Meg Donnelly was born to stand out. From the sweet Taylor Otto in “American Housewife” to the aspiring Addison in “ZOMBIES”, Meg will act and sing her way into your heart. This Disney star is just getting started! We are excited to see the third installment of “ZOMBIES” coming out this year and, for those who can’t get enough of her beautiful voice, she will be in the new Disney “High School Musical” show! Finally, clearly Meg has a soft spot for the celestial, because she is joining the “Supernatural” world in the new prequel “The Winchesters”. While she will still be hanging out with interesting creatures, this role will be a whole new side for her. When Meg isn’t off fighting vampires and whatnot, she is tackling a whole other demon in our society — mental health. She has been very open about her own struggles with anxiety and hopes to be a positive role model for all her young fans. To learn more about Meg, please read our exclusive cover interview below.

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Foreword by Kira Bucca, Editor in Chief of Jejune Magazine.

Where are you based?
I have been based in Los Angeles for the past six years, but I frequently return home to NYC for music and inspiration.

What inspired you to go into acting and singing?
When I was six years old, a theater school opened in my hometown in NJ. From the first day on stage, I knew I wanted to perform for the rest of my life.

Right before the pandemic you put out your debut album, “Trust”. Can you tell us about this album?
The excitement of actually ‘doing it’. I had dreamed about if for so long — late nights in the studio, working with talented producers and writers, making the music videos, the fans reaction, and live shows. It was amazing!! I am just sorry the tour was canceled due to COVID-19.

You seem very focused on acting these days, will we be seeing more music from you?
Definitely. I travel to NYC every chance I get to be in the studio. I have a bunch of songs in various stages of completion. I’ve been experimenting with a bunch of new sounds and styles. I promise it will be out soon.

ZOMBIES certainly has taken advantage of your singing skills and has been a huge success! Can you tell us a bit about the movies and shows?
What I love most about the Zombies experience is the cast and crew friendships I have made for life and the overwhelming fan support! As a young girl, I spent countless hours watching High School Musical, Cheetah Girls, Camp Rock and Teen Beach Movie. Being in a Disney franchise is a dream come true!!!

What it is like playing Addison?
Amazing!! Addison is the young women that we all aspire to be — confident, fearless, inclusive, and a leader. I believe this is why she resonates with so many young fans. She has taught me so much about myself. I so appreciate the writers that created such an amazing character.

There have been two, going on three movies, and an animated variation. How was it doing the animated version vs the live action movies?
The animated version is much more a solo project. You go in the booth and try to bring the character to life with your voice & energy. This process is much different than the live action, which is all so collaborative with the cast, crew, and director.

We are super excited for the third move of ZOMBIES coming out this summer. Can you tell us a little bit about it without any spoilers?
There are three amazing new main cast members, big dance numbers and great new songs!! I cannot wait for the fans to see it!!!

Speaking of exciting things to come we hear you are joining the Supernatural world in the new prequel “The Winchesters”. First and foremost, are you Team Sam or Team Dean? How excited are you for this show?
Jensen is my boss, so definitely Team Dean (sorry Jared)!!! Super excited. I have been in New Orleans for two weeks working on the show. The cast and writing is amazing!! The fans!! We all hope we can deliver a show that the amazing fan base can support and be proud of. I am greatly appreciative of being given this opportunity.

You will be playing Mary Campbell, who sounds like a force to be reckoning with. Can you tell us anything about her and how are you preparing for this role?
My roles have mainly been comedy and musicals. This is the first dramatic role that I have been given the opportunity to tackle. I love the challenge. I feel so supported by everyone involved in this project.

We also hear you will be in Disney’s new “High School Musical”. Can you tell us a bit about this upcoming show and your character Val?
Before appearing in the show, I was a fan. Josh Bassett was one of my first friends after moving to Los Angeles. I also have worked with Matt Cornett (he’s in Zombies 3!!!), Olivia Rodrigo, and Sophie Wylie in the past. They are all great. Everyone was so accepting. Working with Corbin Bleu and Jason Earles made my young self scream!! I am forever grateful to Tim Federle for the opportunity.

In addition to all this, you are well known for your performance of Taylor Otto for American Housewife. One of the cool parts of American Housewife is that the youngest daughter (your sister) Anna-Kat suffers from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCD isn’t commonly portrayed, and not typically in an adorable way. As an advocate for mental health, what was it like seeing this brought to life for others to see and relate to?
The writers and the amazing Julia Butters did such a great job making Anna-Kat relatable. Any time art, especially television and film due to their reach, can normalize life experiences, the better we are as a society.

Being public about your own struggles with anxiety. What are your thoughts on more shows and movies covering mental health struggles?
Representation is always good and should be a goal for the industry. The more people suffering through various ailments see themselves as part of a bigger whole, the less isolated they become. In my experience, feeling that ‘you are not alone’ is a big step towards healing.

Why do you feel it is important for you to share your own experiences with your followers?
As stated above, feeling like you are the only one going through something is scary and isolating. As a public figure, and hopefully a role model to young people, most fans would not think that I suffer from some of the same issues that they do. Anxiety does not discriminate. It affects people from all walks of life. If me sharing my experience helps just one young person, it is all worth it.

Social media is a funny beast. It is a great way to get beautiful messages across, but it has been shown to be very psychologically damaging to many people. What are your thoughts on social media and its impact on mental health?
I’ve always struggled with social media. While I realize it is a necessary tool in my profession and a way to connect with my fans, deciding what to post, when to post, and how often to post, it all becomes so stressful. While I realize that everyone on social media is putting their best selves forward, even if manufactured, it is hard not to constantly compare. I’ve learned to take periodic breaks when it all gets too much. I hope everyone takes breaks for themselves so they don't become overwhelmed.

We love that you have partnered with the Children’s Health Fund and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals as an Ambassador. Can you tell us a bit about these organizations and why they are important to you?
I’ve been blessed in life — great family, friends, and health. I also get to do what I love — act, sing and dance, for a living. So, when I have the opportunity to bring a smile to the faces of young people that have not been as fortunate, it is something that I do not hesitate to do, and also something that brings so much meaning to my life. The meetings are truly life changing. They all have such strength and I am inspired by them.

The pandemic has been very hard on everyone’s mental health and now we have a new terrifying war. What advice do you have for those struggling with their mental health as we muddle through the 2020s?
Find someone to speak to. The worst thing you can do is bottle-up your feelings and isolate yourself. I was/am lucky to have a supportive mom and dad, but it could be anyone you trust: family, friend, teacher, and/or pastor. You are not alone. Do not be embarrassed. Speak to someone.

How have you been staying positive, and mentally healthy, through the pandemic, and the next crazy thing that is being thrown our way?
Working. Enjoying down time with family and friends. And music, music has always been my light in the storm.

What is your motto in life?
“Emancipate yourself from mental slavery. None but ourselves can free our minds” - Bob Marley.

To stay up to date with Meg’s exciting new projects please follow her via the platforms below:
Instagram: @megdonnelly
Facebook: @megdonnelly
Twitter: @ImMegDonnelly

Team Credits:
Photographer: Kira Bucca
Stylist: Alex Clough
Make-up: Tamieka Gardner
Hair: J Michael at Celestine

COVER - Meg Donnelly - Born To Stand Out