By: Malasha Parker
Q) What was your audition process for the role of Parker Walter?
A) It was a long time ago so it’s a bit hard to remember! I read the character description and implemented a few choices in Parker like she has a bit of a tough edge because growing up with ten brothers, I imagined she would have to fight a bit for things to be heard and noticed. As for the actual audition, I was chosen straight from an audition I sent to casting.
Q) Parker is the only girl in a family full of boys. In what ways do you think she is able to express herself the most?
A) I think living with a ton of boys all her life has made her pick up on a lot of habits, styles and attitudes that they all have. Parker is seen to be a tomboy. A sporty girl who I think mainly expresses herself through sports, pranks and competition with her brothers. Under that slightly crusty exterior, Parker has a super tender side and adores her brothers.
Q) What do you enjoy about getting to show Parker and Jackie’s relationship?
A) Parker and Jackie’s (Nikki Rodriguez) relationship is one of the emotional cores to the story that I feel many viewers can relate to. Their bond is layered with friendship, mentorship and a close-to-sibling bond. Parker challenges Jackie but ends up having a soft spot towards her which she hasn’t been able to have with all of the tough brothers in the house. I adore having scenes with Parker and Jackie because I feel it is always simple but so heartwarming seeing Parker being able to connect with someone.
Q) Parker was hurt to see Jackie leave in the first season. What do you think hurt her the most in her leave and how do you think Jackie’s return affected their relationship?
A) Parker felt abandoned when Jackie left. She felt that Jackie was the only one who really understood her. When Jackie came back it brought up mixed emotions but in the end they worked through the hurt together and grew their bond even closer.
Q) “My Life with the Walter Boys” has a large cast. How do you all get the family chemistry to work so well onscreen?
A) Filming with such a large cast can be hardm but on this set I feel that everyone connected from the start and how close we all act on screen is usually how we act off screen too. Everyone in the cast is so sweet, funny and easy to talk to which makes it feel like a real family. We also spend lots of time together while filming in Calgary. We go out for dinner lots, go to movies and of course make lots of TikToks!
Q) Parker likes to play field hockey and other sports. Will we get to see more of her playing sports in the future?
A) For “My Life with the Walter Boys” I have had to pick up on a lot of sports pretty quickly. Mostly I practiced with my dad when I found out I had to play football. We went out and bought a football and practiced down at the park for weeks before shooting. The same with basketball, we would go down to the courts and just keep practicing. I was really worried at first that I would embarrass myself filming, but I literally hit baskets for every take! Nikki wasn’t very good at shooting hoops, which made us both laugh. I love Nikki – she is the sweetest and the same goes for Noah [LaLonde]. I love throwing the football with him and the scenes Parker and Noah have together are always so genuine.
Q) We loved the carnival scenes! Talk about getting to film and your adventures there.
A) The carnival scenes were so fun to film! I love doing night shoots and that one went until something like 4AM. I do remember it was very cold but we all had so much fun, playing word games in the tent while not filming and just talking and laughing. At one point we all jumped on the Merry Go Round and they turned it up faster, then we walked around and did some of the games. It was a fun scene to shoot because it was most of the cast and extended cast who I don’t get to interact much with because I’m normally just in the family scenes.
Q) What do you think it is about “My Life with the Walter Boys” that has made it such a fan favorite series?
A) I think the cliffhangers and tension between the love triangle and the battle between Cole and Alex (Ashby Gentry) is super fun to watch but I also like the other relationships with Danny (Connor Stanhope), Erin (Alisha Newton), Nathan (Corey Fogelmanis) and Skylar (Jaylan Evans) and, of course, all the crazy antics of the kids!
Q) You also starred in “Fire Country” and the psychological horror-thriller, Speak No Evil. What did you enjoy about those roles and how have they made you grow as an actor?
A) I tend to pick up something new from each set I work on. Speak No Evil, I was surrounded by such brilliant actors, like James MacAvoy, Scoot McNairy and Mackenzie Davis so every scene was just so honest and real. Even Dan Hough, who’s first time acting in a film brought such emotional depth to his character, that we all were able to focus and go deep into the characters and situations. I loved playing the part of Agnes and seeing her growth throughout the film where her reliance on her support bunny changes to her finding her own inner strength to get through a terrible experience. “Fire Country” was great to film as it was shot locally, so I was able to find the balance between school and filming. The cast, crew and various directors were all incredibly nice and very supportive. I especially loved working with Jordan Calloway and Sabina Gadeki. They were both so welcoming and fun to be around.
Q) What are some exciting and upcoming projects that you are excited to share?
A) This summer I have been filming a really fun independent feature film called The Bryce Lee Story about a young Asian boy named Bryce Lee who lies about being related to Bruce Lee in order to fit in and be accepted at school. We shot on Vancouver Island and I had the best time working with fellow actors my age. The film touches on various topics like cultural values, the length you may go to be accepted by your peers and family loyalty. The movie is shot and directed so well that you can’t help but to love the characters and fall in love with the movie inside a movie.
Q) What would you like to say to the fans and supporters of you and your work?
A) I have been very fortunate to have an amazing fan group who have followed my acting journey ever since my first role on a really fun TV series called “Siren” where I got to play a mermaid and did a bunch of underwater scenes in a giant tank in the studio. I love all the fan edits and appreciate all the support and words of encouragement!