Exclusive Q&A with Emilia McCarthy – Lacey from Zombies
You know Emilia McCarty for her role as Lacey the cheerleader in Zombies 1, 2 and 3.
I had the honor of getting to know Emilia McCarthy in a one-on-one Zoom conversation. I’m excited to share this exclusive Q&A with you, MickeyBlog fans.
First, an intro
Emilia McCarthy is an award-winning Canadian-Mexican actress with more than 20 film credits, including performances in popular hits on Disney, Netflix, Nickelodeon, and in the 2006 Golden Globe winner Babel.
You know Emilia from Zombies, Zapped and Max and Shred.
McCarthy has been cited as a Hollywood Reporter “Rising Star.”
Trained in voice, dance, modeling, and acting, she is a uniquely versatile talent with a deep passion for the craft.
She is a powerful influencer and role model for her generation. Fluent in three languages (English, Spanish, French), she graduated with honors from Toronto Metropolitan University with a degree in film and psychology. She is now pursuing a pre-master’s in psychology.
Growing up in London, Ontario, McCarthy’s Mexican immigrant mother supported her earliest acting dreams while also instilling a strong sense of pride in her heritage and culture.
She now aims to make an impact for good by choosing projects that share meaningful messages of inclusivity, cultural awareness, and social equity.
Her passion for environmental protection also led her to participate in the United Nations’ “World Is In Our Hands” climate change awareness initiative, a collaboration with renowned photographer Justin Wu that debuted at 2019’s Toronto Film Festival.
Q&A with Emilia
When Emilia and I spoke, she was in her apartment in West Hollywood. She mainly lives in Toronto but has been in L.A. for awhile.
MickeyBlog: What set you on a journey to make an impact for good?
EM: You need to have a positive attitude. I like to connect with fans on a personal level. Social media can be used to spread important messages. If I have the outreach and the fans, I might as well use it for use for good.
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MickeyBlog: What issue are you most passionate about?
EM: My heart is with environmental issues. If we don’t have a healthy planet, nothing else matters.
This is an urgent issue, and I feel it more acutely in in Los Angeles. It feels more real here.
MickeyBlog: Tell us more about the campaign you did for the United Nations.
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EM: #WorldIsInOurHands is a United Nations campaign co-founded by photographer Justin Wu. Its mission is to raise awareness and educate the public on what they can do day-to-day to combat the climate crisis.
We are facing a climate crisis and we need to #ActNow.
Thanks to:
All who have joined the #WorldIsInOurHands campaign to shine a spotlight on the global climate emergency@TheKrimGroup &
photographer📸 @teamjwu!
It’s time for #ClimateAction https://t.co/CO8yaYCbMC pic.twitter.com/dA87LF1Uzs
— UN Environment Programme (@UNEP) September 18, 2019
MickeyBlog: This is a big summer for you! Tell us about your new show on Paramount+.
EM: It’s called SkyMed, and all nine episodes are available on Paramount+ in the U.S. and CBC and CBC Gem in Canada.
It’s a medical drama about flight nurses who tend to remote communities in Northern Canada.
I’m a local girl who gets in over her head with a pilot. There’s lots of drama.
This was filmed in Manitoba, and it was nice for Canada to be Canada – lots of shows are filmed in Canada but the show is supposed to be set in the U.S.
SkyMed really celebrates the indigenous voices. It’s important to learn about these remote communities.
MickeyBlog: Zombies 3 is here! We’re so excited!
EM: Yes! It feels like a conclusion to a world, and the family.
Filming was delayed by a year. We filmed last summer in Toronto.
But we’re not done yet – there’s a new animated version of Zombies coming out!
JUST ANNOUNCED: "ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series" is in production! The animated series is based off of the #DisneyZOMBIES movies and invites viewers into the daily lives of Zed, Addison, Eliza, Willa and the entire Seabrook crew. More to come! #AnnecyFestival pic.twitter.com/dHXAyrUsZw
— Disney Branded TV PR (@DisneyBrandTVPR) June 15, 2022
MickeyBlog: You’ve been with Disney for a long time. What’s it like as a young actress?
EM: Disney has been so good to me, they launched my career. I’ll always be grateful to Disney.
I’ve been with Disney for a decade. I started with Zapped, which I did with Zendaya in Vancouver, and also Bunks.
The best part of being with Disney are the fans. The fan base is the best!
The fans are the cutest – they’re the best fans you can have. These kids look up to you, I’m so lucky.
MickeyBlog: Where do you see your career heading?
EM: I love comedy and want to keep doing comedic roles. But I’d love to do more drama, like an HBO original. And I’d like to do a role where I can celebrate my Mexican heritage.
MickeyBlog: Do you have any advice for your fans?
EM: I think it’s important to remember to be kind. When everyone goes around with that mentality it changes everything for you. Lead with kindness.
MickeyBlog: Last question. Which is your favorite Disney destination?
EM: I went to Disneyland Paris with my mom when I was 12, and it was great. I’ve never been to Disneyland! I need to go.
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MickeyBlog: I’ll take you on a tour whenever you want to go!
Current projects
Watch Emilia in SkyMed, a medical drama with a focus on the thrilling world of flight nurses and pilots working in remote indigenous communities.
View this post on Instagram
SkyMed is on CBC/Paramount+. McCarthy’s character is Madison, a 22 year-old local girl who gets in over her head in a relationship with a pilot, causing turmoil within the crew.
I’ve watched the series and Emilia is, of course, fabulous. I have my fingers crossed for a season 2!
Zombies 3 is now on Disney+ and it, too, is awesome!
We’ve loved Zombies since the first movie.
In Zombies 3, zombies, humans, werewolves, and now aliens come together in a compelling story about inclusivity, finding yourself, and coming together as a community no matter where you’re from (or what you are).
Follow Emilia
I was so impressed by Emilia. She is gracious and kind, passionate and curious.
You can follow Emilia on Instagram and keep tabs on her career on IMDB.
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Cover image credit: Getty Images/Presley Ann