Check out our interview with Paramount Pictures Musical Movie, “MEAN GIRLS” actress Allison Winn who plays the role of “Caroline Krafft” alongside many incredible actors like, Angourie Rice (Cady), Renée Rapp (Regina), Auli’i Cravalho (Janis) and many others. Caroline squares off against Cady Heron (Rice) to win the final mathletes tournament and Caroline is the only other girl on her team. In the 2004 film, Caroline represents everything Cady is afraid of being herself, openly smart, awkward, and unglamorous. But, in this new 2024 film, Caroline is a different version of Cady’s fears, well-put-together, preppy, a ruthless, mean girl who isn’t afraid of being a bully to win at all costs. Mean Girls will be in theaters on January 12, 2024, and then available on streaming.
Follow Allison @allisonwinn
Hi Allison, please tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in Ridgewood, NJ, and currently live in Manhattan (upper west side). I also love to travel, do yoga, find vintage and antiques, and am a total cinephile continuing my never ending quest to become a living, breathing IMDb.
Describe yourself in three words.
Passionate, warm, creative.
How did you get started in acting?
It was always sort of fluid to me, I knew I loved to perform and knew very young that I wanted to do it forever. Dancing came very naturally to me, and I loved it, but I kept finding myself wishing I was doing more than dance… I loved the idea of musical theater and roles that required a “triple threat“ performer. I graduated from college with a BFA in Musical Theater, but quickly realized that TV/Film acting is what I love most and shifted gears to prioritize it in my career.
How has this changed your life?
It is definitely an alternative lifestyle! I love that acting leads me to meet and work with all kinds of people—Bouncing around from different sets, plays, meeting friends in audition waiting rooms… I love that no day is ever the same as an actor.
What is the best and worst part of being an actress?
The best part is crafting a character and then getting to perform it. The worst part is the waiting game after a callback for something you really want!
How do you prepare for a role?
I am very visual, so mood boards, crafting an outfit for an audition… and then lots of script analysis and rehearsal too.
Tell us about your work in the much anticipated Paramount Pictures musical movie “MEAN GIRLS” and about your role as Caroline Krafft?
Caroline Krafft is a smart and confident girl who is not afraid of how others perceive her. In the 2004 film, Caroline represents everything Cady is afraid of being herself- openly smart, awkward, and unglamorous. But in 2024, Caroline Krafft is a very different version of Cady’s fears… stay tuned!
What other projects have you been part of?
Some favorite past projects are Vox Lux, Marvelous Mrs Maisel, Daredevil, and Boarding School.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play, and why?
I would love to play a witch, be in a gorgeous period piece film, and do something like a screwball comedy. I want to be a part of all my favorite kinds of things I love to watch myself!
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Booking the job! Auditioning requires a lot of stamina, and comes with tons of rejection. So booking the job, and then seeing the final product represents all of perseverance it took to get there, which is very rewarding.
What’s your advice for the newer actors?
Learn how to write a good email, and figure out what you need to be self-sufficient as an actor because nobody on set has time to hold your hand.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you have learned so far in this business?
Kindness goes a long way, and being yourself is a superpower in this business.
How would your best friend describe you?
I think they would say I am generous, fun, and that I am the ultimate shopping enabler and will always help you craft an excuse for why you “NEED to get that!”
If you were a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
“Daydreaming at Night.” I have always been a night owl, which is generally frowned upon, but it is when I feel most creative and when there are no distractions or obligations after the day has ended and I can just let my mind wander.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
I really enjoyed The Inner Game of Tennis.
What’s next for Allison Winn in 2024?
Mean Girls, and hopefully take a trip somewhere I’ve never been.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Being present with people I love, investing in my personal health, pursuing my passions, and enjoying downtime as much as the busy times.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I want to spend the day with Anthony Hopkins. Obviously, to talk about acting, but also to be in one of his epic Instagram videos dancing in the kitchen or doing abstract painting.
Best advice ever given?
Being a good listener will make you better at everything you do, personally and professionally.
Do you support any charities?
The Nature Conservancy.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years?
Hopefully still acting, perhaps writing/directing, having a family, and traveling.
Favorite song? Why?
Smile, by Charlie Chaplin. Beautiful melody, beautiful message.
What do you think of social media?
I enjoy it! I like seeing and celebrating what people are up to, but to me the more social aspect is sending my friends interesting and fun things we find and discussing them. I think it is at its best when treated like an endless, curated magazine of all your interests and less like a realistic representation of reality.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram: @allisonwinn — be prepared to see a lot of pictures of Daisy, the greatest pup of all time.
Book: The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera.
Quote: “If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.”- The Secret Garden
Movie: Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Tv Series: I can’t wait for Severance to come back on Apple TV!
Favorite Food: Mozzarella cheese.
Travel Destination: Copenhapen, Denmark.
Sports Team: Knicks, Yankees—Anything New York, baby!
