Allison Munn - kind, resolute, funny - has an extensive catalog within the entertainment and performance arts. Whether it be her early tenure performing in theater, or roles on the small screen, Allison displays a tenacity that is uniquely her own. “I did that show for two and a half years, eight shows a week, for over 500 performances,” the South Carolina native stated when referring to her lead role of ‘Luisa’ in off broadway's “The Fantasticks.”

Alison's work and passions also extend to her work advocating for political involvement, having worked with Rock The Vote, encouraging voter registration. She believes in female empowerment and using your voice to create change. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about Allison.

Where are you based?
After growing up in South Carolina and living in New York for four years, I’m based in Los Angeles.

How did you get interested in acting? Do you remember the pivotal moment that influenced your career decision?
I grew up singing, dancing and acting in community theater productions, so I’ve always loved the performing arts. When I was nine years old, I was cast in a local production of Annie and everything changed for me. I fell in love with the rehearsal process and performing for an audience — that’s when I knew I wanted to be a professional actor. I feel so grateful to be able to do what I love.

Your first big role came when you booked the lead role of ‘Luisa’ in “The Fantasticks,” off-Broadway's longest-running musical, at New York’s famed Sullivan Street Theatre. Can you talk about your first professional theatre experience? How does it compare to television?
Although I’d been acting professionally at various regional theaters, The Fantasticks was my first big New York job. Luisa is an absolute dream role and I remember being beside myself with excitement that I’d booked the job. I did that show for two and a half years, eight shows a week, for over 500 performances. It was an incredible learning experience that taught me skills that I still use to this day.

Musical theater acting and television acting are two very separate skills, but they both require a commitment to truth, no matter the circumstances. The Big Show Show shoots live, in front of an audience, so it’s a very similar experience to doing live theater.

Your role as Caroline (Fez's obsessive girlfriend) on "That 70s Show" was hilarious. What were some of your most memorable moments on the set?
That ‘70s Show was my first big job in Los Angeles. Caroline was such a crazy and fun character - I hit the jackpot when I got that role. This was also my first experience shooting something live, in front of a studio audience. I remember being extremely nervous, but thankful that I could fall back on my theatre experience to push through the nerves. That whole experience felt like a dream.

Can you tell us a little bit about your new show “The Big Show Show”, which sounds hilarious, and your character Cassy?
The Big Show Show is a super funny and heartwarming family sitcom that became available to Netflix members worldwide on April 6th. I play Cassy Wight — she’s a go-getter real estate agent, wife of WWE Superstar Big Show, and a loving mother to their two daughters and one step daughter. The series begins with Big Show retiring from wrestling and taking on the biggest match of his life - his family.

Jejune loves how active you are in politics and the need to get Americans voting! Can you tell us a little bit about Rock The Vote, and your work with them?
I’m passionate about getting young people to the polls. I grew up in a beautiful city where the majority of the people around me had very different political views than I did. I remember feeling powerless and I couldn’t wait until I was old enough to vote. In fact, I registered and voted in a primary election when I turned 17, which (in many states) is allowed if you’ll be 18 by the next general election. I started working with Rock The Vote about 15 years ago. I love their messaging, their youth outreach and the fact that they’re non-partisan.

Why is political involvement important to you? What would you tell to individuals disheartened or apathetic towards politics and the voting process?
Growing up, my father was a lobbyist and very involved with politics . He and I had wildly different ideologies and political viewpoints. He would often jokingly lament the fact that his own daughter was, in essence, cancelling out his vote. I would always look forward to elections because that meant I got to spar with my dad. We were somehow able to keep it light and it very rarely devolved into hurt feelings. He passed away eight years ago and I miss him most around election season.

For people who are disheartened and apathetic about voting, I get it — especially for marginalized groups in this country. And these are the groups that are most affected by the policies that hang in the balance! But I feel like the only way to change the system is to fight through the apathy and make your voice heard. Women in this country only received the right to vote in 1920 and black Americans couldn’t vote until 1965. It’s crazy how recent this all was. The right to vote was hard-won and I believe that we owe it to our ancestors to make use of it.

How would you like people to still stay politically active during this time?
With everything that is going on in the world right now, it’s easy (and sometimes necessary!) to shut out the news. I would hope, though, that people are still paying attention to how our nation’s leaders are responding to this global pandemic and deciding for themselves if they agree or disagree with how it’s being handled. Do you feel confident that our country is in good hands? Great — show your confidence by showing up to the polls in November. Are you hoping for better leadership? Show up to the polls in November. Bring your friends.

What are your thoughts on voting during this time?
The coronavirus pandemic has really complicated the remaining primary elections. Some states are only permitting voting by mail and others have pushed the primaries a few months. I just hope we’ll be able to safely vote in November — it may mean offering everyone the option to vote by mail. But that’s way above my pay grade. Haha.

How has shelter in place changed your life? Are you homeschooling your kids? How is that going?
The coronavirus Stay-At-Home Order has forced me to slow down and focus on the present, which is difficult for me, but I’m definitely learning and growing from it. I have two kids (one in second grade and one in preschool) and I’m currently homeschooling them with lesson plans from their teachers. Some days are great, some days… not so great. Haha. The experience has given me an even deeper respect for teachers — they are heroes and deserve to be paid accordingly.

What fun things are you doing to stay positive during the shelter in place?
Last weekend, my family and I put up a tent in the backyard, grilled burgers and slept under the beautiful (thanks to no smog) stars. Personally, I’ve been taking long, solo neighborhood walks while listening to audio books (I just finished Ronan Farrow’s Catch & Kill and it was incredible), hanging out with my friends on Zoom, and (finally) learning to meditate through online classes at The DEN.

What is your motto in life?
I’m not sure if this counts as a motto but I try to live my life by the Golden Rule — treat others the way you want to be treated. It’s simple and has always been a guidepost for me.

To learn more about Allison Munn please follow her via the below platforms:
Instagram: allisonmunn
Twitter: allisonmunn

Allison Munn: The Importance Behind The Vote