This year, Antonella Rose joined the cast of Series 8 of Fear the Walking Dead, playing the role of Tracy Otto, with the final episode of the series airing in America last month. Having started her TV career in Raven’s Home in 2020 as Jillian, Antonella has since gone on to play Christina Gore in Candy, reuniting with the cast including Jessica Biel and Melanie Lynksey for the Hulu red carpet premiere. Antonella filmed in Italy for an upcoming feature film – A Sudden Case of Christmas – working closely with Danny DeVito, Andie MacDowell and Wilmer Valderrama, and she was directed by Peter Chelsom. As well as being a screen actor, Antonella is a singer-songwriter, and is enjoying writing her own music. We chatted to Antonella about joining the cast of Series 8 of Fear the Walking Dead as Tracy Otto, playing Christina Gore in Candy and being on set of the upcoming feature film A Sudden Case of Christmas.

How did you feel finding out you’d booked the role of Tracy Otto in Fear the Walking Dead and how was it joining the cast for Series 8?

The process until I heard “girl, you booked the job” was very intense. My life basically stopped for two weeks, I mean, you couldn’t even imagine how many steps there were.

I first auditioned for the role of Mo, and after a few rounds of additional scenes, and chemistry reads, I found out that I hadn’t booked the job and I was devastated, I kept on thinking what went wrong. After a few weeks, they sent me an audition for Tracy and I was determined to nail it! Later on, I found out that they basically decided when I was auditioning for Mo, that I was the right fit for Tracy, and when playing her. Tracy was amazing and I’ll cherish her FOREVER!!

How would you describe Tracy and what is she like to play?

Tracy is a kid who was born in the apocalypse. She never had a normal life but she’s extremely smart for her age, and even though she has Troy’s attitude, she has a good heart. She even questioned her dad about his obsession with killing Madison, but being controlled by her father her whole life made her make bad choices like when she shot Madison. I strongly believe that she’s now a mini Alycia. She’s learning from her how to help others, but I don’t think she will ever lose that sassiness she has.

What has it been like seeing the fan response to your character so far?

Stepping into a show that’s been here for years is quite a bit scary, especially because Tracy was introduced quite briefly and I knew it might have been hard for the fans to get to know her as a character, and as a person. But surprisingly, I’m still in shock at all of the love I’m receiving. I’m getting countless messages on my social media, drawings, and edits and I’m beyond grateful for all the people that admire my work.

What was it like on set of Fear the Walking Dead and what did you enjoy most about being involved with the series?

Every day was a challenge for me as an actor. My scenes required a lot of emotional and physical effort from me. I will never forget Kim Dickens hugging me for a few minutes after we were done, to make sure I was back in the mental place I was supposed to be, like the mamma bear that she is. I enjoyed everything, from the moment I got the audition, to the process of bringing Tracy to life, and I love love love all the wonderful people I met. I am so grateful to have this wonderful opportunity.

Can you tell us about the TV series Candy and your character Christina Gore?

Christina Gore was my breakdown to this amazing world as an actress. I learned so much with the show, and sharing screen time with Jessica Biel and Melanie Lynksey still feels so dreamlike. And I got the chance for a little chat with Justin Timberlake.

How was it reading the Candy scripts for the first time and getting into character?

I searched online for everything that could help me to play her, I was so surprised to learn that it’s a true murder story. Sometimes I still think about how the real Christina Gore feels, and I really wish I could give her a big hug.

How did you find the experience attending the Hulu red carpet premiere and what was it like reuniting with Jessica Biel and the rest of the cast?

To see all my castmates there was so cool. It was my first red carpet, and I felt really special and lucky to be there. I love to dress up, and it was the perfect excuse for me to use some light makeup.

You are set to star in the upcoming release of the feature film A Sudden Case of Christmas, is there anything you can say about this project and what are you looking forward to for the release?

I would love to talk more about it, but it hasn’t been released yet, so I’m not allowed. I can see this movie becoming a Christmas classic. The story is so intriguing and almost spellbinding, the scenario is to die for, with a lot of twists, an incredible plot, and a stellar cast.

What was it like filming alongside a cast including Danny DeVito, Andie MacDowell and Wilmer Valderrama, and being directed by Peter Chelsom?

Wilmer Valderrama is so humble that sometimes he makes you forget that he’s a Hollywood star. Andie MacDowell and I shared a beautiful scene together and I can’t wait for you guys to see it, she’s so effortlessly elegant. Danny DeVito is a national treasure, I can say that I had a masterclass of improv and acting with a living LEGEND. Peter is a full package director. He pays attention to every single little detail of the movie. He will be the first to enter and last to leave the location. He definitely matches my energy and I just know he’s going to be part of my life forever. He’s part of my story!!!

How was it making your network TV debut in an episode of Raven’s Home as Jillian in 2020?

I was 7 years old and a huge fan of the show, so for me, it was a big deal. I had the best time.

How did you get into acting and was it something you always wanted to do?

My mom is a former actress and, one day, I was playing with my dolls, and I created a dramatic scene, I started crying while talking to my doll, and telling her all about my best friend, and that she was sick (all pretending). I guess my mom saw some potential in me as an actress and found me a monologue on the internet that was so cute called “I don’t like boys”, I still have the footage. She submitted it to the agencies, and I got signed right away. I can’t see myself doing anything else. Acting is my passion, but I’m learning not to be so harsh with myself. I’m my worst critic.

What are some of your favourite films and TV shows to watch?

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children! I always liked that sort of weird style of films/TV shows. Yet there are always exceptions for comedies like The Middle.

We understand you are a singer/songwriter and have been working on your debut single, what do you enjoy most about singing, and what plans do you have for your music?

I myself can never just lay down and start writing whenever I want, that creative spark always comes out of the blue!! That’s why I always try to have some form of pen and paper on me whenever I get that creativity!

How do you like to spend your free time?

In my downtime, I really love to play my ukulele and write songs. I also love to crochet and draw clothing, I love fashion! And last but not least, going to the theatre with my friends.

Do you have any upcoming projects that you can share and what are you hoping 2024 brings for your career?

My agent and manager are talking about something really cool, and I hope I could spread the word, but I guess it’s not decided yet. We will have to find out together.

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