Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with The Flight Attendant’s Audrey Grace Marshall

Audrey Grace Marshall’s career is ready for liftoff. The talented young actress can currently be seen in HBO’s must-see dark comedic thriller, The Flight Attendant.

In the series, Audrey shines as the younger version of the titular character who wakes up in the wrong hotel, in the wrong bed, with a dead man—and has no idea what happened.

Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of speaking with Audrey about her budding career, The Flight Attendant, and collaborating with Kaley Cuoco.

Career

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Audrey: I used to be very shy and my parents wanted to help me come out of my shell, so they wanted me to develop a hobby that would help me become more confident. At that time, I was seven years old and obsessed with the Disney show, Liv and Maddie—it was so good. I said I wanted to be on TV. Things kind of snowballed from there, and here I am today. But I do still have that dream of being on a Disney show; it’s definitely a goal of mine.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Audrey: Probably the strong women in my life: my mom, my grandmother, and my sister. They always taught me that I can do and be anything I want. I find it really exciting to see people dream big. Seeing people reaching for bigger and better things, not putting limits on what they can achieve, is so inspiring. I wouldn’t have the confidence I do if it weren’t for my family teaching me those things.

The Flight Attendant

PC: Tell us about The Flight Attendant, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Audrey: The Flight Attendant is about how life can change in one night. It’s a comedic thriller about a flight attendant, Cassie (played by Kaley Cuoco), who wakes up from a layover in another country next to a dead man, but has no idea what happened.

I play young Cassie, around the age of ten. It was a darker, more serious role, which is different than a lot of kid roles. These are the types of roles I really enjoy. I like playing parts that feel real and authentic.

Young Cassie has some issues and she has a lot of internal struggles, which make her an interesting character. She has a lot of challenges that most kids her age don’t have to deal with.

PC: The series is based on a bestselling novel. How familiar were you with the source material? How faithful is this adaptation?
Audrey: I read the book before we began shooting and I learned as much as I could about Cassie as a kid and as an adult. It definitely helped me prepare for the part. The show is almost identical to the book with the exception of the flashbacks. There are more scenes from Cassie’s childhood in the series than in the book. It is important to understand where she comes from in order to empathize with her.

PC: You’re one of two actresses portraying one character. What is that like—sharing a character with other people? What’s the process like?
Audrey: Well, it’s definitely fun! Getting to share Cassie with Kaley Cuoco was a dream come true.

I guess I would say that the process is creative whether sharing the character or acting independently. I still get to make my own choices.

The script is written a certain way, but each actor will bring their own creative choices to the project in order to make the character their own.

PC: What can you tease about Cassie’s arc in Season 1? How did you prepare to tackle that?
Audrey: Probably that she doesn’t grow up in an all-American family. She faces some significant trauma and has to find a way to overcome that. Young Cassie deals with some pretty serious stuff, so as an actor, I have to go to those dark places to portray the character naturally and give an authentic performance. I always try to find moments in my own life that I can use to relate to my character’s life in order to feel what my character is feeling. I’m an emotional person and have a lot of empathy, so it’s not too hard for me to do.

PC: What was the biggest takeaway from this project?
Audrey: I think I became a better actor because of it. I was able to work with so many incredible actors and learn by watching them. I am beyond proud of my work on The Flight Attendant and so grateful to have had the opportunity.

PC: If you had to summarize the first season in one sentence, what would it be?
Audrey: Fasten your seatbelt, put your tray table up, and prepare for some turbulence.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Audrey: Dance Moms.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Audrey: Frozen.

PC: Favorite book?
Audrey: Flora and Ulysses.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Audrey: Wicked.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Audrey: Dolly Parton.

PC: Dream role?
Audrey: Anything with Joey King.

To keep up with Audrey, follow her on Instagram. Watch new episodes of The Flight Attendant on HBO.

Photo Credit: Heidi Marshall