Pop Culturalist Chats with Aubrey Miller

Aubrey Miller is the definition of a triple threat. She sings, acts, and dances. At only 15, she’s had roles on hit television programs including Californication, Austin & Ally, and Shameless. She’s currently starring as the cautious but lovable, Hannah Parker-Kent, on the enchanting Amazon series, Just Add Magic. Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to chat with this rising talent about the role, how she got her start, and her aspirations.

Just Add Magic Questions

PC: Can you tell us a bit about the show and your character?
Aubrey: The show is about three best friends who discover a cookbook in the attic and then come to realize it’s anything but ordinary—it’s magical. I play Hannah Parker-Kent on the show. She is a perfectionist and is always looking out for her friends. The cookbook makes her step out of her comfort zone and that tends to make her worry but having her friends by her side helps her let loose and love every minute of the magic.

PC: What can fans expect this season?
Aubrey: Fans can expect a lot of new recipes and a new mystery. Who’s Chuck? This season, a lost boy from 1965, returns to Saffron Falls and causes a bit of commotion…to say the least. You will find out a lot about the book’s past, as well as, see the girls’ friendship grow and be tested.

PC: How has your character evolved from the first season?
Aubrey: Hannah has definitely grown a lot this season. She is beginning to get more comfortable with the magic but is still extremely cautious when it comes to using spells. Her relationship with Ms. Silvers has also grown this season. I think it’s really funny to look back on the pilot when my character didn’t even want to walk by her house and is now looking to her as a mentor.

PC: What was your favorite scene to film this season?
Aubrey: One of my favorite scenes to film was in episode “Just Add 1965” where we got to go back to the 1960’s using my favorite spell.

PC: What similarities/differences do you share with your character, Hannah?
Aubrey: My character Hannah and I have a lot of similarities. We both want to make the right choices in life, genuinely love our family and friends, and we both love the arts as I am a trained dancer and singer. She does worry more than I do, and she has magic which is so cool. It’s really fun to play her.

PC: How did you build your relationship with Olivia and Abby?
Aubrey: We met during the final audition for the show and we all read for our characters together in front of the director and producers and we instantly clicked. We all became friends during the pilot episode and when we got picked up for season 1 our friendship grew more and more.

PC: What’s the atmosphere like on set?
Aubrey: The atmosphere on set is really positive. The whole cast and crew has truly become a family. We all really enjoy filming the show and hope everyone has as much fun watching it as we did filming it.

PC: If you could cast any spell, what would it be and what would you call it?
Aubrey: Much like the Healing Hazelnut Tart, I would love to create a Healthy Happy Hummus which would bring peace and good health throughout the world.

Career Questions

PC: When did you know you wanted to be an actor? And, how did you get started?
Aubrey: I originally came to Los Angeles to pursue my dance career. I booked a role on Nickelodeon as a dancer and they gave me some small lines and I instantly fell in love with being on set and acting, and I’ve been doing it ever since.

PC: If you weren’t an actor, what would you be doing?
Aubrey: I would be a ballerina.

PC: Do you have a dream role?
Aubrey: My dream role would be a Broadway show, where I could do everything I love: acting, singing, and dancing.

PC: What advice would you give young actors trying to get their start?
Aubrey: Follow your dreams. Start in school or local theater and start getting a feel for acting and being in front of a crowd. If you really love it, talk to your parents about potential acting classes and going on from there. If it’s your dream, don’t give up.

PC: Do you have any upcoming projects you can talk about?
Aubrey: My most current project I’m working on is a new song and music video to follow it.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Aubrey: Dancing with the Stars

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Aubrey: The Parent Trap

PC: Favorite book?
Aubrey: The Harry Potter series

PC: Favorite musical or play
Aubrey: Wicked

PC: A band or artist people would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Aubrey: Earth, Wind & Fire

PC: Favorite social media platform?
Aubrey: Instagram

PC: Hidden talent?
Aubrey: Film editing

Stream the new season of Just Add Magic on Amazon. And, make sure to follow Aubrey on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and also subscribe to her YouTube Channel.

Photo Credit: Kurt Lindner