IN CONVERSATION WITH GEORGIE MURPHY

interview by JANA LETONJA
photography by RUBEN CHAMORRO

Rising star Georgie Murphy is about to have her breakout moment with her upcoming role in NBC’s highly anticipated mockumentary-style comedy ‘Stumble’, premiering on 7th November. Starring opposite Kristin Chenoweth and Taran Killam, the series follows a hilariously chaotic cheerleading comeback story led by Jenn Lyon’s determined Courtney Potter. Known for her standout performance as Ally (aka Bushmaster) in the ‘The Boys’ spinoff ‘Gen V’, Georgie brings her signature mix of wit, heart, and bold energy to every role. As she continues to rise through the ranks of both comedy and drama, she is quickly becoming one of television’s most exciting new talents to watch.

How did "Stumble" first come your way, and what drew you to it?

‘Stumble’ first came across my desk in April of 2025. At that time, it was just an NBC comedy pilot. I actually first auditioned for the role of Peaches, and then a couple of hours later, the role of Sally was sent to me. I have never laughed so hard while reading a script. Honestly, I knew from the very first read that this was going to be something special, and I really wanted to be a part of it. It's funny because as an actor, the minute you "really want" a role, the chances of you getting it drop significantly. Sally was a character that I immediately understood. I knew how she lived in the world and what made her tick. I was immediately in love with her. On the surface, she was bubbly and easy-going, but underneath that bright exterior was something much deeper - a resilience that just won’t quit. Sometimes I think of Sally as "all the best parts of me turned up to 11". 

I got a call from my manager the day after my initial tape, and I was on a flight back to LA the next day. During my callback, I was able to be in the room with the creative team, which further solidified my desire to be on this show, as they were all incredibly nice and genuine. My manager called me 3 minutes after my audition. I was trying to find my way out of the NBCU lots in Studio City and he said “They, the casting directors, called me before you even got the chance to. They love you." My tape was sent to the network for a screen test. A week later, I got the job. It felt like the process took a thousand years, but also happened in the blink of an eye. 

You've been part of some incredible series already, from 'Gen V' to 'Accused'. How does 'Stumble' differs from your past experiences?

My ability to connect with Sally has been the main difference. In FOX's ‘Accused’, I played a character named Fern. She was a goodie-two-shoes type. You could say I understood her, but I didn't have much time to explore her because the show was an anthology. I didn't get to play a whole lot either. It wasn't my storyline, so I was really trying to hit my mark and say my lines. 

‘Gen V’ was very different. I played Ally, a grungy, self-conscious Godolkin student with a pretty interesting superpower. Like the ‘Accused’, I was also a small part of a massive machine, so it was difficult to take risks and take up space. ‘Stumble’ has been very different because I get to go to work every day and play, try new things, and really take big swings, even if I miss the mark sometimes. Sally has allowed me to embrace a true silliness, a joie de vivre. The environment on set has also really allowed for a playfulness in everyone, it feels so safe and warm.

What inspired you to pursue acting originally? Was there a specific moment or influence that set you on this path?

I started in professional theater when I was 9. At first, I didn't really take it seriously. It was more of a fun summer gig. I watched some of the greats on stage and was completely enamored by their ability, their truthfulness. I think I was about 11 when I started taking it more seriously. I remember sitting my dad down and asking him "Dad, how do I get there?" My dad, having been in the restaurant business his entire life, was confused by the question. I explained to him "How do I become an actor?" He responded very simply “Hard work, being relentless." I took those words to heart, and I've had a one-track mind ever since. 

'Stumble' has such a fun mockumentary format. What was it like working in that style compared to traditional sitcoms or dramas?

It honestly feels like theater. There is a freedom that comes with the mockumentary format, and a strong connection with the camera. In a mockumentary, the camera is actually a character in the world, and we've got some of the best camera operators in the game (Sarah Levy, Jim McGibbon). On more traditionally shot shows, it can sometimes feel a bit stuffy or stiff. Actors are taught to ignore the camera at all costs. It can feel unnatural, because of course I can see that massive camera right next to me. It's so freeing being able to acknowledge the camera, it feels like there is an added layer of connection to the audience. 

