Mekenna Melvin interview

At some point in our adult lives, we all must make a choice about which path to follow. The percentage of those who choose to follow the entertainment path is staggeringly low. Some actors will spend years and years trying to nab that one role that will turn them into big stars — and most never make it that far.

Imagine making that choice, jumping in head first and coming out a big winner right off the bat? Such is the case with Mekenna Melvin, a beautiful young woman who decided to become an actor and almost immediately scored roles opposite television stars such as Tim Roth, Alex O’Loughlin and Michael Imperioli.

Mekenna then managed to snag the highly coveted role as John Casey’s long lost daughter Alex on the NBC spy drama Chuck. Chuck’s incredible fan base instantly fell in love with Mekenna and have been quick to embrace this new character — and it certainly doesn’t hurt that Morgan gets a new love interest and more importantly, we finally get to see the softer side of John Casey to boot!

I had the opportunity to chat with this absolutely lovely young woman about breaking into the acting world and her role on Chuck…

Q: Two years ago, you didn’t have any acting credits to your name and you went from that to working with some of television’s biggest actors, how did you go from 0 to 60 so quickly?
Mekenna: “I don’t know. There was so much work that led up to it — there was auditioning all the time and classes. For me, it was just a lot of hitting a brick wall for a long time. Once you’re given a shot, it opens up more doors. Chuck was a complete fairytale. I was booked as a one line, one word co-star and have that turn into a recurring guest star, so I’m counting my blessings.”

Q: What type of work were you doing before acting?
Mekenna: “You name it. I was waitressing mostly. I was a waitress a year ago today. I did everything, I sold burger at a ball park, ran an after school program in New York…”

Q: Were your parents supportive of your decision to pursue a career in acting?
Mekenna: “My parents were super supportive. My parents are both high school teachers, so I came from a very middle class, honest upbringing. My mom was a drama teacher and always watched theater and my dad had big dreams as well, so they really instilled in all of us to do whatever we want in life.”

Q: You now have a recurring role as Casey’s daughter on Chuck, how long do you expect to stick around?
Mekenna: “I don’t know. As soon as I get the script, I fast forward to the end to see if I die in a fiery plane crash. I just take it in stride an am still auditioning a lot. I’m hoping I get to stick around on the show.”

Q: Do you think you’ll become a series regular?
Mekenna: “I’m not sure. That would obviously be amazing, but I’m just really excited in terms of the story. I’m excited, just as the fans are, to see where her storyline is going to go — how is this relationship going to continue to play out with Morgan and with her dad and will she ever approach the spy world or will she always be outside like Ellie is in a sense. I’m curious as a fan. The Chuck fans are amazing; it’s overwhelming how supportive they’ve been. As an actor, you want to do them justice because it’s the fans show, they really fought to get us back on the air and I want to make sure I’m telling the story and they like what’s going on.”

Q: Was it difficult stepping into an already established cast?
Mekenna: “I was blown away, even in the very first scene, Zack came up to me and was like, ‘hey Mekenna, I hear you’re coming on, it’s nice to meet you.’ I thought wow, they are amazing people. They really embrace the people who work on their show. Any fears I had feeling like the new kid in school was washed away because they are so wonderful.”

Q: Is it a fun set to be on?
Mekenna: “Oh my god it’s amazing, they are hilarious! I work a lot with Josh (Morgan) and Adam (Casey) and the two of them make me laugh so hard. It’s so much fun, but painful at times because I’m laughing so hard.”

Q: What’s next for Alex?
Mekenna: “A girl has got to keep a few secrets; it’s more fun that way. I think there’s been more focus on Morgan and Alex’s relationship recently, but I we’re going to see more of Alex and Casey exploring their relationship.”

Q: You’re pretty active on Twitter (follow Mekenna), do you plan to continue Tweeting to stay in touch with your fans?
Mekenna: “Oh yeah, of course. Twitter was this thing in which I was slow to jump on the band wagon. It was like a foreign language to me. I love it now. Even now, stars that I admire on different TV shows, to have that sort of connection with is amazing.”

Q: Do you follow any TV shows on a regular basis?
Mekenna: “I’m a huge Dexter fan. I love Nurse Jackie.”

Q: What advise do you have for those looking to pursue a career in acting?
Mekenna: “Doing something that is unconventional may seem scary. A lot of the time, people work from this place of fear that you might fail. The biggest thing to say to yourself is that fear cannot exist; you have to ignore it, break down that wall and go for what you believe. Surround yourself with positive people who are also going on a positive path.”

Q: Anything to say to the fans?
Mekenna: “I love you guys, thank you so, so much for your support.”

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