Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Evil’s Dalya Knapp

Dalya Knapp is a rising young star who is quickly making a name for herself on the screen and stage. She’s currently starring in Paramount+’s Evil, and we got the inside scoop from Dalya about the audition process, what audiences should know about Laura, and more!

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Dalya: My sister Sophie is two years older than I am. She became an actress and a singer. Every time Sophie had a singing lesson or something like that, my mom would ask, “Are you sure you don’t want to become a singer and an actress?” and I always said no because I used to be really shy. Until one time, I was like, “It’s actually kind of cool, I think I’m going to try it.” It started from there. It’s such a fun experience for me to do it.

PC: You started your career off in theater. What has it been like transitioning from stage to the screen?
Dalya: It’s definitely different, but I think I like TV better because if you mess up you can do it again. But musical theater is also super fun. This one time when we were doing bows and I was supposed to run back to the group, I slipped on my skirt, and it was just so funny! I just got back up and went to the stage! I like both of them, but I like TV better.

PC: Tell us about auditioning for Evil.
Dalya: The audition process for Evil was really crazy. I first went for an audition, then I went for a callback, then I went for another callback. Then they asked me if I could do a director’s session and then we had a screen test. One time, we were supposed to go in and just talk to the casting guy. It’s a really long process, but it was really fun!

I like seeing the different ways people can do the same scene. I did it with several different girls and everybody acts in a different way. So that was definitely interesting for me because I got to see how different we all were. It’s just a really fun experience, and I’m so happy I get to do it because not all kids in the world have this opportunity where they can become an actress and be on a TV show! I also have so much fun meeting new people. I’m just really happy; I’m just so lucky!

PC: What should audiences know about Laura? What can you tease about her journey this season?
Dalya: Laura is a really fun character to play! She’s always happy; she’s always fun. If you watched Episode 208, then you saw my dad in the show say that all Laura talks about is murdering because of what he read in her journal, and now my mom in the show has to talk to Laura about this because Laura thinks she’s a murderer now! I posted on Twitter “Oh no someone’s in trouble” because Laura knows that she’s a murderer! I just can’t wait to see what they’re going to do next.

PC: Evil was recently named one of TV Guide’s best shows. What has that honor meant to you?
Dalya: I’m really happy about this. I hope this means that now more people are going to watch it and love it too! I’m just so excited and so happy that I’m in Evil.

PC: This is your biggest television role to date. Did anything surprise you about this experience? What did you learn about yourself and your craft?
Dalya: I hadn’t been on a TV show before, so I didn’t really know what to expect when I found out that I had booked it. Obviously, I was really excited and happy. I was talking to my sister about it. I was telling her how excited I was for it and how much of a different experience this was going to be for me.

I was in a short film. I’ve been in commercials. I’ve been in Les Mis on tour, but I’ve never been in a TV show before. I knew it was going to be a change for me, but it was a good change. Everyone’s so nice! It’s so easy to work with them. The first time I messed up on a line, I was nervous about what was going to happen, but they were just like, “Okay,” and helped me with the line. When we finished shooting the scene, they told me how well I did. They’re really nice and sweet, and I am so appreciative.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Favorite TV show?
Dalya: Sam and Cat.

PC: Favorite movie?
Dalya: Anything animated.

PC: Favorite book?
Dalya: Allergic.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Dalya: Beetlejuice and Mean Girls.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Dalya: Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, and Justin Bieber.

To keep up with Dalya, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Watch Evil on Paramount+.

Photo Credit: Laura Luc/span>