Pop Culturalist Chats with Meg Donnelly

Actress, dancer, and singer, Meg Donnelly is Hollywood’s next big thing. She’s starring in the upcoming (and highly-anticipated) Disney Channel original, Z-O-M-B-I-E-S—opposite Milo Manheim. This irresistible musical will have you singing and dancing along, and centers around two high schoolers—Addison and Zed—who fall in love. The twist? One of them is a zombie. Pop Culturalist spoke with Meg about why the role is a dream come true, the important message the film is teaching audiences, and why it’s so timely and relevant.

PC: Tell us about Z-O-M-B-I-E-S and your character.
Meg: Disney’s Z-O-M-B-I-E-S is a music and dance-filled story about a groundbreaking semester at Seabrook High School, the pride and joy of Seabrook, a suburban town preoccupied with uniformity, traditions, and pep rallies. That is until transfer students from Zombietown integrate into the school and a cheerleader and zombie football star, Addison and Zed, fall in love. Now, amid chaos and confusion, it’s up to them to lead their communities to coexistence.


I play Addison and, to me, the movie is about accepting people for who they are and not based on where they are from, what they look like, or what others tell you about them. It may be hard at first, but if you stay true to your heart, kindness will show you that embracing our diversity and uniqueness is best for all.

PC: What drew you to this project?
Meg: At first, it was the music and dancing because my dream since I started singing and acting was to be in a movie musical, and a Disney Channel Original Movie was the ultimate goal! However, once I got to know more about the character, Addison, I got so excited because of how strong she was to stand up to intolerance. It was a story that I wanted to be part of; it is so important that we all embrace diversity.

PC: Disney’s had a lot of success with musicals. What makes Z-O-M-B-I-E-S different?
Meg: The music and dancing is modern and current. The original songs, choreography, costumes, and set designs compliment the amazing storyline. We really hope the fans are going to love it!

PC: Would you say you’re a natural dancer? How did you pick up the choreography?
Meg: Every time music comes on I always feel the need to groove—I love to dance! I took all kinds of dance classes when I was younger: jazz, tap, and hip-hop. At first, I was a little nervous, but the choreographers and professional dancers were supportive and took the time to ensure that the other actors and I were comfortable with all the choreography. We had so much fun!

PC: Do you have a favorite song on the soundtrack?
Meg: Yes! “Someday”

PC: How similar would you say your high school experience is to your character’s?
Meg: It is different, as I don’t go to a regular high school. I am currently on the TV show, American Housewife, so I am in a set school with a tutor. However, I am like Addison, because she is trying to figure out her own individuality and support her friends no matter what.

PC: How is your character different from other roles you’ve played
Meg: Addison is strong and determined and she experiences a wide range of emotions. I had to really get into the scene and put myself into what she was feeling. I learned a great deal.

Photo Credit: The Riker Brothers

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Meg: Full House

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Meg: Spongebob Squarepants: The Movie

PC: Favorite book?
Meg: Wonder

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Meg: Rent

PC: Favorite social media platform?
Meg: Instagram

PC: Last person you texted?
Meg: My mom

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Meg: The B-52s

PC: Hidden talent?
Meg: I can cross one eye

Make sure to follow Meg on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and check out Z-O-M-B-I-E-S on The Disney Channel on February 16th!

Photo Credit: The Riker Brothers