Interview with Mekenna Melvin

Newcomer Mekenna Melvin has been gaining attention lately due to her recurring role as Alex McHugh in "Chuck". In an interview with myFanbase she talks about her childhood, her first experiences in the biz and what kind of things happen on the set of "Chuck".

Foto: Copyright: Ryan Macartney
© Ryan Macartney

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1. What is your favorite moment of your childhood?

It’s hard to say! My parents are amazing and provided me with a wonderful childhood. One place where I have a lot of fond memories is Pinecrest California were we have our family vacation every year. It’s just a week of fun by the lake; hiking, fishing and we even have a Talent show hahaha. I loved it as a kid and I still love it now!!

2. Besides acting you also took professional dancing and singing classes. When and why did you decide to become an actress instead of a dancer or singer?

I always knew I wanted to be an Actress. My mother is an Acting teacher and Director. I basically grew up in her theater. But Dance and Singing are still great loves of my life. They always will be.

3. Your first big TV guest starring role was on "Lie to Me". How did you get the role and what can you tell us about your experiences on the set?

AMAZING! I mean TIM ROTH! Pinch me! I auditioned for a few different guest roles on the show and finally booked one. I was so excited and a little nervous since I had never worked on a big TV show before. I learned so much on the shoot especially from Tim. He was such a gracious actor to work with.

4. You did several short films, like "MeterMan" or "Melting the Snowman". How is the audition process for such a project and how did you get involved in those short films?

The auditioning process is fairly similar to auditioning for a feature length film. You have your initial audition, then a call back and then if you’re lucky you book it. I just kind of fell into it and got lucky. I would work on one and then it would go to festivals, people would see it and I would get called to audition for more. I love working on shorts :)

5. What has been your favorite short film so far and why?

That's such a hard one because I truly loved them all. These films are where I really was able to grow. They gave me the opportunity to work on very diffrent and exciting characters. But I will say that "Melting the Snowman" And "The Fighting Kind" were both very special. Sometimes as an actress you come across a role that fits like a glove…. I can just kind of hear her in my head from the first time I read the script. These were NOT those kinds of characters. They both seemed very foreign to me and so I was presented with an exciting challenge to really figure out how they ticked.

6. On "Chuck" you play Casey's daughter Alex. Before you got involved in the show, had you seen any episodes of "Chuck"? If so, did you like them?

I had watched a few episodes of course and was so excited to work on the show. Although I have to say I never though I would get the chance because I am so short. The rumor around town was that you had to be at least 6’ tall and gorgeous to work on Chuck. hehe

7. When we see Alex for the first time it's only a very short scene and we can only assume that Casey is her father. Did you know that your character would come back for additional episodes?

No not at all. The original break down was for "20 year old girl" one line. It wasn't until my manager called to tell me I booked the first episode that I even knew I was going to get a name! Then a month or so after I finished the first episode, I found out that they were going to bring Alex back for two more. And then I had to audition again. I was more nervous to audition the second time, thank goodness for the casting directors who really took their time and helped me feel comfortable with the audition. And needless to say I was so excited when it all worked out.

8. The atmosphere on the set of "Chuck" seems to be quite cheerful. Do you have any anecdotes you can share with us?

A day of work on Chuck makes your sides hurt because you are laughing so hard! Especially the day we shot the Buy More scenes. Vik, Scott und Josh were all making me crack up between takes. I was worried that I would feel like the new girl at school. But that feeling quickly subsided because the whole cast and crew were so warm and welcoming.

9. Most of your scenes are with Adam Baldwin. How would you describe him? How was it like to work with him?

My mom and uncle were so excited that I was working with him because they were huge "Firefly" fans! Adam has such a strong physical presence, which works so beautiful for Casey. He is a talented and seasoned actor, which makes working in scenes with him easy. He just knows what he is doing. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work alongside him.

10. The finale of season 3 leaves it open if Alex will return, but it seems quite likely. Do you already know if you will return to the show and what will happen to Alex? A Morgan/Alex romance perhaps?

Everyone keeps asking about a Morgan/Alex romance. Hehe. I haven’t heard any official word as to weather Alex will be back or not. I sure hope so. But either way working on CHUCK truly has been one of the best experiences ever.

11. Do you have any new projects coming up that you can tell us about?

I recently played the lead in an independent feature called AMBER LAKE, which is in its final stages of postproduction. And I’m looking forward to seeing what plays out on CHUCK.

12. Since myFanbase is an online magazine about TV series, do you have a favorite show?

I am a huge "Dexter" fan!! I literally was in such shock and couldn’t sleep after watching the season finally. I was so sad because I loved, Rita, Julie Benz's character. Very excited to see how it all unfolds next season .

Maria Gruber - myFanbase