Kennedy Garcia plays the recurring role of Felicity Greene in America’s long-running soap opera Days of Our Lives, and she played Sasha in the short film Brownies. Having started her career as a model, Kennedy was discovered by American Girl and became the first model with Down syndrome to work with the brand, and her other work has included a campaign with Kenzie Ziegler for Justice, and the 2023 Cardi B McDonald’s Super Bowl commercial. Alongside her acting and modelling career, Kennedy is a public speaker, and is involved with charity work. We caught up with Kennedy about her recurring role of Felicity Greene in Days of Our Lives, playing Sasha in short film Brownies and being a model with American Girl.
How did you feel finding out you’d booked the recurring role of Felicity Greene in Days of Our Lives?
I was so excited! I have always wanted to be in a soap opera and now my dream has come true. I love being Felicity!
Can you tell us about Felicity and what is she like to play?
Felicity is awesome! She is a baker, which is fun because I don’t bake at all. She loves fashion and she has a boyfriend, which I do too so that’s easy, and she’s a great friend! Everyone loves her!
How was it meeting the rest of the cast for the first time and what is it like on the set of the show?
The cast is so great! I have loved working with everyone and they have helped me so much. I am making so many friends!
What are you enjoying most about filming for a hugely-popular long-running soap opera?
Just learning all the history of the show and meeting all the actors who have been there since before I was born. It’s very cool! I am so proud to be part of it!
You play Sasha in the short film Brownies, what was this like to be part of?
That was such a fun film with a great group of girls! We had fun on set dancing and laughing. I’ll never forget it.
Having started your career as a model, how did you feel being discovered by American Girl and becoming the first model with Down syndrome to work for the brand?
American Girl was awesome. I loved that job and I still have my first doll. Working with them showed me I want to do this forever.
You went on to film for a campaign with Kenzie Ziegler for Justice, how was this?
Kenzie was so fun to work with! Since I’m a dancer too it was cool to meet her and talk about dance and things like that. She was very sweet. We run into each other every few years or so and it’s fun to see her doing great things.
Can you tell us about some of the other print and commercial campaigns you’ve worked on over the years, which have included Claire’s, Disney, Instagram and Cardi B’s 2023 McDonald’s Super Bowl commercial?
I feel so lucky to work on each job I am chosen for. Every one is special for different reasons and I’ve been able to work with brands I use every day which is awesome. The Super Bowl commercial was really special because I got to film with my boyfriend Matthew… oh and Cardi B. Ha!
How did you get into acting and modelling and did you know you always wanted a career in both?
I started with boutique modelling for small businesses and I loved it so much. Then American Girl was my first real job and it took off from there. I hope I get to do it forever.
What are some of your favourite films and TV shows to watch?
Oh that’s hard! I love Outer Banks and Stranger Things a lot! And I have been watching all the Jurassic Park movies right now. They’re great!
Also a public speaker, you have spoken at the Adam Morgan Foundation, Best Buddies and at over 100 middle schools, how do you find the experience?
I love to speak to others and raise awareness about Down syndrome and inclusion. It makes me happy when people realise I’m just like them and that people with disabilities can do anything.
Can you tell us about your charity work?
I am an ambassador for Best Buddies and for Breaking the Chains Foundation. Both organisations do amazing things! I also support St. Jude because I am a childhood cancer survivor and Shriners Hospital for Children because I had spine fusion surgery there as a toddler. Lots of people and places who helped make me who I am today.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I love to dance and make TikToks, I love spending time with my friends and family. I love the beach and just hanging out and enjoying life.
What are you hoping this year brings for your career and do you have any projects coming up that you can share?
Ahhh I hope for some great storylines on Days for Felicity and who knows, maybe a movie or something… I guess wait and see!
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