Actress and public speaker Nadine Marissa is known for her recurring role in the hit TV show The Walking Dead. She’s also starred in popular shows such as Better Call Saul and The FX network’s Baskets. We had the honor to talk to Nadine about her career, future projects and what else we should look forward to.
Nadine, you appeared in AMC’s hit TV show ‘The Walking Dead’ for four seasons, making history as Nabila, the first Muslim character. What was it like behind the scenes and how has it impacted your career?
It has been incredible, to be a part of such an incredible series and as the first Muslim character also. As a woman of color, I know how important it is to have representation on the screen. I also know the responsibility that comes along with it. I think I am still learning how it has impacted my career. I know for sure fans pay attention to everything and I want to always have their respect.
You have also appeared in other successful TV dramas such as Better Call Saul and the FX networks Baskets. With the recent controversy in the industry and scrutiny over stereotypes are you finding worthwhile or challenging parts?
I had so much fun on those shows. I think this is a hard business – period. I often see it in waves; we see successful shows with people of color and then there is a wave of them. Next thing you know we don’t have as many. When I look back at the auditions I have received they have really been different so I am not really experiencing being stereotyped. I would say watching the Oscars this year was a little disappointing with the lack of representation, not only for people of color but also for women. It is so important that diversity is taken seriously. We all exist in the same world and can all help tell stories. We should be so inclusive we can’t tell if a demographic is missing. It has just been so obvious for the last couple of years. I am a proud supporter of the #metoo movement. I think it is so very important that everyone feels comfortable and free from the Weinstein types of the world. I am proud of the women that stood up and took their power back!
You’ve been involved in several projects, including ‘Blocked’. Please tell us more about the film and what viewers can expect.
It is still in the post-production stages. I have yet to see the final project myself. This was actually done a couple of years ago in Dallas, about finding her way in life. I am one of the people not really making it easier on the main character.
You’ve made appearances in both film and television. To date, what has been your career highlights, and why?
I have enjoyed both but I have to say The Walking Dead was something I had never experienced before, I had done ‘Better Caul’ but this was something different. TWD has a life of its own. I learned so much from that family we created there. It has taken me all over the world. I have watched shows that touched me and would have loved to tell the cast how their work made me feel. I love the fact that I can talk to fans about it and see how we have impacted their lives. Career-wise I have always worked on small sets with small groups and navigating this set is crazy, so many people and you have to stay on top of your game. PERIOD. so many moving pieces.
Do you have anything else in the pipeline we can look forward to?
I seem to always get the gigs that require NDA’s but something is coming, I am really excited for this year.
So where can we keep up to date with your activities?
Social media of course. I am still learning engagement. Facebook: nadinemarissa ; Instagram: @iamnadinemarissa ; twitter: @nadinemarissa
Photo by Bradley K. Ross
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