By: Malasha Parker

Q) Please describe your character, Annie Sullivan.

A) Annie Sullivan is a pretty average small-town teenager with relatively strict but separated parents. Her mom, Dana Sue (Brooke Elliott), has her working at the family restaurant Sullivan’s and she is an aspiring photographer for her school newspaper. I think I would describe her as a little naïve, but with a big heart that wants to go and explore all the world has to offer her. This season, though, I think she has the opportunity to see a lot more of the beauty of her small town through her community.

Q) What was the audition process like for the role?

A) The audition process was pretty speedy, which is not always the case. I was sent the first-round request to self-tape by my agent. I always tape my auditions at a professional studio (In-STUDIO in Greensboro, NC). The quality is better, I have another actor as my off-camera reader and it can help a casting director to visualize you on their screen on top of other things. I would say about a week later I was asked to come to Atlanta for an in-person callback. Not long after this, I was offered the role. So, very quick!

Q) What did you like most about your character’s description?

A) I really liked the layers I saw to Annie. She felt like a real person, not just a character on your screen. The way she was written was so genuine and relatable. I love that about her.

Q) At the end of Season One, a huge cliffhanger kept us wanting more. How will the fallout of the cliffhanger affect Annie?

A) The fallout of the big cliffhanger ending of Season One affects Annie in a lot of ways, but especially in her relationship with the Townsend boys. Annie carries a lot of guilt and frustration over what happened and, in some ways, feels like she caused it. It, at least, contributed to the build up before the blowout argument and eventual crash (if you remember, her kiss with Ty and the dodged kiss from Kyle). She struggles to connect with them. Very much like Dana Sue, Annie is not one to open up to people about the way she is feeling. She is the “strong” friend and holds things in. I think this is why we see these seemingly “random” outbursts. She feels things in extremes.

Q) What kind of character development can we expect to see from Annie in Season Two of “Sweet Magnolias?”

A) Annie experiences a lot of growth this season. Spoiler Alert! But I feel like Jackson (Sam Ashby) becomes an outlet for her. We see multiple times where Annie vents to him or allows these hidden thoughts to tumble out without a second thought (Ok… maybe without a third thought [laughs]). She matures as she embraces forgiveness – of herself and others. She allows someone to see her this season, really see her, and to love her for all of her quirks.

Q) Describe the relationship Annie has with her mother, Dana Sue played by Brooke Elliott. How will we see their relationship and bond progress this season?

A) Annie and Dana Sue have a complicated relationship. I feel like because the two are so similar, they tend to butt heads A LOT. We explore this more this season, but we also learn that (SPOILER!!) Annie doesn’t actually know the entire truth behind her parents split. Dana Sue confesses to Ronnie (Brandon Quinn) in the later episodes of the season that she couldn’t bring herself to say it to Annie – to tell her of her dad’s infidelity. I think this is a huge reason for the tension between Annie and Dana Sue. There is just a lack of understanding and it all kind of makes sense now!

Q) Annie went to the prom with Simon after ending her previous romantic relationship. Will we continue to see that relationship grow or will Annie turn back to her ex-boyfriend or someone else?

A) I think that Simon (Michael May) and Annie going to prom together was more of a friendly thing, at least to Annie. She was still dealing with the Ty (Carson Rowland) kiss and voice message situation and Simon was a good friend for her in the moment to lean on. That said, Annie does fall for someone this season. If you didn’t read my previous spoiler… know that this person truly does bring out the best in Annie (and she brings out the best in them!).

Q) Annie’s relationship with her godmother, Helen (Heather Headley), was shown a little bit during Season One. In what ways will we see them continue to show their close bond in Season Two?

A) With so much going on, we don’t see much of their relationship this season. Annie knows her Aunt Helen is always there for her though.

Q) After such a long break from Season One, how do you hope the fans receive the new season?

A) I hope that fans receive this new season with just as much love as they did the first. Serenity has something for everyone, that hasn’t changed.

Q) You’re very active on social media. Are there any ways you plan to engage more with the fans? Are you looking forward to seeing the reactions?

A) I love answering my DM’s, responding to comments and posting Q&A stickers. I plan to get back into going Live on Instagram… I used to all the time but haven’t in a while! I am so excited to continue to see everyone’s reactions to this season.

Q) What would you like to say to fans of you and your work?

A) I can’t express how grateful I am. It’s so humbling to have so many people connect with Annie, I love this character and this story so much and I am grateful for the opportunity to bring her to life. Thank you.