Ramona Young – DC’s Legends of Tomorrow

By: Lisa Steinberg

Q) When we first meet Mona she’s determined, but timid and quirky. What has it been like for you to see this incredible character development?

A) It’s been a process. I’m also figuring it out as the writers come up with different scripts. So, I’m also along for the ride and the journey. I’m pleasantly surprised as the story continues with Mona.

Q) Her boundaries seem to be pushed more and more with her interactions with her fellow Legends. How does she hold on to her core values at the same time as being able to be pushed beyond her comfort, as in maintaining her personal identity through this?

A) That’s something to juggle, too. Something I have to figure out is how much does what she go through affects her and it’s a challenge, but it’s a fun challenge. I think Mona is always Mona, just like how we are always us. We overcome things. We might change who we are, but the core of who we are stays the same – just like Mona. I think she’s a very strong person and sometimes it is hardest to be vulnerable and hardest to show people that you have weakness, but she’s able to be honest about that with herself and other people. I think that makes her a really strong character at the end of the day.

Q) In the Jane Austen episode, those were such great assets to her.

A) I really liked that she was able to relate to Zari (Tala Ashe) in that episode. She was able to talk her out of her making a big mistake getting married to a mystical creature. She was able to do that by just being herself and being a good friend.

Q) Talk about filming the Bollywood episode.

A) It was incredible to not only be a part of, but also to watch. There were so many dancers involved with that Bollywood number. The way the set was designed and the lighting designed it was really a joy to watch. It felt really magical. Being able to sing, in general, is something I love doing and something I’ve wanted to do on TV for a while. Having this opportunity to do it, even in this 19^th century costume, is pretty incredible. There is so much happening with every episode if you miss an episode you miss so much happening. All the details that are put into the show is incredible. Every time I watch the show I’m crying, laughing and feeling incredibly moved all at the same time.

Q) In the RV episode Sara (Caity Lotz) had this moment where she said, “Maybe that’s what family is, people you don’t mind being annoyed by.” We the show it touches on so many forms of family. What is it about this message that really makes this series standout?

A) I think especially when I was a kid, I always imagined having a family would be something that is just a perfect little unit. As we get older, we realize that every family has their own dysfunctions and nobody is perfect and people are just people. We learn to love each other because of those flaws and because of those idiosyncrasies. It’s so funny how that parallels the way we relate to each other on set because we would spend sometimes fifteen or sixteen hours on set together. Honestly, everyone is so nonjudgmental and very kind to one another. We just accept each other as who we are with all of our different personalities. We just work great together.

Q) We saw you work more this season with Zari. They have a great energy and attitude together. What can you tell us about filming with Tala Ashe?

A) Working with the different actors, with each actor or actress, you get a different vibe. They spark different things out of me. Working with the different actors and actresses you feel something different. There is a different chemistry happening. I think that is a lot of fun to play with. I feel like that’s why the audience ships certain characters together and not ships certain characters together because they all relate to each other in a certain way. It’s fun seeing how that shows up in scenes. It’s so much fun working with Tala. We had a very serious scene together in episode 11 and neither of us had any idea how that was going to turn out, but there were real tears and there was real anger. We played around with the dialogue and we really stuck to our opinions that were true to our characters, which were polar opposites of each other. It was a fun like explosion to see how both of us collided together. She was great to work with.

Q) What does Mona see in Zari that maybe Zari doesn’t see in herself?

A) I think people with the biggest defenses and the biggest walls are the most sensitive and they are the people who feel the most. And because they feel the most, they have this need to protect themselves. So, I feel like at the end of the day Zari and Mona are more similar than it comes across. They have different ways of dealing with their sensitivities and their emotions.

Q) One of my favorite relationships and bond is between Mona, Ava (Jes Macallan) and Nora (Courtney Ford). What has Mona learned from each of these women?

A) These characters and these women in real life – they are so impressive. The things they get done and the things they accomplish and the missions that they do. It’s impressive, but it’s not always so glamorous. There are so many ups and downs. I think Mona being closer to the team gets to experience that firsthand, how challenging it is to actually do so much. I think going through these struggles makes these women even more impressive.

Q) What is it about the dynamic of these women that they share that really resonates with audience in the way they are written and portrayed?

A) I’m sure there are a lot of qualities and depending on the people watching the show they probably relate to the characters in their own way. It’s probably different for everyone. For myself, I honestly feel like these characters – even though they are flawed, have weaknesses and strength like everyone else, like everyone else at the end of the day they try their hardest and they are always doing their best. They’re always trying to do the right thing. That’s something I personally connect to and I feel like all of these characters are deep down genuine people trying to do their best and what they feel is right.

Q) Left last episode with Gary becoming “whole again.” What can you tease is in store the remainder of the season?

A) I don’t want to give anything away, but I would say Mona is a very key part of the next episode with what is happening with Gary (Adam Tsekhman). Things get very dangerous. I’ll say those things.

Q) Will we see Mona harness her abilities and find out what triggers her?

A) She definitely hones in her alter ego more.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) I’m always incredibly grateful for how supportive the fans are of the show. I know the show is evolving and. I just appreciate the support that fans and audiences give the show and the support they give Mona. I’m aware of it and I appreciate it so much.