Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Day of the Dead’s Natalie Malaika

Natalie Malaika is making waves with her stellar performance in Day of the Dead.

The must-see zombie drama follows strangers who must survive the first twenty-four hours of an undead invasion.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Natalie about her multifaceted career, Day of the Dead, and more!

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts and storytelling?
Natalie: It happened at a very young age, when I was around four or five years old. My mom caught me trying to mimic the ballerinas I saw on TV, so she enrolled me in dance classes—and so started my journey in the arts, first as a dancer and musician and then eventually as an actor when I discovered the joy of theater in middle school. By the end of high school, I had been in a number of school plays and musicals and signed with my first talent agent.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Natalie: My friends and family who consistently support my endeavors in this industry. However, I also want to give a special shout-out to one of my closest friends who helped me find my first legitimate talent agent. Like so many actors and other artists, I fell victim to illegitimate agencies early on in my career and almost gave up on finding a talent agent for a while. I just didn’t know where to look! But thankfully, my friend came along and provided me with guidance…and who knows, I might not have found my footing in this industry without it. So thank you…you know who you are!

PC: In addition to being an actress, you’re also a dancer and musician. What have those creative outlets taught you that you’ve been able to apply to your acting career and vice versa?
Natalie: Discipline. Gosh, I spent hours upon hours training for ballet and piano exams over the years. I cried and got frustrated with myself many, many times, but I always persevered and overcame. I think those lessons helped with my work ethic as an actor.

Day of the Dead

PC: Tell us about Day of the Dead, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Natalie: Day of the Dead is an ode to Romero’s legacy, and if you like blood, guts, gore, and old-school zombies then you’re in for a treat.

I play Lauren who is an assistant mortician at the local funeral home.

What drew me to the project is Romero’s legacy and the foundation he created with his work in the zombie genre. That definitely got me very excited to join the project.

PC: When we’re introduced to Lauren, it’s clear that she’s had a difficult past. What can you tease about her arc?
Natalie: Lauren’s rocky past likely contributes to her tough exterior and sarcastic sense of humor. But once you get to know her, you learn it’s just her way of protecting herself. It’s fun getting to watch her layers get pulled back over the course of the season.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Natalie: All reality TV shows…especially The Real Housewives.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Natalie: Bring It On.

PC: Favorite book?
Natalie: Most recent favorite, American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Natalie: Kinky Boots.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Natalie: I’ve got a good chunk of music from 2000s alternative rock and rock bands.

To keep up with Natalie, follow her on Instagram. Binge-watch Day of the Dead on Syfy.

Photo Credit: Dark White Lens