Check out our interview with actor Aidan Moreno who is set to reprise his role as Rick Adderly, the first LGBTQ+ character on Canada’s longest running hit drama series Heartland. The series will make its season 15 premiere this October 17th on CBC and CBC Gem.
Aidan’s character Rick joined the cast in Season 14, as the Chief Administrative Officer and colleague of Lou (Michelle Morgan) as she became the new Mayor of Hudson. Rick is a classic office know it all, helping Lou find the ropes of her new role and happily outlining her initial mistakes too. Through the sass and sarcasm, a real foundation was built between Rick and Lou, leaning on him for relationship advice and that brutally honest opinion. Rick and Lou add a classic comedy duo to the family favourite.
Coinciding with the season premiere, Aidan just released his new album My Kind of Trouble on October 8, 2021 available on Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, Amazon Music and all streaming platforms.
Follow Aidan @aidancmoreno
Hi Aidan, please tell us a little about you?
Originally from England, now calling Toronto home for the past 10 yrs give or take, have a house full of dogs and on the television from time to time.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Happy, Positive, Loyal, can I add a 4th, LOUD!
How did you get started into acting?
A chance encounter as an extra on a CW show a few years back. That one day being on a set, seeing the creativity, the atmosphere and seeing all the intricate details that go into film and television, being witness to that made me know I wanted to be a bigger part of that process. So the moment I got home, I began to research, plan, prepare, learn and focus on doing everything I could to make that a possibility, and here I am.
How has this changed your life?
Massively. It makes me have a true purpose, and a huge source of feeling like I contribute to the world and to do that whilst doing something you love is a real honor.
What is the best and most challenging part of being an actor?
There are so many positives, being able to be and become other parts of yourself through characters is so liberating. The major downside would be the initial rejections that I think are inevitable in this career. With hindsight, those setbacks and no’s, a lot of them, really made me re access and improve and become confident in who I was as an actor, and what I could bring to a role that nobody else could. So the initial down turns into another positive! I’m so lucky to call it my profession and couldn’t see myself doing anything else.
How do you prepare for a role?
At the core, knowing the material back to front and inside out. Having the knowledge that you have the material running through you allows you to then do your actual job, which is bringing the characters off the page. True preparation allows you to play and explore different options and choices, discover parts of the role you maybe wouldn’t have if you were winging it.
Tell us about your work on Canada’s longest running hit drama series “Heartland” and about your role as Rick Adderly?
It’s a dream come true. Rick is the first LGBTQ character on the show, which is a huge responsibility, but I’m so glad the show is taking this chance and showing people everyone should have representation. Working with a cast that has been together for over 14 years, I learn so much every day and am extremely grateful to the producers, to Heather especially, my co stars and Michelle Morgan, and the entire crew for bringing me onboard.
What can we expect for Season 15?
I think after the heartfelt and dramatic past season, it certainly left the audience wondering what is next. Season 15 is definitely a classic Heartland feel. Lots of special moments with the family, giving it a classic feel of past seasons. We definitely get to see Amy working with horses and see lots more of Lyndy, which I know the fans are going to love. Tim and Jessica’s relationship was new and fresh last year, so we get to see how that’s working out too. Lou is still as indecisive as ever! Rick, who I play, although annoying to some, is there to definitely attempt to keep her on the straight and narrow, not only with her role as Mayor, but also her ever changing love life. It’s a fantastic season and can’t wait for the fans to see it!
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
I do love playing the roles I have thus far. If I could or would change anything, it would be to obviously give them other elements, to be able to let the audience see their vulnerability, insecurity, humanity, behind the comedy and sarcasm.
What’s your advice for the newer actors?
Just be yourself! In any aspect of life, trying to be what you think people want you to be may be a quick fix, but won’t lead to anything with longevity. Be you, be confident, be prepared and take chances! We are only here once.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
To take rejection with a pinch of salt, and not to be too cliche, but honestly, when one door closes, another usually opens, whether it’s a door you considered or not.
How would your best friend describe you?
I would love to be kind, empathetic and fun. If I was brutally honest though, I would probably say that I talk too much and laugh a lot!
If you were a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
If I were a book, I’d say keep turning the pages as this isn’t over! the name…. Trouble, with a capital T? LOL
What’s next for Aidan Moreno in the last months of 2021?
Season 15 of Heartland starts airing in Canada on CBC from the 17th October. I have my debut album which has just dropped with the song Heartland and 17 other tracks. it’s a real pop record of which I’m really proud of and overwhelmed by the reaction thus far from the Heartland fandom. I also have a Christmas movie coming up and my return for an episode of CTV/Hulus Jann in Season 3. Exciting times!
What is your own definition of happiness?
Dogs and chocolate
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I’d love to see my grandfather one last time
Best advice ever given?
Life’s a lesson, always keep learning.
Do you support any charities?
I have many animals myself, and If I had the space I’d have more, but being in the city it’s a stop to that and so I turn to animal charities. Animals are the voiceless who sometimes need us to speak up for them and to have their backs. The Toronto Humane Society is a great organization. Also horseshit.ca which is an organization to stop the selling and export of horses for meat to Japan from Canada.
Where do you see yourself and your career five years from now?
I’d love to still be making music, still acting, and still surrounding myself with those that I love, what more can you ask for.
Favorite song? Why?
Right now, mine haha!
What do you think of Social Media?
It’s a great way to connect, especially with fans. Is interactive, it can create a community and give a forum to talk and share what we all love and stay in touch. It can have so many negatives though, from keyboard warriors, trolling and ultimately disconnecting from ourselves in a way. I think the key is moderation and also learning to filter out the negativity and consume and ensure what you do spend time looking at, is healthy and positive.
Where can we follow you?
@aidancmoreno Instagram
@aidancmoreno Twitter
lnk.to/mykindoftrouble Music Platforms
Movie: Bridesmaids or Jurassic Park
TV Series: Mare of Eastown on HBO was really good
Favorite Food: Any dessert
Travel Destination: I love any of the Greek Islands
Sports Team: Leicester City
