How did you feel about what you got to do with your character this season compared to season 1?
I love that season 2 explored how far Rose will go to keep her family together and to protect Ward. I think people initially met her in season 1 and pegged her as a trophy wife… but to me, the money and the gold didn’t motivate her actions this season. It’s all about keeping Ward out of trouble and keeping their family intact. I loved the development of her relationship with the kids, especially Rafe. There’s a mutual distaste between them, but they’re stuck together trying to save themselves, and they actually need each other, as much as they may wish they didn’t.

Do you get to work closely with the wardrobe stylist on Rose’s looks? How does your personal style differ from Rose?
I can’t say enough wonderful things about Emmie Holmes. We are lucky to work closely with her. She always welcomes our input, but what is amazing about Emmie is that she knows us so well at this point that she just instinctually knows what we will like. She builds character “closets” for us. If we try an outfit and we love it, but it isn’t suitable for the scene, she finds a way in another episode to get it in. Rose fittings are like a party of color, patterns, silhouettes, heels… they’re a blast. My personal style is definitely more casual. I love to dress up when there is an occasion, but on a daily basis, I’m usually in denim and a band tee.

Now that you’ve gotten to binge season 2, what most surprised you about it?
Having read all of the scripts, it always caught me off guard how much I got lost in the show when I was watching it. I technically know what’s coming, but I’m so wrapped up in my friends’ work and the music and the beautiful cinematography that it’s almost like I forget what’s going to happen.

What is your favorite part about being on set? How was it filming on location?
Definitely the people. Our cast and crew really feel like a big family. You are always changing scene partners depending on what you’re shooting in a day, but the crew rarely changes. To me they feel like a safety net and a source of comfort. You may be filming a really dark scene or working really long hours, but you have this group of people that is there with you the entire way. You’re all in it together. They’re also all just so good at what they do. Just thinking about it now, I’m missing them all and hoping for a 3rd season! Most of my on location work for the show is at Tannyhill. It’s a gorgeous house right on the water, and often when we film there, the Cameron family yacht is docked out back. When I get breaks, I’ll grab a soda water and sit on the back patio, and it’s like… enjoy this. Every job is not going to be like this.

Actors have said that every role leads them to learn something about themselves. What role has impacted you most in your career, and what did you learn about yourself?
I would say, at this point in my career, Rose has impacted me the most. She’s definitely the most time I’ve spent with a character. I’ve really grown to love her. I guess I spend so much time with her and trying to figure her out, I’m protective of her. I think if there’s a part of her I take with me or hope to take with me, it would be her confidence. She’s a badass.

Looking back at your career so far, what would you tell your younger self about breaking into the business?
I had my heart set on getting into a big fancy acting school for college. I really only auditioned at the top three programs in the country (rookie mistake!). I was 17 and knew I wanted to be an actor, and suddenly, I was getting letters in the mail saying I wasn’t good enough. I had my pity party and questioned my path for maybe a day or so... and then I retooled and replanned. I wish I had taken some of the pressure off myself back then and not been so hard on myself. This career teaches you to bob and weave, and that was my first taste of that.

What charities are close to your heart, and how do you use your platform to make a difference?
I recently started my training to become a volunteer for the Atlanta Humane Society, and this year I did my first ever sleepout for Covenant House Georgia. I try to lead by example and show that volunteering doesn’t have to be complicated — you don’t have to have a ton of followers or a ton of money to make a difference. Small moves in your community can make a huge difference and add up over time.

What genre do you hope to make next in your career?
I’m really itching to do a comedy! I’d love to do a half hour single cam. Maybe I need to do something lighter after everything Ward and Rafe put me through last season of OBX!

Do you have a wish list of who you would like to work with next?
Currently my list is the entire cast of “The White Lotus” on HBO! I can’t get enough.

After living through the pandemic, many people are talking about what they want to do differently in life. Did you have an aha pandemic moment?
I’m someone that really likes to be busy and have a schedule, so the pandemic was an adjustment. It taught me, or actually forced me, to slow down and find enjoyment in doing less. I think my tendency in the past has been to put pressure on myself to be productive or have something each day that moved the needle of my life forward, so to speak. I’ve learned that at the end of some days if you did nothing, but you felt peace or joy at some point, then that was a productive day.

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