You originally took acting classes to overcome your shyness, but it ended up shaping your career. Can you tell us about that moment when you realized acting was something you truly loved?

I knew right away. When I was eight, my mom took me to a small theater group, and from the moment I stepped on stage, something just clicked. It was the first time I felt completely free, like I had found a space where I could express myself without fear. It wasn’t just about performing — it felt like stepping into different lives, different emotions, and that fascinated me. I never questioned it after that; it became a part of me.

Growing up in La Grange, Tennessee, and moving around the South must have given you a deep appreciation for regional culture. How has your Southern upbringing influenced your approach to acting, and even your personal style?

Growing up in the South gave me a deep love for storytelling. Life there was simpler, slower, and so much of it revolved around listening to people share stories. Since we didn’t have much TV, my sisters and I spent most of our time in our imaginations, acting out little stories we made up. That definitely shaped how I approach acting — it’s always about finding the human truth in a character. As for my personal style, I wouldn’t say I dress very Southern, but I do love a good pair of cowboy boots!

You made the leap to Los Angeles at just 19. What was that transition like for you — personally and professionally? Was there a particular moment when you felt like you had officially ‘arrived’ in Hollywood?

Moving to LA was overwhelming at first. I had lived with my family my whole life, and then suddenly, I was across the country living alone in a city where I didn’t know a single person. It was a huge adjustment — exciting, but also lonely at times. I had to learn to trust myself and push through the uncertainty. I don’t think there was one defining “I’ve arrived in Hollywood” moment, but after about a year, I finally felt like I had found my footing. The first time I stepped onto a set, though, that was definitely surreal.

We love that you’re passionate about baking, cooking, and painting in your downtime. When did these creative outlets first become a part of your life?

Cooking has been part of my life for as long as I can remember — it’s something I grew up doing with my family, so it always feels comforting. Baking is something I got into more recently, and I love how precise and methodical it is — it’s almost meditative. Painting has been a creative outlet for me for years, but my sister is an incredible artist, so she definitely inspired me in a lot of ways. All three are ways I express myself outside of acting, and they each bring me a different kind of joy.

Your career is on a steady rise. How do you prepare for roles that span such different genres — from period dramas to comedy?

Every role is different, so the preparation depends on the project. For 1923, I had to dive into a lot of research. Learning about the time period, the social dynamics, and specifically, the realities of sex work in the 1920s. Lindy is carrying so much internally, so I spent a lot of time getting into her headspace and understanding what she’s not saying as much as what she is.

Do you find that cooking and painting serve as an escape from the fast-paced nature of Hollywood, or do they fuel your creativity in a similar way to acting?

Painting and acting share similarities to me in the sense that they both come from a deeply personal, emotional place. There’s a kind of vulnerability in both — you’re creating something that feels like a part of you. Cooking, on the other hand, is more of an escape. It’s one of the few things I can do where I’m completely present, just focused on the process.

If you could invite three people — past or present — to a dinner party where you do all the cooking, who would they be, and what would you serve?

I’d invite Cleopatra because I have so many questions for her, Frank Sinatra because his music has had such an impact on me, and Audrey Hepburn because I’ve always admired her. I’d keep the menu simple — maybe a classic homemade spaghetti and meatballs — because the last thing I need is to mess up dinner with Cleopatra at the table. I need her to like me enough to spill all her secrets!

Painting requires a different kind of creative energy than acting or cooking. What inspires your art? Do you gravitate toward a particular medium or style?

I paint for my inner child. My style has a whimsical, storybook quality, almost like something out of a children’s book. I love using soft watercolors and creating images that feel dreamy and nostalgic. When I look at my paintings, I want to feel like little me would love them — and that’s what makes me happiest.

We’re always curious about rituals — whether they’re morning routines or creative habits. Do you have any daily or weekly rituals that help keep you grounded?

I have a little ritual where I watch a Disney movie or one of my childhood favorites every week while ordering my favorite food. It’s such a small thing, but it always brings me back to myself and reminds me to slow down.

Do you have a go-to dish that you love to make when you need comfort or nostalgia? Something that reminds you of home?

My dad used to make a specific chicken soup recipe that his mother passed down to him, and it’s something I always turn to when I need comfort. The smell alone reminds me of home.

Living in LA is a big contrast to your Southern roots. How have you made your home in Los Angeles feel like a true reflection of yourself?

I’ve made my space feel really personal. Most of my decor comes from vintage stores, so everything has a bit of history to it. I always say I want my home to feel like I’m stepping into my grandmother’s house — warm, nostalgic, and filled with little treasures that tell a story. It’s my favorite place to be.

You’re at such an exciting point in your career, but what’s something you haven’t done yet — whether in acting, cooking, or painting — that you’d love to explore?

I would love to do a horror film! I think it would be such a fun and immersive experience, especially playing a character with a lot of psychological depth.

Ending on a fun note: If you could design your own dream kitchen, what would absolutely have to be in it?

An antique stove! There’s something so beautiful and nostalgic about them. I love the way they look, and I just know everything would taste better coming out of one.