!!  Leonardo DiCaprio started out when he was little like me and never got off of his path.  He worked hard and made some incredible movies!  Kerry Washington is such an inspiration to young people.  I was blessed to attend an awards ceremony honoring her, and the introduction her cast-mate from Scandal, Bellamy Young, gave her was incredible.  It made me think, "That is the kind of person I want to be.  I hope to impact my cast-mates like Kerry has."

Any advice you can give to any aspiring young actor out there?

Be confident and don't worry about what anyone else thinks.  It's totally cool to be weird!  Something we say in my house all the time is, "Rock your crazy!" 

If you’re a book, what type of book are you and why?

An action, adventure book with a happy ending!  I love adventure, mystery and suspense!  I kind of dig the whole fairy-tale thing where the good guy struggles, but always wins in the end.  It teaches you that if you work hard and stand up for what is right, you will come out on top!  

If you had the chance and opportunity to help a specific charity, what would it be and why? 

I absolutely love animals, especially dogs!  We can't adopt a dog right now because of our crazy schedule, but I love posting on social media to try and match friends with dogs that need a home.  So, if I could help out with pet adoptions in person, that would be so awesome!

Catch Parker as 10 year old Kevin from This Is Us!