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Born in London, Ontario and now living in Hamilton, Ontario, Emilia McCarthy has had a passion for acting and dance since she was a child.
Emilia made her big-screen debut at the age of eight, acting alongside Cate Blanchett and Gale Garcia Bernal as Cate’s daughter, a role she shared with Elle Fanning, in the Golden Globe Award-winning film Babel. Emilia’s most recent film, David Cronenberg’s Maps to the Stars, starring Robert Pattinson and Julianne Moore, premiered at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival, and received a red-carpet screening at TIFF14 this past September with the stars of the film attending. The film is expected to be released in the U.S. in 2015 following its debut in Canada.
On television, Emilia can be seen in the Netflix original series Hemlock Grove, playing the part of fraternal twin, ‘Alyssa Sworn.’ In 2014 she appeared in the Disney Channel Original film Zapped, starring Shake it Up star Zendaya and in 2013 she played ‘Lauren’ in the first DisneyXD movie Bunks. Her previous television credits include a guest-starring role in the highly rated CW series Beauty & the Beast, and starring roles in CBC’s made-for-TV films Booky’s Crush and Booky & The Secret Santa. Emilia also starred in the Y-TV web-series Unlikely Heroes and Kids’ Town.
Along with these performing accomplishments, Emilia self-published a book at the age of seven with the help of her father titled Baby’s Wish. Her theatre credits include roles in Hairspray, Aida, Seussical Jr. and Tarantella Cabaret.
Emilia is fluent in Spanish, French, and English.
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How did you get your start in acting?
When I was 7 years old I woke up one morning and decided I wanted to be an actor, so I told my parents and they could tell how serious I was- this was not a phase. After getting my first gig Babel, filming in the Mexican desert for 6 months I knew there was nothing I wanted to do more than pursue an acting career.
What is the scariest part of an audition?
It’s scary being at an audition when you don’t feel completely prepared and have to sit in a room full of your competitors. All you can do is hope for the best and expect the worst, thinking that helps me.
How you were selected for this show?
I auditioned for Abby once and then was called into a chemistry test to read with the other characters then they mix and matched and created this awesome cast.
Tell us about your character?
Abby is very competitive and ambitious and gets very intense when she doesn’t get what she wants. She is also the love advisor and always has everyone’s best interest at heart, she’s always there to help!
What do you like most about your character and how can you relate to it?
My character and I are very similar as the writers incorporate things from each actor into their character and then the actor subconsciously inherits characteristics from their character. Not only that but Abby is constantly on her phone, and I am known for that.
Tell us about your favorite episode in Season 1.
My favourite episode from season 1 is when Abby ghost writes an autobiography for Max, but she gets carried away and makes up crazy things about Max that aren’t true.
How do you balance your personal life with your acting life?
Balancing both lives is the hardest part of the job. Because I made the choice to stay in regular school and get that “normal” life experience it’s difficult to keep both sides happy. But it’s something I am used to and am ultimately satisfied with.
Where we can follow you?
You can follow me on Twitter and Instagram @emiliaamccarthy
Any other hobbies?
Dancing is something I’ve always done in addition to acting, also singing in the shower.
Favorite sports team:
Chicago Blackhawks-my dad is a die-hard fan.
Favorite Music:
I like anything bumping I can jam to.
Best advice ever given?
Hope for the best, expect the worst.
What music we can find on your iPod?
R&B
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself living in LA enjoying the Cali weather.
If you could choose, what three actors would you really want to work with?
I know I would love to work with Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling because they are both from London Ontario Canada, where I was born and raised. I think it’s meant to be.
What’s the best and worst part of being an actress?
The worst part of being in the acting business is the unpredictability and therefore inability to plan anything in advance. But the best part is basically everything else.
What are future goals?
My biggest goal is to move permanently to LA. I love California; it’s where I want to be.
Who inspires you?
Anyone who has had a goal and didn’t stop until they achieved it inspires me to do the same.
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