Today we’d like to introduce you to McKenna Ralston.
Hi McKenna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was raised by my mother who was very keen on letting my older sister and I get bored so we’d figure out what we’re passionate about. To this day, I think it was a very brilliant parenting tactic. Growing up, I loved watching movies with my mom, sister, and stepdad. At my mom’s house, we’d watch a lot of 80’s and 90’s movies. A movie that brought us together was “Tommy Boy” with Chris Farley and David Spade. Laughing with my family was the best feeling, and I started to analyze at a really young age what made people laugh… or cry! Acting was something in the back of my mind I was passionate about, but considering I didn’t know a single person in the industry or arts, I figured I’d stay on track with school and getting a job. After getting my associate’s degree in high school and whilst attending college, I had an epiphany that if I was going to get my psychology degree, I would graduate and try acting. However, I didn’t tell anyone what I was doing for about eight months because acting can sound like a pipe dream to many. I’d hate to start acting and completely suck or find out I actually hate it. I trained for about a year at my local acting studios in Seattle where I’m from, and then landed an agent. Within a few months, I booked a national commercial, my first guest star on a television network series, and worked on the virtual reality game for Marvel’s Iron Man. Once I gained confidence and credits, I moved to LA in February 2020… about 10 days before the world went to shit.
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?
I’d love to meet the person who has had a smooth road! I don’t think I’d be where I am without facing hardship, frustration, rejection, and disappointment. I’d say moving here right before the pandemic hit was difficult. When I moved, COVID wasn’t even talked about. I’m glad I moved when I did because I’d have no idea when I’d finally move to LA if I hadn’t. I think some struggle I faced was getting signed. There’s so much convoluted advice out there about the best way to approach reps, and once you get one, having one that truly believes in you can be the luckiest find there is. Thankfully, my reps are amazing, and I’m very thankful to have them specifically on my team. I think settling down and realizing what’s meant to be will be was the best piece of advice I could remind myself.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a queer actor who lives and dreams in the world of television and film. I’d say I’m known for playing really gritty, raw, and mentally unwell characters well. Whether it’s a scene I’m performing in class or a role I’ve played in a show or film, I love transforming into characters I can achieve catharsis with. When I played Becky on Z Nation, I loved being able to scream in agony (had it been a few days shoot, I would have lost my voice or lost control of my bladder more than likely). I recently just performed a scene from the play, Proof by David Auburn at the Ivana Chubbuck Studio. I received feedback that described my ability to play someone seemingly mentally unwell. I can’t tell if I have more inner work to do with my therapist or I’ve overcome past trauma and I’m able to tap into it. Both? Maybe? I also love playing queer roles since I’m openly bisexual. Something that bothers me about the industry is the notion that queer needs to look a certain way. You can be in the queer community and look however you want.
I’m most proud of being in LA for a few years and haven’t given up or feel burnt out. But something less woo-woo I’m proud of is attending the 79th Venice Film Festival last year for my small supporting role in the film Dreamin’ Wild. I got to work with Walton Goggins in a scene alongside Casey Affleck, Zooey Deschanel, and Chris Messina, all of whom were lovely as can be. The film is Bill Pohlad’s directorial debut, but you may know him for producing 12 years a Slave, Into the Wild, and executive producing Brokeback Mountain. I couldn’t have asked for a more giving, intelligent, kind, and talented scene partner.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m planning to continue evolving as an actor as I evolve as a human being. I’m constantly learning about myself and how I can be the best version of myself, and I think that reflects in my abilities on stage and in front of the camera. I just joined the Masterclass to train with Ivana Chubbuck herself at the Ivana Chubbuck Studio, so I look forward to working with her. I’m excited to attend the screening of Dreamin’ Wild which comes out on August 4th in theaters. Otherwise, I’m working hard to maybe take a trip to Europe this year. Or Hawaii. Or all of the above. I’m very keen on pondering large-scale goals and breaking them down into smaller ones. I take it one day or week at a time and don’t look too far ahead anymore.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9195499/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mckennaralston/?hl=en
Image Credits
Stephanie Girard (headshot)
