Ava Louise Murchison is one of the breakout stars of 2023. This year, she leads the extraordinary cast of Apple TV+’s Jane. Jane (Ava Louise Murchison) is a nine-year-old budding environmentalist on a quest to save endangered animals. Using her powerful imagination, Jane takes her best friends David and Greybeard the chimpanzee on epic adventures to help protect wild animals all around the world because, according to her idol Dr. Jane Goodall: “Only if we understand, will we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help, can they be saved.” Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Ava about her starring role in the series!
PC: You’re one of the stars of Apple TV+’s Jane. What was it about your character and this script that resonated with you?
Ava: Being environmentally conscious has always been part of my life, even before booking Jane. At home, we would only eat meat twice a week and use reusable shopping bags, and I’ve also actively participated in a climate change strike at school. I also have relatives who are vegetarian. My character, Jane Garcia, resonates with me a lot because I care about the environment the same way she does and we both want to make a positive difference.
PC: The series was inspired by the work of Dr. Jane Goodall, and you got to meet her during the filming process. How helpful was that experience as you stepped into your character’s shoes?
Ava: I love the message that she wrote me when she came to set: “Follow your dreams.” She also thought that I’m a “fabulous and inspirational Jane.” This definitely boosted my confidence in playing my character.
PC: The show really highlights how everyone can make a difference. Who have been the people in your own life who have shaped the storyteller you are today?
Ava: My family knows that I’m creative, so they supported me in all my creative pursuits, including acting! I even wrote a book at age seven. My mom put my story and drawings into a spiral-bound book, but it wasn’t published or anything like that. I gave it as a gift to my grandma. Aside from my family, the directors and acting coaches that I’ve worked with shaped the storyteller that I am today! They’ve helped me improve my craft, and I’ll be forever grateful to them.
PC: This is the longest that you’ve lived with a character. Has anything surprised you about the experience? What have you learned about your craft?
Ava: I learned to adapt to different situations because sometimes unexpected things come up or something goes wrong on set that is out of your control. As an actor, you always need to be prepared and ready when you’re on set and anticipate uncertainties.
PC: With this being one of your biggest roles to date, is there a particular scene or episode that you’re excited for audiences to see?
Ava: It’s tough to choose a particular one. I’m just excited for audiences to see all ten episodes!! They are only 25 minutes long, and you can binge-watch!
PC: This is such an exciting time in your career. As you look ahead, is there a dream role you’d love to bring to life?
Ava: I’m open to any roles that suit me, but I’d love to play Wednesday in another life if Jenna Ortega didn’t play her!
To keep up with Ava, follow her on Instagram. Watch Jane on Apple TV+.
Photo Credit: Sergio Garcia
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