IN CONVERSATION WITH OLIVIA ROSE KEEGAN

interview by JANA LETONJA

Olivia Rose Keegan is entering a major new phase of her career with a leading role in Scary Movie 6, hitting theatres on 5th June, where she stars as the daughter of Anna Faris in the next chapter of the iconic comedy franchise. Known for her standout performance in Daisy Jones & The Six and roles in Gotham Knights and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Olivia continues to build a dynamic portfolio across genres. Most recently, she plays Whitney Ayers in Dutton Ranch, a highly anticipated expansion of Yellowstone, further cementing her place as one of the most versatile young actors to watch.

What drew you to Scary Movie 6 and this iconic franchise?    

My friends and I grew up watching these films. The Scary Movie franchise almost feels more like a stand-alone genre or a cultural movement rather than just a film franchise. Being in one feels almost too surreal to process. Not to mention, I’ve never really done a comedy before, let alone helped lead a major studio comedy, so being on set with some of the most renowned comedians ever was a daunting but ultimately fantastic way to learn. I felt totally out of my element in the best way possible. Before Scary Movie, I’d never really been able to see myself as a “comedian”, but by the time the shoot was over, I think I’d unlearned a lot of those parameters I’d put on myself as far as what I’m capable of. 

How did you approach playing the daughter of Anna Faris’s character?

Funny enough, when I first auditioned, I actually tried to lean against any Anna Faris-isms. The original breakdown for the project did say that Anna would be returning, but it did not specify that my character was her daughter, so I assumed I wasn’t. I’ve admired her work for so long that I think her performances are etched into my own heart, soul, and sense of humour, and whenever I’d gone out for comedic projects in the past, she was always my north star. So, since I knew I had a tendency to lean into that world, I actively leaned against it, assuming I wouldn’t be playing her daughter and they wouldn’t want two “Anna Faris Types” in the movie. Not that anyone could ever emulate her if they tried. She really is one of the most brilliant, wholly original performers on this planet.

When I eventually found out that my role was indeed to play Anna’s daughter, I was thrilled and honestly relieved that I could slip back into my natural instincts and incorporate all my love and admiration for her into this character. 

Also, although my character Sara was birthed via Cindy, she is, of course, her own person with her own past. She is heavily inspired by Sam Carpenter from Scream 5 as well, so there were a lot of ingredients aside from Cindy that I pulled from to create the strange soup that is Sara Campbell.

What was it like stepping into a legacy comedy series with such a strong fanbase?

I’m definitely a part of said fanbase, so it feels very meta. I’ve been involved in some incredibly fun, rewarding projects, but this is my first time hopping into something that I’ve been a fan of since I can remember. During the filming process, I kind of tried to block all of that out, because I think if I allowed myself to fully process the monumentality of what I was doing, I would’ve been too nervous and excited to properly function. Now that filming is over and it’s about to be released, I finally feel it all sinking in.

What can audiences expect from your character?

When I first received the audition, I remember Sara’s character breakdown describing her as a “high-strung, pill-popping, tough cookie”. She tries so hard to be the hero and keep her loved ones safe, but she is just so bad at it. She feels a lot, but lacks the proper skill to make sense of her feelings. A lot of mommy issues, a lot of drug issues, and a whole lot of heart. My favourite characters to play are often times the ones who, rather than over-intellectualising their feelings, openly feel them, and explore their curiosities without inhibition.

How did Daisy Jones & The Six impact your career trajectory?

I’ve always said if I could choose a time and place to exist in other than now, it’d be the Laurel Canyon folk/rock scene of the early 70s. To be even a small part of that universe was a personal dream fulfilled. I try not to think about career trajectory too much, just because it’s something I’ve yet to have any control over, but Daisy Jones & The Six was a wonderful experience and a show that me and so many of my friends genuinely geeked out over, so it really did feel like a personal career milestone.

What can you share about Dutton Ranch?

This was another very special project for me that led to so many amazing things. Long story short, I originally tested for another role on the show. They flew a big group of us out to Fort Worth for the network tests, which has the potential to be such an intimidating experience, but it was an absolute blast, and I walked away with so many lovely memories and new friends. Fun fact: the endlessly talented Ruby Snowber, who plays Elle in Scary Movie, was also one of the people testing for Dutton Ranch, and we instantly clicked. When I was on set for Scary Movie a few months later and got word that she’d be joining us, I freaked out.

So, although I didn’t get the initial role I went out for on Dutton Ranch, I still wound up on the show and had a lovely time exploring Fort Worth with so many wonderful, talented women who are now a part of my life. I owe the biggest thank you to John Papsidera, the casting director for both Dutton Ranch and Scary Movie, for bringing such epic experiences and people into my world. 

How do you choose roles that continue to challenge you?

I feel particularly lucky that I’ve been able to portray these people who are on completely opposite ends of the spectrum of humanity. To me, one of the most exciting elements of acting is getting to be as many different people as possible in one lifetime. With each role comes an entirely unique and oftentimes controversial perspective on life. If I’m playing a serial killer, I can’t judge them. My job is to fall in love with whoever I’m playing, understand their point of view, empathise, and justify their actions. Of course, in my normal life, I know serial killing is very bad, but while portraying them, it’s my job to figure out how to shut that judgment out. 

How do you stay grounded while navigating such a fast-moving industry?

I try to focus on the things I actually have control over and try to let go of the things I don’t, which in this industry is most things. I focus on the work, which is thankfully the rewarding part anyway. I’m also grateful to have an amazing family, partner, dog, and friends. I live in LA, and that in itself can feel like such an entertainment-industry-pressure-cooker, so it feels nice to get out of the city every once in a while, and be reminded that life is so much bigger than the job you booked or didn’t book.

What excites you most about the next phase of your career?

I’d be thrilled if my next job was something completely out of left field and something I’ve never done before, like a sci-fi drama or an 1800s romance novel adaptation. I’d love to continue this pattern of strange surprises that’s led me here. That being said, I’d be beyond stoked with a Scary Movie 7.  

What inspires you creatively outside of acting?

I love to travel whenever life permits. I like to get out of the city, even if that means just driving somewhere quieter and greener like Malibu or Topanga Canyon. I’m a very musical person and fan, so I love listening to favourites, discovering new artists, and seeing live music. I’m an avid movie-goer, I play the guitar (very poorly), I bake a little, I hike, and I honestly have so many multi-faceted, brilliantly talented friends that inspire me. Being around them is a big source of creative energy for me.

TEAM CREDITS:

photography COLLIN STARK