Actor, and New Jersey native, Thomas Barbusca stars as Chip Pemberton, a confident young teen with adult-like sensibilities on the hit FOX sitcom, The Mick. The comedy—led by Kaitlin Olson—centers around a hard-living aunt (Olson) who is forced to take care of her rich sister’s spoiled kids in Connecticut after their scandal-plagued mother flees the country.
The core of the show is that Mickey (“The Mick”), who was never quite the definition of “responsible,” eventually realizes a little maturity never hurt anyone, right?
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Prior to The Mick, Thomas, 14, starred in CBS Films’ Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life, and has also had roles in American Horror Story, Grey’s Anatomy, AMC’s Preacher, Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp, and more.
The rising star from South Jersey currently resides on the West Coast, but Best of NJ got the chance to catch up with Barbusca about his childhood, auditions and, of course, sitcom life on The Mick.
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Best of NJ Interviews Thomas Barbusca, Star of The Mick on FOX
Best of NJ: What was your childhood like?
Thomas Barbusca: Growing up in New Jersey was great. We live on the water in a small town, and we crab a lot in the backyard. Jet skiing and boating was a big part of our summers. My family is close and my grandmother’s just a few blocks away from us. There’s lots of family dinners and holidays! We still have our house there, and go home for Christmas break every year. A few days before Christmas we decorate the East Coast house, and just spend time with our family and friends.
BONJ: What do you miss the most about NJ now that you’re based in LA?
Thomas Barbusca: Not having my family and friends close by.
BONJ: What made you decide to pursing acting?
Thomas Barbusca: My sister Brielle started acting when I was really young. I would tag along and eventually got hooked.
BONJ: How do you juggle school with work?
Thomas Barbusca: I’m home-schooled and I have an on-set teacher. Normally, I do a few hours of school on set everyday.
BONJ: Do you plan on attending college?
Thomas Barbusca: I would love to go to college. My sister just started college, and she’s juggling acting and school.
BONJ: What was the audition process like for The Mick?
Thomas Barbusca: It was great. I got the script and thought it was hysterical. I knew who everyone was behind it; Kaitlin Olson and the writers from her former show, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. I knew I wanted to be a part of it. It’s Always Sunny…has always been one of my favorite shows. Shortly after I auditioned for the role, I booked it. That was an amazing day. I had actually booked two shows. One for ABC, and The Mick, and I immediately chose The Mick.
BONJ: What do you enjoy most about the series; and the show in general?
Thomas Barbusca: How crazy it is, how much fun it is to come to work everyday. I love my co-stars. We’re like a big family. I feel really grateful to be part of such a talented cast.
BONJ: Tell us about your next creative endeavors.
Thomas Barbusca: Of course, I am hoping for Season 3 of The Mick. Other than that, though, I have a small part in a movie called Search that debuted at the Sundance Film Festival. Sony acquired the rights to it, so hopefully you guys will get a chance to see it in the next year. It’s a really unique film, and is shot entirely from a computer screen and Smartphone’s perspective.
I also just filmed a couple of episodes for a Netflix show that I am really excited about. It’s a show that’s been around forever. I can’t say what it is, but I had a lot of fun shooting it.
BONJ: What advice do you have for teens who wish to pursue acting?
Thomas Barbusca: If you enjoy it, it’s a lot of fun and exciting. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it. Follow your dreams, there are a lot of bumps in the road, but just keep working hard towards your goals.
To keep up with Thomas Barbusca, you can follow him on Twitter @ThomasBarbusca. The Mick airs Tuesday evenings at 9:30 pm on FOX.
Hero (Top) Feature Image: © The Mick / FOX
In-Article Photos Provided by Thomas Barbusca
