Credit: Riker Brothers
Mallory James Mahoney stars as Destiny Baker, a beauty pageant veteran with an air of self-confidence, on the hit comedy series BUNK’D. The original Disney Channel series recently aired its season four finale and fans were thrilled to learn a fifth season was on the way. Mallory can also be seen in the Netflix series On My Block which is now streaming season 3 on the platform.
We spoke with Mallory about the season 4 finale of BUNK’D, what she would love to see in season 5, and what it means to her to be a part of the Disney family.
Read on for our exclusive interview with Mallory James Mahoney below:
What would you say initially motivated you to pursue acting as a career?
I first decided I wanted to be an actor at age four when my grandfather (Popeye) always said I reminded him of Shirley Temple. I had no idea who that was so he bought me a box set of DVD films of hers. I was absolutely fascinated because she and I looked so much alike and I really didn’t know if I was maybe watching a video of me or someone who looked like me. I loved watching those movies and I think that is really where I first decided I wanted to be just like Shirley Temple.
Was there anyone who influenced or inspired you?
I have always looked up to actresses like Chloë Morets, Britt Robertson, Emma Watson, and of course Reese Witherspoon, and Sandra Bullock for acting influences.
In life: Jane Goodall, Greta Thunberg, Malala Yousafzai, Simone Biles, Lauren Lungerich. Each of these brilliant ladies strive for greatness and are always working to do better, whether in global issues, personal best, or helping others. Each of them inspire me to do more and work harder at what I want in life. But my biggest inspiration is definitely my mother. She always shows me that she believes in me and helps me go for my dreams. She has such constant faith and love.
Can you tell us a little about your role in Bunk’d and what viewers can expect from them as a character?
I play Destiny Baker, a competitive and over the top pageant queen. In season four, Destiny decides to take a break from pageants and instead focuses her time on helping the environment, by doing things like cleaning up the town lake and hosting fundraisers to help the environment. She also is dealing with some personal heartache.
Would you say you and Destiny are alike at all?
There are actually lots of similarities between Destiny and I, although she is much more intense than I am in all aspects. For example, we are both very girly and have kind of similar fashion senses, although Destiny is a bit more Sparkly. We both are very interested in helping the environment and have a bit of a dark side.
Credit: Riker Brothers
Congratulations on Bunk’d getting renewed for a fifth season! What are your hopes for the series and your character moving forward? Where would you like to see Destiny in season 5?
I think that it would be really cool if Destiny were to take on some more responsibility this next season. We have all watched her grow a lot over the past two years so it would be awesome if she became a CIT (counselor in training) or something along the lines of that.
How has the experience been working alongside the cast and crew?
I love being on Bunk’d, the entire cast has a great chemistry where we are all like a family. Although this also applies to the entire crew as well. Our whole stage is just a fun happy place to work at because we all get along really well! Our crew is so fabulous they love to make each week fun. They even created a fun filled afternoon called Bubblewrap Olympics. They had all types of obstacles for us to compete against each other and we won fun prizes! The Bunk’d season 4 crew really knows how to make us all feel special. They are the best!
Ahead of the season 4 finale, what can you tease about what viewers can expect from the episode?
Unfortunately due to COVID-19 we have been temporarily shut down on filming. I would say I am as excited to find out what happens in the finale as everyone else is. There is still lots of other fun things to come though in season 4 that I can’t wait for people to see. We have a special event episode but I cannot say just yet what it is, but be sure to watch and find out!
What are you most eager for the audience to see?
I have got to do a lot of really fun dance routines as Destiny this season. I have also learned new skills that are incorporated into my dances like baton twirling. These have been so much fun and love to see what the audience thinks of them.
Viewers will also recognize you from the Disney Channel Original Movie ‘Adventures in Babysitting.’ How exciting and fun is it to be a part of the Disney family?
I have loved spending the past five years of my life with the Disney family. When you work for Disney Channel it truly feels like you have a second family. I have had such a great experience on all of my productions where the cast have all got along crazy well and we are all like a special side family too!
Disney+ is one of my favorite streaming platforms. What are you go-to movies or television shows that you love to stream lately?
Well since COVID-19, I’ve had a lot of time to binge more shows and films. There are so many to choose I have recently been watching Psych, Gossip Girl, On My Block, and I have been watching the Avengers movies in order. My go to always in the mood for is Gilmore Girls, Friends, Mean Girls, Legally Blonde, The Proposal, Lost City Of Z.
Thank you so much to Mallory James Mahoney for taking the time to answer some questions for us!
Be sure to check out Bunk’d currently airing on the Disney Channel.
Keep up to date with Mallory James Mahoney by following her on Twitter and Instagram.
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