MacKenzie Porter is one busy actress and singer, dabbling in projects like touring and promoting her debut album as well as working on season 4 of AMC’s “Hell on Wheels.” The Medicine Hat, Alberta native took a few minutes out of her (very) busy schedule to tell CraveOnline readers about her character Naomi on the next season of “Hell on Wheels,” why she loves both singing and acting, and the reason she thinks she’s a tad clumsy.
CraveOnline: What music projects are you currently working on?
MacKenzie Porter: I just finished my debut album. It was a body of work that took over two years for me to write. I’m extremely proud of it and super pumped to share it with people. I have recently been on a tour, which included opening up for Rascal Flatts in June and Blake Shelton later this month.
Tell us a bit about “Hell on Wheels” and the latest season.
We are currently shooting Season 4. I play Naomi, a young Mormon woman who unexpectedly gets pregnant with Cullen Bohannon’s child. She and Cullen soon find themselves in a marriage that neither of them has chosen. This show has been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had on set. The scripts are brilliant. It’s every actor’s dream to work on a show with amazing writers and I am very fortunate to be living that dream right now! I was a huge fan of the show before I even auditioned, and now I’m an even bigger one!!
Because you work in both music and acting, is there a medium that you prefer?
I really, really love both. I find they draw from different areas of creativity. When I’m on stage singing, or writing, I get to fully express myself, my thoughts, my feelings. When I’m acting, I get to be someone else and tell stories about people who have experienced things I haven’t.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Everything! Movies, music, nature, friends, books, fashion.
What motto or quote do you try to live by?
I believe that everything happens for a reason. If something doesn’t work out, something bigger and better is coming. “An arrow can only be shot by pulling backwards. When life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means it’s going to launch you into something great. Keep aiming”
What’s one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?
I’ve had over 80 stitches in my life. If there is something sharp, I will run, fall, or slip into it.
Photo: Kelsey Porter
