Daily Inspiration: Meet MacKenzie Wynn

Today we’d like to introduce you to MacKenzie Wynn.

Hi MacKenzie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As a kid I was always the one who wanted to play pretend, even when everyone else had already decided it wasn’t cool anymore. My little sister and I would spend hours making these at-home videos of plays and talk shows, and we would get creative with whatever household items and clothes we could find. I was also put into theatre around that time, and it was the first place where I really felt like I fit.

I had no idea what being in a film would be like, though! I started sneaking in more grown-up movies that my mom definitely would not have approved of at my age, like The Thing or Pulp Fiction. I watched them in the living room with the volume turned so low that I practically had to lip-read. Because of that, I ended up paying a lot of attention to facial expressions and subtitles to really understand the scenes. Sometimes I think that is what shaped how I act now.

When I went to college, I knew I loved being on stage, but the only classes offered were musical theatre. I had fun, but it never felt like my world. A professor once told me that my performances were so subtle I should try scene study for on-camera acting. Did I listen right away? No! However, I carried that advice with me and started reading acting books that were recommended to me.

Fast forward to 2019. I needed a change, and I moved from sunny Orange County to rainy, emerald green Seattle. Even though Los Angeles was the obvious choice for acting, I wanted to be independent and challenge myself with a completely new environment. Once I settled into Seattle I found myself jumping into the filmmaking and production community, met a lot of creative people, and eventually found an agency. That opened the door for me to start auditioning for any Pacific Northwest project I thought I could bring something to. One thing led to another and I found myself cast in project after project. After completing my first lead role in a feature film I decided to make the move back here to SoCal.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
If the road wasn’t a little bumpy, that would be weird, right? I’ve definitely struggled with wondering if I’m on the right path. There is so much in this industry that can spark self-doubt, and it can really get into your head if you let it. But sometimes all it takes is one project to remind you why you’re doing this and to validate that your passion is there for a reason.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work in production, so my days are usually long, a little chaotic, and full of teamwork that makes you feel like you’re part of a family. One of the most fun and challenging aspects of working in production has been contributing to the 15-time Emmy-winning series The Amazing Race. Traveling the world with the crew from seasons 35 to 39 has been such an unforgettable experience! Just this year alone, I’ve traveled to 10 different countries, including some I never imagined I’d visit, all thanks to the show. I’ve learned so much about people, the world, and how to stay calm when everything around you is moving at a million miles an hour.

Even with all the excitement of that job, there’s another project that holds a really special place in my heart! I was lucky enough to be cast as one of two leads in a feature film adaptation of one of Edgar Allan Poe’s earliest works, Berenice. The visionary duo behind the adaptation, Jessica and Richard Valentine, knew exactly how to give me the tools I needed to bring their character Moon to life in a way that felt honest and true. The Valentines created the kind of environment where I could really grow and take risks. I’m so grateful that they believed in me and trusted me with their incredible odyssey of a story.

To me, Berenice is ultimately about friendship. I played opposite the amazing Diana Salina, who is one of the most committed and fearless actors I’ve ever worked with. Filming it felt like a journey, sometimes intense, sometimes strangely magical, and from the looks of the trailer, I think audiences will feel that too. Moon, the character I play, and Jody, Diana’s character, feel like people I’ve actually known in my real life. They’re messy and human and loyal in their own ways. I’m so excited for people to meet them and experience the story we poured ourselves into!

Working on projects like Berenice has inspired me to start creating my own work as well. I am in the final stages of editing my first short film, Limerence, which was also shot in Washington state. It has been incredibly eye-opening to really step into the filmmaking and directing side of things, and it has given me a whole new appreciation for what goes into bringing a story to life. I’m excited to take on more projects in the near future, and I’m hopeful they’ll lead me toward roles in abstract, art-house horror films and other compelling, unconventional work honestly.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
Our city is strong. I live in Pasadena now, and I was one of the many who had to evacuate during the Eaton fires. When it was finally safe enough to return, what struck me most wasn’t the damage, though that was heartbreaking, it was the way our community showed up for each other. People were handing out drinkable water, donating clothes, offering anything they could to those who had lost everything. The devastation was real and visceral, but the outpouring of love and care was unforgettable.

As for what I like least about our city? The traffic? The smog? The parking-induced anxiety? Or maybe those giant, slightly-too-leaning palm trees that look one strong breeze away from ending my time on this earth… Honestly, the list could go on. But despite all of that… it’s home.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mackenziewynn.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mackenzie_wynn?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://youtu.be/6rO2NvrXyjI?si=4P3-wKTry_135fuT

Image Credits
Featured Photo: Benedikt Sebastian
3rd picture: Benedikt Sebastian
5th picture: Byron Gouette
7th picture: Byron Gouette
8th picture: Byron Gouette