Ted Lasso and Elio star Brendan Hunt recently engaged in an exclusive conversation with Hollywood Life to discuss the exciting and “busy” year he has ahead of him. This busyness is not solely due to the anticipation of filming season 4 of the acclaimed Apple TV+ series. Brendan has several other projects lined up and is thrilled to introduce another character, Dr. Anton Hill, through his collaboration with Raid. In this role, the self-proclaimed “bug doctor” enlightens audiences on effective methods to manage pests in their homes, ensuring they are well-informed and equipped to handle such nuisances.
“I’m always in favor of mocking academia,” the 53-year-old actor and writer states, referring to his comically intense character in the Raid campaign, who is enthusiastic about “eliminating those six-legged queen-whipped sugar seekers”—which, in layman’s terms, are ants. This humorous take on pest control not only entertains but also emphasizes the importance of addressing pest issues with a lighthearted approach, making the content relatable and enjoyable for viewers.
As he gears up to reprise his role as Coach Beard in Ted Lasso for its highly anticipated season 4, Brendan expresses that the upcoming year is indeed going to be “gonna be busy” for him. Although he refrains from revealing too much about what fans can expect in terms of plot developments or character arcs, he praises the entire cast and crew of Ted Lasso as “good professionals.” He adds, “Every time we see each other, it’s like a school reunion,” highlighting the camaraderie and strong relationships built among the team during their time together on set, which undoubtedly enhances their on-screen chemistry.
While Brendan is well-known for his portrayal of the dedicated Coach Beard, he also takes on the role of Gunther, an animated conspiracy theorist and Air Force analyst in Pixar’s Elio, which premiered in theaters earlier this summer. This project marked Brendan’s first significant venture into voice acting for a major film, and he was eager to ensure he “really wanted to do it right,” as he shares with Hollywood Life. He even resorted to using a “crash bar” in the recording studio to channel the character’s energy, showcasing his commitment to delivering a memorable performance for audiences.
To cap off an eventful 2025, Brendan will also be featured in the upcoming science fiction film Terrestrial, which is set to premiere at the Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal this month. This film promises to thrill audiences with its innovative storytelling and captivating visuals, showcasing Brendan’s versatility as an actor and his ability to adapt to different genres.
“It’s a classic … little sci-fi thriller thing with an incredible cast directed by [Hot Tub Time Machine director]Steve Pink,” Brendan proudly exclaims, referring to the talented filmmaker as a “f**king legend.” He adds that the role he plays is not one he typically gets to portray, indicating a departure from his usual characters. He notes that while it shares similarities with Dr. Anton Hill, this role perhaps explores a slightly darker side, allowing Brendan to showcase his range as an actor.
Speaking of his character from Raid, who holds a PhD (in pest management, of course), Brendan humorously remarks that Raid “was one of [his] the first words” he learned as a child. Growing up in Chicago, the We’re the Millers actor reminisces about his childhood experiences with various creepy crawlers in his home, particularly battling roaches, which are notorious for their prevalence in urban environments.
“I grew up in Chicago. I’ve got history with roaches,” he emphasizes, sharing his childhood memories. “If people are indeed scared to confront them, well then, who am I to pretend not to value that position?” This insight reflects Brendan’s understanding of common fears related to pests, and how those experiences can shape one’s perspective on handling such situations.
While reflecting on a particularly traumatic childhood incident, Brendan candidly shares with Hollywood Life that he is “scarred for life” from one specific memory that still haunts him to this day.
“There was one time when I was very little—my mom had a habit of carrying a bag of Nestlé chocolate chips in her purse,” he reminisces, adding that when he was around 4 or 5 years old, he noticed she had accidentally spilled some chocolate chips on the ground one night. Already familiar with what roaches looked like due to his experiences, Brendan recounts touching each chip, only to discover one of them was, unfortunately, a roach. This vivid memory serves as a humorous cautionary tale about the realities of living with pests and how they can catch us by surprise.
Since Raid’s product line offers effective protection against a wide array of pests, including ants, crickets, and scorpions, Brendan readily admits that roaches “are the worst.” His candid acknowledgment of this common household pest resonates with many, as roaches are often a source of discomfort and fear for many individuals.
“We just always had roaches,” the Illinois State University alum reflects. “I don’t think I was allowed to use the [Raid] product at that time. However, I knew where that help was coming from.” He encourages anyone interested in learning more about Dr. Anton Hill’s adventures and insights to follow @raid across all social media platforms and explore the wealth of information available at raid.com.
