He’s got a resumé boasting films with Jennifer Aniston and Bruce Willis and currently stars in a primetime TV show. He’s also 10 (almost 11!). We’re talking about Ian Patrick, the adorable and talented actor who plays an alien on earth in ABC’s “The Neighbors.” While we all dreamt of becoming child stars when we were younger only to end up doing things like play video games and read (really great) Sci-Fi novels, Ian somehow manages to lead both of those lives. Some kid actors have it all, and he’s one of them. We caught up with Ian and chatted about getting started in the biz, playing an alien and his life outside the set.

Photo Credit: ABC/Bob D’Amico

Serial Optimist: You play an alien in “The Neighbors” although in real life you are clearly a human being. Is that a tough role to play?

Ian Patrick: No, not really. I am almost always in human form, actually, it’s a lot of fun.

SO: Being in human form helps! What’s your favorite part about working on the show?

Ian: My favorite part about working on the show is probably being able to be with all of the cast and crew. They are all fantastic, and since every episode is really funny, I always enjoy reading the new scripts when they first come out.

SO: Being on TV yourself, I gotta know: what’s your favorite show on right now (besides “The Neighbors”)?

Ian: I really like the TV show MAD. However, I also like “Shark Tank” which follows “The Neighbors” on Friday nights.

SO: How did you know you wanted to be an actor?

Ian: I was fortunate enough to get a couple of small roles early on in movies like Wanderlust and Looper and I realized how much I loved to act. I was able to work with some of the most accomplished actors in the business and it shows their true passion for film. After I got the role on “The Neighbors” it was the first time I was able to work consistently on a set with the same cast and I really like it.

SO: What would be your dream role?

Ian: If someone would produce movies or a TV series based on the K.A. Applegate (Animorphs) book series Remnants, I would really love to play the role of “JOBS.” Remnants is a science fiction series following a group of survivors after an asteroid collides with Earth.

SO: I used to read Animorphs when I was a kid! I love that you know those books. It makes me feel less old. So is acting something you want to continue doing when you’re older then?

Ian: Yes, it is really fun and one day I want to do something behind the camera as well, probably writing or directing.

SO: Very cool! I imagine life as a kid actor is pretty busy. What do you like to do when you have some free time?

Ian: Yea shooting on the show can get pretty time consuming but I love playing video/computer games. One of my favorites is MineCraft. I also love hanging out with the other kids on the set, plus it works out pretty well because our schedules usually go together.

Photo Credit: ABC/Eric McCandless

SO: You’ve done some pretty fun projects (Wanderlust, Looper), which starred some big names. Who’s been you favorite person to work with so far?

Ian: In every role I have played, everyone I have worked with has been super nice, but if I had to pick I would say all of the actors on “The Neighbors.” Working on those movies was a completely different experience than what I am doing now. I was able to learn so much from actors that have accomplished so much in their careers.

SO: You’re turning 11 very soon (happy early birthday!). Do you have any fun plans?

Ian: Thanks! No, not yet, but I am sure something will come up 

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SO Note: Follow Ian on Twitter @IANLOGANP and keep up with him and his latest projects on Facebook: IanPatrickOfficial.