2017 was the year of news. One day after POTUS 45’s inauguration there was the Women’s March in Washington D.C., the #MeToo movement kicked off and hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria made landfalls.
But it didn’t stop there. Carly McFadden took to the airwaves as a news anchor on cable news. We became friends instantly, while she was still on air.
I don’t recall the newscast itself. It was overshadowed by the fact she was taken off the air even before the broadcast ended. Becoming the shortest tenure of any television anchor, I’ve ever known. And I know quite a few.
You see, the station had come under siege. Her life was destined to change forever. It was a real combat zone.
She stood no chance of survival, I knew that. And I wept silently as she left the building in hopes of catching a helicopter ride to safety. But it was too late…
…Zombies had already gotten her.
The woman playing Carly was a Guest Star on the hit Syfy Network show, ZNation.
Now let me introduce you to the actress behind the role of Carly McFadden as it’s time to …
Upbringing
Where are you originally from? What was your childhood like? What did you like to do as a child? Then as a teen? How was school? Favorite subjects?
I am from South Africa, grew up there and went to school there. I wouldn’t say I enjoyed school very much. I was a pretty serious teen. I thought it would be the end of the world if I did badly in a test. Hence, I focused on my Academics. I loved Mathematics and quite the opposite of that, I enjoyed Dramatic Arts as well.
Any extracurricular activities like thespians, sports, student council?
I played a sport called Netball. It’s not popular in the states, but everyone knows about it back in South Africa.
I was what we call a “prefect”, which is probably similar to being a member of the student council.
Where do you call home now?
I now live in the US, Texas to be more specific.
College
Did you go to college/university? Where? Degree(s)? Acting school? Where?
I obtained my bachelor’s in industrial engineering at a University in South Africa. And I obtained a certificate in Acting from the New York Film Academy.
How did you like college?
I feel honored to have had the opportunity to do so and I did enjoy both of them.
Family / Personal Life
Tell us a bit about your family life? Job? Married? What does your spouse do for a living? How supportive is he of your career? How supportive is the rest of your family? Children?
I am married to an Industrial Engineer, who is very supportive, and we have two children. My parents and family are wonderful and supportive.
Favorite TV shows, movies and preferred music genre?
I love TV shows like Dark on Netflix and a good animation like Tangled always makes for great entertainment. I prefer silence. But in the rare cases when I do listen to music, I like alternative / indie music like Agnes Obel’s songs.
If a movie were made of your life, who would you want to play you as a child? Then as an adult and why?
As for a movie, any new talented child actor. It is always great to see new talent and not the same people over and over again. As an adult, a South African actress like Izel Bezuidenhout.
Traveling the United States
I see you’ve been traveling the states quite a bit lately. Where have you visited?
We have been traveling for work. I have seen Oregon, Washington, California, Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, New York and Utah.
Favorite city so far here and why?
I think Portland in Oregon is one of my favorite places to visit. The people are friendly, the food is great and it is a beautiful state.
Acting Career
What led you into acting? And do you prefer going by actor or actress? How far off is IMDb with your credits?
I did love dramatic arts in High School, and I was intrigued by it. That led me to study further. I landed my first role in a South African TV Soap called Villa Rosa.
I really don’t mind, either.
I think the IMDb credits for acting work is accurate.
I know you love zombies, what was it like getting to play Carly on ZNation? That cast is special, many still friends. Do you talk to any of them from time to time?
I loved playing in Z Nation. It was really fun. I was a guest star, hence not as involved as the rest of the cast.
I actually did not befriend one of the principal cast members, as our News storyline was mostly separate. Therefore, you know them much better than I do.
I very much enjoyed working with those cast members in Carly’s news world. And the crew on Z Nation was fantastic.
I know you’re a writer as well. Was Hex your first script made into a movie? I ask, because as you know I saw the movie. If not, what was your first?
Yes (HEX) that one was my first one. Thanks so much for the support, that is very kind of you.
How long have you been writing scripts? What led you in this direction from acting or was it vice versa? And I see you’ve got two scripts in post-production, BOS and Flesh. Would you like to tell us a bit about each?
I’ve written my first short film in school and have ever since written here and there. BOS is a first for South Africa. It’s an Afrikaans-English Post-Apocalyptic feature film. starring an incredible South African cast: Ruan Wessels, Simone Neethling, Roderick Jaftha, Solomon Cupido, Charlie Bougeunon and Roy van Eck. And has been doing a Film Festival run where it won Best Feature Film at the Red Brick Road Film Festival in Oklahoma. It screened at the Viva Texas Film Festival as well and will have its African premiere at the Joburg Film Festival.
I am not sure how far along Flesh is in post-production, but that one stars the iconic and lovely Danielle Harris, amongst a wonderful cast
You’ve also directed…what’s that like? Any special challenges there?
Directing is challenging. I commend all the wonderful directors out there. It takes a lot to drive a project forward.
Although I enjoyed many aspects of it. It is not something I would like to focus on in the near future.
Seems acting, writing and directing are lofty achievements in themselves. What are you after now career wise and how are you getting there?
That is very kind of you. I am focusing more on writing, producing and post-production work at the moment. That gives me the flexibility in schedule I need as a mother and that will be my focus for now.
Advice
If you could give one piece of advice to my readers on a career in show biz, what would it be?
There are so many platforms like YouTube and TikTok out there where you can showcase your work. Do use that to your advantage and create your own content. That is a fantastic way to bring eyes to your incredible work and hopefully leads to collaboration and new work.
This or That
- South African Sky gazing or Hollywood
- Vegan of Carnivore
3. Rugby or American Football
4. Date night or Home reading a good book
About Me
Finally, what do you like most about me and my social media platform?
You are a generous person, who kindly sheds light on others.
As you know many people’s social media pages shout “me, me, me” and there’s nothing wrong with that. But yours is a breath of fresh air. It is a good mix of promoting others, encouraging people and then also telling people a bit more about yourself.
I’d like to thank you to Reine for the time she’s spent with me working on this article. It’s always an honor writing about someone of notoriety. Especially someone that has worked her way to the top of her industry.
I’d, also, like to wish her, her entire family and all of my readers a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Without you none of this would be possible.
Follow me on Instagram at rickollie and subscribe to my email list here at the bottom of the page! And if you enjoy my website, please consider a small donation to help me keep it afloat at paypal.me/justmeric. Thank You.
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