TV
EMILY KINNEY SINGS OUT
Beth on The Walking Dead and Songwriter Talks Both Her Passions BY BRET LOVE
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F YOU WERE THE GAMBLING type, you’d be forgiven for betting against the long-term survival odds of Beth Greene– younger sister of Maggie, adoring daughter of Herschel– when she made her debut in The Walking Dead’s second season. Quiet, mousy and seemingly emotional fragile, the character seemed like the sort most likely to meet her maker curled up in a corner and crying for her mommy than going out in a blaze of zombie-slaying glory. But, while tough-as-nails types such as Shane, T-Dog and The Governor have all gone the way of the Dodo, sweet, singing Beth remains one of The Walking Dead’s longest-lasting survivors. She’s even emerged as a strong, nurturing maternal figure in the wake of Lori’s death and Carol’s exile, taking care of the kids and even attracting Daryl’s eye near the end of Season 4. As a longtime fan of the show (and the comics on which they’re based), I was delighted to get a chance to talk to Emily Kinney– the Nebraska native who plays Beth. Though she couldn’t reveal any spoilers for Season 5, we did talk about her early career on Broadway, how she landed The Walking Dead role, her singersongwriter aspirations, and what she loves most about filming in Georgia. It’s obvious music and acting are both passions for you. Which came first, and who/what inspired your original interest in performing?
PG 18 • October 2014 • insiteatlanta.com
Singing was my first way into performing. I would sing at talent shows. But acting on TV and doing theatre quickly also become a huge part of my life, and a fun thing I liked to do, too. How did you land the role of Anna in Spring Awakening on Broadway? Seems like an auspicious professional debut! I auditioned for a while for Spring Awakening over the course of quite a few months. It was a long process but it was a blast!! Like a lot of people, I discovered you via The Walking Dead. Can you talk about the casting process for that? Casting for Walking Dead was like most auditions for me but the unique thing about it was it was so secretive. I auditioned with different scenes than what we did for the show. In fact I auditioned with Maggie scenes, but always knew I was going in for the part of her sister. The show was obviously a hit by the time you joined the cast in Season 2. Is that more freeing, to know it’s probably not going to get cancelled, or intimidating because the cast is already bonded? I didn’t know how long I would be on the show, and it was a hit especially with comicbook fans. But it definitely didn’t have the fan base it has now. I’m always pleased when I get to work on something that I know will be seen and has an audience. There is a lot of work
THEATRE, MUSIC, MAKING TV SHOWS, WRITING: I HOPE THESE THINGS ARE ALL A PART OF MY LIFE FOREVER.
singers and actors do that will never be seen! To have an audience, a listening ear, is a huge gift for any kind of artist. What are your favorite things about filming The Walking Dead in Georgia? I love the music scene I’ve found here. I love Decatur and Eddie’s Attic. I love all the trees and the heat really doesn’t bother me. It’s also really beautiful how fall lingers for SO long here. You’ve obviously gotten a chance to showcase your singing several times on the show. Was the part of Beth written with singing involved, or was that something they added because of your talent? It was something they added. But it was because it would add something special to the character and the story, as I understand, and not necessarily just because I could sing! Your latest EP, Expired Love, has a diverse array of sounds. I saw an interview where you compared your style to Tom Waits’. Was he a big influence on you, and if so, how? I just love his songwriting and story-telling. I feel like there are a lot of artists that influence me, but I’m most attracted to those that have their own unique voice and are very honest, and I find Tom Waits to be very honest in his stories and point of view.
Who are some of the other musicians who influenced your work? I listen to a lot of Frightened Rabbit and lately, A Fine Frenzy and Jaymay. Also, I love John Fullbright right now. Planning to go to his next show in Brooklyn. I’m a “#Fanbright” Which gives you bigger butterflies: Filming an intense, zombie-filled action sequence on the show, or performing live in concert? Both, and kind of the same for the same reason. I don’t want to fall on my ass and fuck up the show! I’d be remiss if I didn’t ask you about the new season of The Walking Dead. I know you can’t reveal details, but can you give me a few thoughts on what lies ahead? No Spoilers!!!!! Fair enough, but you can’t blame a guy for trying. Do you think you’ll continue to balance music and acting after The Walking Dead ends, or do you see a future where you pursue one or the other full-time? I see a balance and focusing energy when one project requires more focused energy haha…but theatre, music, making TV shows, writing: I hope these things are all a part of my life forever.