
Newly-released Netflix Christmas film Holiday Rush stars twins Andrea-Marie and Selena-Marie Alphonse in the roles of Evie and Gabby respectively alongside Romany Malco as their single father, Rush Williams, who loses his job at Christmastime. The twins have worked together previously on Madam Secretary, where they were both cast as Anya, and have enjoyed appearing on Good Morning America and being involved with charity work. Answering our questions, Andrea-Marie and Selena-Marie talk about working together as twins, filming for Holiday Rush and their favourite part of the Christmas season.
You’re both currently starring in the new Netflix film Holiday Rush, what was it like turning up for your first day on set?
Selena-Marie – It was so exciting! It was just a few days after the table-read so we had already met most of the cast. The whole cast and crew were super nice and made sure we were comfortable.
Andrea-Marie – I remember it like it was yesterday! We did the scenes at the big house first before we shot anything else. It was super exciting for us seeing that it was our first movie. Everything was fast-paced.
Do you remember how you felt reading the script for the first time?
Andrea-Marie – I fell in love with the script when we read it for the first time. Our family had our own table-read. They read everyone else’s lines and we would read ours. We realised that there were some parts that were like Gabby and Evie and other parts that were very different from us.
Selena-Marie – As soon as I read that Gabby wanted a mini horse for Christmas, I knew that I was able to relate to her. I love unicorns and horses. I knew that this was going to be a part I wanted to play.
Andrea-Marie, what was your experience like playing the role of Evie Williams?
Andrea-Marie – My experience playing Evie was very memorable. I played a part that wasn’t exactly like I am in real life, she was very sassy and not the most helpful. But on the other hand, she’s very thoughtful because she did want to help her dad get money for Christmas.
Selena-Marie, how would you describe your character Gabby Williams and how was it being part of the cast?
Selena-Marie – I would describe Gabby as very sassy and boujee. She says whatever comes to her mind at not the best timing. She is kind of bratty and not grateful in the beginning of the movie. But I think that when she realised that her dad lost his job, that was when she changed because she did try to help raise money for him. Being a part of this cast was very exciting because every day was something new. It was wonderful to be part of the cast.
How did you find your time working on a Netflix Christmas movie?
Andrea-Marie – Working on a Netflix Christmas movie was absolutely a dream come true. I love Christmas movies because they’re so magical and that’s how it felt every day on set.
Selena-Marie – My experience working on a Netflix Christmas movie was super fun and exciting, we’re so thankful for the opportunity.

What was it like seeing the completed film when it was released on Netflix last month?
Selena-Marie – It was super magical. We’ve never seen our faces on a screen so big and it’s something that we’ve always wanted. It was a moment I’ll never forget. I’m looking forward to the world falling in love with the storyline and the lessons in it.
Andrea-Marie – It was so amazing being able to see the finished product.
Why would you recommend watching Holiday Rush?
Andrea-Marie – I would recommend Holiday Rush to audiences because it’s very relatable. Sometimes things don’t work out the way you want them to just before a big day and you just have to make the best out of it.
Selena-Marie – I would recommend Holiday Rush because of the lessons that were shown in it. It really makes you realise that it’s not the things that you have but the things and people you have around you.
What’s your favourite thing about the Christmas season?
Andrea-Marie – My favourite thing about the Christmas season is being with my family and putting up the Christmas tree together.
Selena-Marie – My favourite thing about the Christmas season is putting up the tree and watching Christmas movies with my family.
Can you tell us about filming for Madam Secretary?
Andrea-Marie – Filming Madam Secretary was so much fun. We got to have a lot of special-effects makeup on our faces.
Selena-Marie – I loved filming for Madam Secretary. Andrea did the first two scenes and I did a night scene. It was really cool because although we were cast in the same show and we played the same part, we shot different scenes.
Where did both of your acting careers start?
Andrea-Marie – Our acting careers actually started when we booked a few print jobs.
Selena-Marie – That’s right, we started off with print.

You’ve previously appeared on Good Morning America, how was it appearing on the show?
Selena-Marie – Appearing on GMA was so much fun. We got to meet new friends and be in front of a camera which is something that we love!
Andrea-Marie – Whenever we’ve been on GMA it’s always fun.
Can you tell us about any charity work you’re involved with?
Andrea-Marie – We love being able to give back to those in need. It’s something that our parents have taught at a very young age and we love to do it.
Selena-Marie – It felt amazing knowing that all the toys we packed at Project Hollywood Helpers were going to put a smile on the faces of kids who need it the most.
How do you find the experience working together as twins?
Andrea-Marie – Working with my twin is always an amazing experience. We support each other 100% and there’s nothing better than having a best friend by your side 24/7.
Selena-Marie – There’s nothing better than working with Andrea. We always have the best time when we’re together.
What do you enjoy doing away from your career?
Selena-Marie – When we’re not filming, we’re either perfecting a skill or spending time with friends and family. We do ice skating, gymnastics and roller skating.
Andrea-Marie – We love finding new ways to stay active as well as finding time to be with our friends and family. We also love to dance and sing.
Do you have any plans for the next few months?
Andrea-Marie – We’ll be working on new exciting things over the next few months. We can’t wait to share!
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Categories: Film & TV, home, Interview, Young Performers