The trailer has gone viral. How does it feel seeing such huge excitement about the show?

It's been so wonderful to see how excited people are about the show. ‘Stumble’ has something for everyone. Heart, comedy, and action. I've been living in the ‘Stumble’ world for a few months now, so it's surreal thinking that other people get to see it now too. Our lead, Jenn Lyon, is absolutely magnetic. I can't wait for the world to see her play Courtney, she's masterful. I'm watching the episodes at the same time as the rest of the world, so it's cool, albeit nerve wracking to be able to see the real time reaction.

What do you think makes 'Stumble' stand out in today's comedy landscape?

I think everything, from the writing to the casting, set design, editing, and so on, is spot on. I've never seen a show where everything just meshes so well. I also think the characters are so different and so specific that it provides lots of variety for viewers. Our fearless leaders, Jenn Lyon and Taran Killam, have incredible chemistry on screen, which makes it so fun to watch. This show rides the line of being comedic and heartfelt so well. One moment I'm laughing so hard, then I'm gasping at some insane cheer stunt, then I'm tearing up. Someone asked me the other day "Would you watch ‘Stumble’ if you weren't in it?" to which I replied "Are you kidding me, I would watch the sh** out of this show."

'Gen V' introduced you to a huge global audience. How has that experience shaped your approach to new projects?

I was so nervous for ‘Gen V’ to come out, it's such a beloved show, and the fans are so loyal. It was my first time doing something on that scale, but I was so pleased with how the fans reacted to Ally. I was definitely on the Reddit threads and scrolling through TikTok comments. I'm only human. I think ‘Gen V’ has reinforced my love of taking on off-beat roles. Ally was a massive leap for me, but in the end, I'm happy that I got to portray her. Additionally, I'm a firm believer in the idea that one opportunity leads to another. Right after I did ‘Gen V’, Prime picked me up for another show called ‘56 Days’.

You've worked with such diverse casts and creative teams. What have been some of the Biggest lessons or takeaways from those collaborations?

I would probably say that if you're lucky, the cast and crew become like a family. Just like any family, it's essential to take care of one another, to love deeply, to bicker, and to apologize. At the end of the day, we are creating art. We are trying to make the world a lighter place, offering people an escape. It's essential to keep that at the forefront of the work. I really feel this way about ‘Stumble’. From day one, these people have been my family. I've never felt so myself around a group of people. 

What kind of stories or characters excite you most as an actor right now?

Well, Sally is the most exciting character to me right now. I think there is so much to explore with her. Besides ‘Stumble’, I'm absolutely dying to do a period piece. I just finished watching ‘Poldark’ and I definitely have the itch to do a project like that. I would also love to have a coming-of-age romance moment. It's such a tricky question because the scope of what I want to do is so wide. But for now, I'm really giving Sally all of the time and attention she deserves.

How do you keep grounded amidst your growing career?

My parents for sure. I know that sounds cliché, perhaps, but they truly are my anchors. They support me endlessly, but also tell me when I need to ground myself. My mother is the most honest person I know, it's so great to have her at fittings and events. She'll always give me an unfiltered opinion, which can sometimes be hard to hear, but it's necessary. Beyond my parents, I think my family as a whole keeps me grounded. I'm an aunt to nine children, and my older nephews definitely don't think I'm cool whatsoever, so that can be grounding. 

'Stumble' feels like it could be a career-defining moment. What's one dream role or creative goal you'd love to tackle next?

I'm currently focusing on acting, but I would also love to produce one day. All the producers on ‘Stumble’, Dana Honour, Jeff Astrof, Liz Astrof, Monica Aldama, and Jeff Blitz, are so freaking amazing at what they do. I look up to them a lot. But for now, I want to continue to play brave, messy, and unique characters.