Mekenna Melvin dishes about ‘Chuck’
Exclusive Interview by Michael Aaron Gallagher
Mekenna Melvin
It’s no secret that “Chuck” is adored by television fans and critics alike. Now in its third season, the quirky spy dramedy recently welcomed actress Mekenna Melvin to its diverse cast. Originally from Saratoga, California, her training in martial arts, comedy and drama, make her a triple threat on screen.
As Alex McHugh, Melvin plays the daughter of John Casey (played by Adam Baldwin) and the love interest of Morgan Grimes (played by Joshua Gomez).
I recently had the chance to talk to Mekenna about her work on the NBC series and what she enjoys most about her character.
Michael Aaron Gallagher: “Tell me a little bit about how you landed your role on ‘Chuck?’
Mekenna Melvin: “I got the role in kind of an exciting way. I was originally auditioning for a one-word co-star (which was “Mom”) and she didn’t have a name. She was a twenty year-old girl. I didn’t know she was going to be Alex McHugh or the daughter of John Casey or any of that. And once I got the role and I shot the first episode, it was all revealed. I think they were just keeping really tight-lipped about that story reveal, since it was a big one for fans of the show, and then it just kept progressing and growing since.”
Michael Aaron Gallagher: “You came into the show during its third season. Were you nervous about how your character would be received by die-hard fans who have watched the series from the beginning?”
Mekenna Melvin: “You know I was a little bit because the show is such a fan show, in the sense that the fans are the ones who fought to get it back on. Fans love the show so much. I continue to feel like I have a little bit of an obligation to them to make sure you’re honoring the story that they love so much, while still having fun and doing what I love to do on the show. I am so grateful to be a part of such an amazing community and show.”
Michael Aaron Gallagher: “How were you received by the cast and is there anyone in particular that you bonded with?”
Mekenna Melvin: “The cast is fantastic. I know everybody says it and it’s completely true. They are all so warm and inviting and friendly. Obviously, I work a lot with Adam [Baldwin] and with Josh [Gomez], because most of my scenes tend to be with them so I would say that my initial bonding was probably with the two of them… They are just wonderful people who have just really embraced me. I feel so lucky.”
Michael Aaron Gallagher: “‘Chuck’ is such a great show because it isn’t just about Chuck. It doesn’t take itself too seriously as a comedy or a drama. What have you enjoyed most about your role on the series?”
Mekenna Melvin: “I think one of my favorite scenes that I had the most fun doing was in my first season, season three, when I got to kick my dad’s butt a little bit. That was so much fun to shoot. And then also just because it’s John Casey – he’s invincible – and his little daughter is giving him a butt-kicking. It was a lot of fun.”
Michael Aaron Gallagher: “I read about your ‘Amber Lake’ project. Do you have a passion for independent filmmaking and is that something you’d like to continue to pursue on the side?”
Mekenna Melvin: “Yes, that was my, and a couple of my friends’ first dabble into trying to make our own film. Independent films have always been a passion of mine. What I learned from making ‘Amber Lake’ is that I really enjoy the whole process of filmmaking. And while I love acting and that’s my number one thing, there’s so much more about the overall concept of telling a story and process of doing that, that I really love. You know, we’re working on our second film and we’re going to see what happens with ‘Amber Lake.’ It’s like my little love project on the side. It’s something that excites me for sure.”
Michael Aaron Gallagher: “You’ve done theatre, television, film, martial arts. What type of acting role are you looking for long-term? Do you have an idea of the perfect film or TV role for you?”
Mekenna Melvin: “Everything. What excites me and what would be really exciting for me in my career, if I were to be able to paint it, would be to have the opportunity to play all these different roles that are very different and be able to utilize some of the things like my martial arts, which is definitely fun. It would be really fun to play a villain, it would be really fun to play a romantic comedy. Sure, why not? I’m just really excited to see what opportunities lie out there.”
Michael Aaron Gallagher: “What’s something that you want people to know about you as an actress?”
Mekenna Melvin: “I really love what I do, and I try really hard. I hope that I can bring everything that I possibly have that’s unique to each character and continue to try and grow. And I hope that whoever decides to come along this journey with me enjoys what I’m doing.”
Michael Aaron Gallagher: “What’s next for you?”
Mekenna Melvin: “I am still auditioning. Pilot season is here and approaching even more. So we’ll see what happens.”
Mekenna Melvin appears in “Chuck,” which airs at 8 p.m. Mondays on NBC.
Mekenna Melvin dishes about ‘Chuck’
Copyright © 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher – All rights reserved.
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