Veronica Dunne – K.C. Undercover

By starrymag | March 27, 2016

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) We are underway with Season 2 of “K.C. Undercover.” What can you tease about some storylines this season?

A) The episode about the family is kind of a two-parter. We learn more about Kira’s sister and Abby (Kara Royster), the cousin. Generally, as far as Marisa, she decides to be a better person. You’ll see her try to turn herself around. She starts volunteering and tries to be more grown up and learn more about herself.

Q) What makes her change her attitude?

A) I think she just realizes she is growing up. As teenagers, we are kind of searching to find ourselves. I think she just makes a cognizant decision and starts volunteering at a food bank.

Q) Will she be extending her friends circle thanks to her work at the food bank?

A) There will definitely be boys. I think everywhere she goes she finds a new boyfriend.

Q) Marisa has a keen eye for guys. Where might we go romantically with her?

A) All over the place! I don’t think she sticks with one person. I think she is playing the field.

Q) A lot of what we love about “K.C. Undercover” is the heart and comedy that comes with it. Talk to us about your comedic timing, is it natural or have you studied it?

A) My dad is an actor and a comedian. He was a huge inspiration to me and he is the funniest guy that I know. That was kind of in my blood that way, but I grew up watching “I Love Lucy” reruns, “30 Rock” and “Saturday Night Live.” So, I’ve always loved comedy and definitely studied it subconsciously by watching all of those amazingly hilarious women.

Q) Do you look up to certain females in comedy?

A) Kristen Wigg, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. I also love Amy Schumer and Lena Dunham. “Girls” is one of my favorite TV shows. I think there are a lot of women in comedy these days that are an inspiration.

Q) Your show also provides great layers to Marissa. What is your favorite aspect to her?

A) I think it is great to play someone who is so bubbly and has this wonderful love of life. But I think what I love about her is that she can get distracted and is all over the place sometimes, but she never strays from her friendship. She loves K.C. (Zendaya) so much and their friendship can last through anything. So, I think that it is important and a great quality.

Q) Was there anything you added to your role that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

A) Originally, the role wasn’t anything like it is now. It was written for a completely different kind of character. I actually improvised a lot of my audition and they ended up keeping it all in the script. It was definitely a collaboration for what I came into the audition with and what our EP saw in me. I think it was a collaboration, but I definitely brought my own spin.

Q) The show also has a wonderful female empowerment to it. How does that aspect make you feel?

A) I think that it is really important to show young girls that they can do anything. To show a girl that is quirky, kind of awkward around boys and a bit of a bookworm turn around and save the world is one of the most powerful things a young girl can watch. Especially going through middle school and high school, those times are really hard and you are kind of finding yourselves. As many shows we can put out there that make young girls believe in themselves, realize they can do anything and accomplish anything is imperative. I’m so honored to be a part of a show that does that.

Q) What kind of fan feedback have you received about the show?

A) It’s amazing! I don’t think I’ve seen one negative comment about the show ever. Everyone loves it! All ages, families, grandparents, brothers, sisters…There is something in it for everyone and I think that’s why it does so well.

Q) Disney has been great lately about challenging social issues into their series. Will we see that more on the show or would you like to see more?

A) In an episode we are shooting in a few weeks, we will tackle an important issue. There is going to be a lot of that in the show. It’s really special what we are about to film and I can’t wait for people to see it. It tackles an issue and tells a really powerful story.

Q) Do you hope more episodes deal with it or will the one episode be a great start?

A) I think there has been a lot of subtle things that we have incorporated into the show that are different. There are little lines about K.C. not needing a guy and being independent, which I think is important for young girls to hear. It’s not all about finding a boyfriend and living happily ever after. It’s knowing you’re a strong women and you can do whatever you set your mind to. The next episode we’re about to film tells a powerful story and I would love to see more of that. I think they definitely will incorporate that more because the writers on the show and Zendaya believe so strongly in those amazing things and want to bring the young people of our generation great messages.

Q) Marisa does know K.C.’s secret. Will we be seeing her get more involved in the spy game?

A) Now that Ernie (Kamil McFadden) knows that Marisa knows about the spy stuff, she is going to be able to help out on more missions. That will be good!

Q) Would you like to see more of Marisa in other facets of her life?

A) I think it is important we see flaws in Marisa or her kind of be honest with herself by taking down her walls. There is an upcoming episode where she is honest with K.C. about how insecure she is. I think that is important for young girls to see that she gives off a confident air, but she is just like every other girl where she worries about her flaws and has insecurities. I want to keep her fun and have that comedy that Marisa brings, but I definitely think it will be fun to see her become a better person, too.

Q) Are there any upcoming guest stars you can share?

A) Nothing I can say right now. But stay posted on that one!

Q) There have been a lot of crossovers with series this year as well. Is there a show you’d like a crossover with?

A) I think they kind of hit the nail on the head when Raven (Raven Symone) was on the show so I don’t think anything can top that because “That’s So Raven” was my favorite show growing up. I kind of got my wish early on!

Q) Will we be getting to see you do anything musically coming up?

A) Yeah, I’m working on it! I’ll keep you posted on that one, too.

Q) What have you taken away from being a part of the show “K.C. Undercover?”

A) I feel so lucky that I’m a part of the show. First of all, to have a job as an actor in this town is a major accomplishment. I think 1% of SAG is employed and there are so many amazing people. So, I feel like I got the jackpot to be working. I know so many people who are skipping lunch to pay for acting class. The first thing I have taken away is that I’m so grateful and lucky. To work with these people has been incredible and we have a great team. I have a family that I can work with and that’s pretty special. So, I’m grateful!