IN CONVERSATION WITH ALYVIA ALYN LIND
interview by JANA LETONJA
photography SATY+PRATHA/NETFLIX
At just 18 years old, Alyvia Alyn Lind has already built an enviable résumé that most actors twice her age would dream of. After earning acclaim as a child for her performances as Faith Newman on ‘The Young and the Restless’ and as young Dolly Parton in NBC’s ‘Coat of Many Colors’, Alyvia has seamlessly transitioned into complex young adult roles. This fall, she takes on one of her most challenging parts yet in Netflix’s highly anticipated psychological thriller series ‘Wayward’, which premiered at TIFF before debuting globally on 25th September.
‘Wayward’ tackles the troubled teen industry and its dark underbelly. What drew you to this story and this role?
What drew me in was how raw and real the story is. When I was sent the audition, I did a deep dive into the history of these corrupt correctional schools. A lot of what I found was terrifying and very disturbing. I think this show is extremely important because it sheds light on what so many kids have gone through in these correctional facilities. I wanted to be a part of portraying what these innocent students were forced to endure. I can only hope I did the story justice.
Your character is forced to fight from within an institution that’s supposed to “help” her. How did you prepare to capture that duality?
These kids are in an impossible situation. Torn away from their families, being told that all of their instincts are wrong, and that their pain is their fault. With Leila, it was important to me to show how much she changes throughout the series. You can see tension at the surface, playing the schools game to the best of her ability, with sparks of rebellion underneath. I like the moments where her spirit refuses to be crushed.
The show has elements of suspense, psychological horror, and social commentary. Which aspect challenged you the most as an actor?
The psychological horror challenged me the most. It’s one thing to scream in a scary moment, it’s another to live in that slow, suffocating dread. Especially with Leila, she’s always trying to keep a solid front. She doesn’t want to give in to the mind games, but it becomes harder and harder as the series goes on. Suspense and psychological horror are my favorite genres, so it was amazing to be part of a show that does encapsulates both.
What do you hope viewers take away from ‘Wayward’, especially from its commentary on the troubled teen industry?
I hope people walk away realizing that these institutions aren’t just about “tough love.” They strip kids of their voices, their autonomy, and their sense of self. I hope the show sparks conversations, and that people can see themselves in the characters, or even recognize the signs of abuse. If it helps even one person, then I’ve done my job.
You’ve grown up in Hollywood and transitioned beautifully from child to young adult roles. What’s been the key to navigating that shift successfully?
I’ve been so lucky to have the opportunity to play characters that are written so well, which made the transition feel seamless. Since I was young, I’ve always been drawn to roles that are outside my comfort zone, something I can really sink my teeth into. As I’ve grown up, the roles I’ve taken on have grown alongside me.
Looking back, what did playing young Dolly Parton teach you about storytelling and performance?
Playing Dolly will always be my greatest honor. She’s a model performer, storyteller, and human being. I learned so much from her in those years of filming and press tours, and I was lucky enough to really get to know her. In my life, and in every role I step into, I carry her work ethic, her grace, her selflessness, and her ability to be unapologetically herself. She’s an inspiration.
You’ve taken on a variety of genres—soap operas, horror, fantasy, and now psychological thriller. Do you approach each differently?
Each genre has its own rhythm. Growing up on a soap opera taught me stamina and consistency because you’re shooting at such a fast pace. Horror and comedy are all about timing, knowing how long to hold a beat. Fantasy is pure imagination. And thrillers are about layering tension quietly until it finally explodes.
Having an acting family, was there any advice you received early on that you still carry with you on set?
My mom always says, “Acting is like a game of tennis.” I quote that often. It means always keeping the game going, even when you’re off camera or don’t have lines, and always being there for your scene partner. I instinctively take that with me onto every set, and I’m so grateful for the incredible tennis matches I’ve had the chance to play.
How do you personally unwind after spending long days immersed in emotionally heavy material?
Music helps me to unwind. At the beginning of the day, I’ll put on my character playlist to get into their headspace, and at the end, I’ll play something completely opposite from the tone of the show to reset my mood.
Growing up in the spotlight, what’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you outside of acting?
I think people would be surprised that I’m kind of a homebody. My favorite part of this job is traveling to incredible places, going on adventures, and collecting friends from all around the world. But when I’m on hiatus, my happy place is just being at home in my room with my dogs.
What excites you most about where your career, and Hollywood as a whole, is headed right now?
What excites me most is the shift toward authenticity. People don’t want characters who are perfect. They want to see flaws, contradictions, and real humanity. That excites me as an actor, because those are the stories I most want to tell.
