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Tinged with the riveting aura of a classic yesteryear western unfolding in a small, sleepy town, Blue Ridge is the latest show to air on the aptly named Cowbay Way Channel, where viewers can tune in to satiate their demand for compelling crime-action dramas.
An extension of the 2020 film of the same name, the series builds upon the exploits of Sheriff Justin Wise (an ever-charming Johnathon Schaech returning in the lead role) as he navigates occurences rife with danger, which threaten to disrupt the harmony of his seemingly quaint surroundings.
Playing the role of one of Wise's deputies on the show is Avianna Mynhier, famous for her stelllar turn as Rachel Ward in The Walking Dead, whom we recently had the pleasure of interviewing.
In a candid and exclusive interview with Sportskeeda, Avianna opened up on sharing screen space with Johnathon Schaech, her experience on The Walking Dead, Blue Ridge and more.
Blue Ridge star Avianna Mynhier details The Walking Dead experience, what viewers can expect from her latest show, her love for Bollywood cinema and more
Q) Hi Avianna! If you had to briefly introduce yourself to our readers, how would you sum up the same in your own fun way?
Avianna: Why hello there! Let’s see.
I’d say I’m energetic, curious and passionate with a love for learning and new adventures. I also love a bit of banter!
Q) Could you tell us about your journey so far- What drew you towards the realm of acting and how were you introduced to the world of films ?
Avianna: I was raised in a family that adores movies, but my journey into acting was pretty serendipitous!
I stumbled into it after college and quickly fell in love. When I stepped foot on the set of AMC’s The Walking Dead to play Rachel Ward in season 9, I was hooked.
Q) Tell us a bit about your childhood/ Indian roots?
Avianna: We’re originally from Kerala, a tropical paradise on the coast. I also lived in Konganapuram for a while between years of college.
I have so many memories in India, from home-cooked meals, to long train rides exploring the south, and family trips for weddings.
Q) How acquainted are you with the world of Bollywood cinema and do you have any personal favourites as such ?
Avianna: Oh my gosh, Bollywood has a special place in my heart! It’s impossible to not have a smile on your face while watching.
Stars like Alia Bhatt and Kriti Sanon inspire me so much! I also admire creatives that fuse Bollywood and Hollywood, like Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nida Manzoor.
Q) Tell us in brief about what your new show Blue Ridge is all about and what can viewers expect from the same?
Avianna: Blue Ridge is an action-crime drama following a new sheriff and his two deputies as they solve crime in a town at the heart of the Blue Ridge mountains.
I play one of the deputies, Maxx Covington.
Viewers can expect lots of fun, mystery and action! Every episode focuses on a new case.
Q) Tell us more about your character on the show and what kind of preparation went into bringing her to life on screen?
Avianna: In Blue Ridge the series, I play a smart, brave and compassionate deputy named Maxx who has a passion for serving her community.
To learn and prepare for the role, I talked to many real deputies in North Carolina, where we filmed the show. It was really helpful to observe and interact with professionals from the region.
Q) You have worked alongside industry veteran Johnathon Schaech in Blue Ridge. What was that experience like ?
Avianna: Working alongside the legendary Johnathon Schaech was an honor!
I’m such a fan of his performance in the 1996 Tom Hanks film That Thing You Do!, so when we first met I was a bit flustered.
All of his wisdom, wit, and kindness meant a lot to me. It made filming so fun!
Q) Having also worked on one of the most popular shows of all time i.e The Walking Dead, could you tell us more about that experience- how did that come about and what were your early auditioning days like?
Avianna: Getting cast on The Walking Dead was such a whirlwind adventure!
It was my first year doing acting auditions, so when I landed the role I was so shaken up.
Let me tell you, those early auditioning days were a rollercoaster of nerves and excitement.
Q) Apart from Blue Ridge and The Walking Dead, You have also worked on Amazon Prime's Young Adult series Panic. What was that like?
Avianna: I was so excited to work on Panic because I remembered reading the book! The show is filled with teenage angst, adrenaline and rebellion, which is so fun.
Plus I loved that Adam Schroeder was executive producer / showrunner on the project. I’m a big fan of his films and work.
Q) Tell us about an unforgettable/memorable on-set incident you've experienced and the most important thing you've learnt as an actor so far?
Avianna: I remember one day we were filming on the beach for The Walking Dead and we found out that a giant storm was on the way.
We were trying to film the last scene of the day but major wind was picking up. We only had minutes to work with, but instead of panicking, everyone embraced the chaos and improvised to get the scene done.
Lesson learned as an actor? Expect the unexpected!
Q) What, according to you, is the hardest challenge about being a rising actor in today's world?
Avianna: To me, one of the toughest parts of the profession is balancing passion with patience.
You’ve got to have both, but sometimes they feel at odds. But hey, what's life without a few challenges, right?
Q) You've also dabbled in hosting a podcast titled Uprising, could you tell us more about the conception behind the same and is that a realm you're looking to explore further?
Avianna: Yes! It was a passion project born out of a desire to dive deeper into the minds of dreamers and doers of all kinds.
I interviewed activists, doctors, chefs, architects and more! I put the project down for a while, but I’m sure I’ll pick it back up when the time is right.
Q) What are some of your hobbies/ stress-busters beyond acting?
Avianna: Dancing! I grew up dancing and adore it to this day.
I also love indoor cycling, but that’s probably just because it feels like dancing on a bicycle.
Q) If not an actor, what alternative career path would you have probably chosen?
Avianna: I worked in tech prior to filming Blue Ridge, so probably that! I love the tech industry.
Q) Any upcoming projects in the pipeline for you?
Yes! I just worked on a new Netflix show that I’m really excited about. Stay tuned!
Q) What advice will you give to an aspiring artist/actor, something that you wish you knew when you started out?
I’d remind folks to stay weird! Lean into your unique, unbridled point of view.
