Pop Culturalist Chats with Bailey Skodje

Bailey Skodje is an exciting young actress who’s proving big things come in small packages. She’s currently starring in her first series lead role on ABC’s sci-fi drama, The Crossing, as Leah, a shy refugee who gets separated from her mother. Her veteran-like performance is turning heads and has undoubtedly established her as one to watch. Pop Culturalist spoke with Bailey about the show, how she prepared to play a character who’s embarking on an emotional journey, and the pressures of being a leading lady.

PC: Tell us about The Crossing, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Bailey: The Crossing is about refugees from the future that wash up on shore while running away from the war in the future. My character’s name is Leah who is one of the forty-seven refugees. Leah is separated from her mom in the crossing and is left to survive on her own which is something she has never done before. This is what drew me to her character; I have never had to do that either so I was up for the challenge.

PC: Leah is on an emotional journey searching for her mother. Was it hard to prepare to step into her shoes?
Bailey: I would say that it was pretty difficult to do this because I have never really played a role like that. I had to learn new things about myself through this character. So yes, it was definitely a challenge, but it was worth it!

PC: How similar or different are you to Leah?
Bailey: I love my mom and so does Leah but I do get to spend a lot of time with my mom unlike Leah. Leah is very shy too and very unsure sometimes. I’m definitely not shy and pretty confident mostly! I like to think that both Leah and I are very strong people.

PC: It’s your first series lead role. Did you feel any pressure heading into filming?
Bailey: I was kind of anxious because I thought that I was going to mess up my lines which I did sometimes, but once I got more comfortable with the other actors, I started to feel a little more confident. It’s okay to make mistakes; you learn from them. Everyone was so good and made it so fun. We were like one big family!

PC: What was your favorite scene to film?
Bailey: My favorite scene to film was all of the water scenes because I love to swim!

PC: What was the biggest lesson you learned about yourself being a part of this project?
Bailey: That I’m very lucky to have the life I have and that other people have it way harder than I do.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Bailey: Switched at Birth and of course my favorite Fuller House.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Bailey: Matilda

PC: Favorite book?
Bailey: The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Bailey: Shrek the Musical

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Bailey: Ed Sheeran

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Bailey: Bella and the Bulldogs

PC: Hidden talent?
Bailey: I play the ukulele.

Make sure to follow Bailey on Twitter and Instagram.