IN CONVERSATION WITH REBECCA AMZALLAG

interview by JANA LETONJA
photography KOUROSH KESHIRI

Rebecca Amzallag is emerging as a captivating new talent to watch, bringing emotional depth, intelligence, and striking screen presence to every role she takes on. She will next star as Lacey Aubert in Little House on the Prairie, Netflix’s highly anticipated 2026 reimagining of the beloved classic inspired by Laura Ingalls Wilder’s iconic books. Born in Montreal to a French-Moroccan father and Canadian mother before spending part of her childhood in France, Rebecca’s journey into acting has been shaped by persistence, discipline, and an evolving passion for storytelling. With a background in linguistics, extensive acting training, and a growing body of film and television work, she continues to establish herself as a thoughtful and compelling performer both on and off screen.

Joining Little House on the Prairie is such a major moment. What was your reaction when you booked the role of Lacey Aubert? 

Landing this role was such an exciting get. Not only is it a massive opportunity, but it felt very right. I remember telling a friend when auditioning for it, “If I don’t get this part, then nothing makes sense.” When I got the news, it felt extremely affirming. 

How would you describe Lacey as a character, and what drew you most to her emotionally?

She’s wild. Lacey is not constrained by the expectations or rules of the women of her time. She has always had to fend for herself. The fact that she’s happily widowed says a lot. She owns what might be deemed a lowly establishment (card room, bar, black market), but she is sensitive, kind, and generous. The thing I connected to the most was her desire to support people, her ability to stand for what she believes, and also that she’s a little goofy.

The new series is being described as both a family drama and a survival story. What makes this version feel fresh for modern audiences?

This version does what Laura Ingalls Wilder did so courageously in her books, but what TV couldn’t do in the 70s. It tells the truth about that part of American history. From a young Laura’s POV, we understand what concepts like comfort, opportunity, survival and oppression signified in the late 1800s. Rebecca Sonnenshine did an incredible job at shaping an honest depiction of settler life that is accessible to everyone. This isn’t a preachy after-school special, it’s just what happened, told with heart and respect for all involved.

How much did you revisit the original Little House on the Prairie series or books while preparing for the role?

Because Lacey is a new character, I was able to use the books as inspiration without betraying a beloved character. The scripts capture the same potent imagery and style of the books, and it was a clear and sensorially rich world I could easily step into. 

What was it like stepping into the world of a period drama?

The town of Independence as well as the Ingalls homestead were all built from the ground up for the show. Riding into town on horseback, wearing a gun belt and a cowboy hat made stepping into a period drama easy as pie. The wardrobe and production were so authentic and beautiful that all I ever needed to do was look at a single small detail to feel immersed in the world.

How did your multicultural upbringing between Canada and France shape you as both a person and performer?

As a Canadian, I am inclusive, friendly and upbeat. And as a Française, I am discerning, refined and just. As a performer, I get to access both French and North American culture, like having more paint colours available when creating a picture.

I use bilingualism as a tool for imagination, allowing the different sensory weight of the words in each language to inform my decisions. It helps me to explore and expand my characters’ experiences. 

You originally studied linguistics before fully pursuing acting. Do you feel that background influences your work creatively?

Such a fun question. I’m a syntax and grammar nerd, it just thrills me. I tutor French at an all-girl’s school. Having passions outside of acting is important, and being of service to the next generation is inspiring and brings a great feeling of usefulness. 

Linguistics is the science of language, it shows how it is a living thing that changes over time and always has. Language is not prescriptive. I try to translate that open-mindedness to characters, not needing anything to be right or finite. 

You’ve spoken about not immediately feeling like a “natural” actor growing up. How important has persistence been in your journey?

Persistence and joy are the only reasons I’m still an actor. I was not talented from the jump, but I really wanted to be good. It took finding the right teachers and daring to believe in myself when little encouragement and few jobs came my way. I stuck around until I found the teachers I could really hear and took their advice - voice and movement class, scene study, therapy, and dedication. This followed by daily work, audition or no audition, job or no job. Then there’s luck, when opportunity meets hard work.

Outside acting, you’re passionate about women’s advocacy and family support systems. Why are those issues personally important to you?

I chose to become a choice mom, single parent by sperm donor, in 2020. I’ve always wanted to raise a child but felt like I evaluated the men I dated only as potential dads, creating tension and scrutiny that had little to do with the ease and open heartedness I look for in a relationship. I believe in the power of communities to support each other, having experienced it first hand through my journey in recovery. Getting pregnant on my own seemed like the next right thing. The process took several years but thanks to government funded IVF, great lawyers, and an incredibly generous sperm donor, I got pregnant in 2023. I met my current partner when I was two months pregnant and we’ve been a family ever since. I believe in people having the opportunity to make unconventional life choices, in a system that makes it possible for folks to be responsible while leaning on each other. My son is a product of that and I have since had many conversations with parents embarking on this same journey. 

How do you balance career ambition with family life?

It has not seemed like a hurdle so far. My son is in daycare and although bringing him on location is a change of routine for us both, I have found wonderful childcare wherever I’ve worked. My partner’s position is remote so he is often able to join me and work from local co-working spaces. We are all quite social and love acclimatizing wherever we go. 

When the boy starts grade school, I will lean on the actors who have met this challenge for advice and guidance. Community, always community.

Looking ahead, what kind of legacy or impact do you hope to create through your work both on and off screen?

I love this question. A few years ago, I think I would have been embarrassed to answer. I care deeply about our shared humanity, about showing people’s imperfections through my work - their shame, their courage, and their heartbreak. Lacey is rejected, aggressive, in love, supportive, goofy and capable. I want people to feel seen and comforted. The legacy I’d hope to create would be one of dedication, hard work, and generosity.