As the final ever episode of Nickelodeon’s Every Witch Way prepares to go out tonight, Mia Matthews who plays Desdemona is feeling reflective but positive about the future. Sad to say a final farewell to the show, she kindly agreed to this EXCLUSIVE interview with our staff writer Rebecca.
PW: When you were growing up, was it always your ambition to be an actress or is something that developed over time?
M: After my dreams of being a circus clown and an Olympic gymnast, I’ve always dreamed of being an actress.
PW: Were your parents supportive of your career choice? How have they influenced you over the years?
M: My parents were very supportive of me wanting to be an actress. Both my parents are driven, industrious people (my father was a professional race car driver) so they understood my passion for performing.
PW: What was it about the role of Desdemona that appealed to you so much?
M: I was thrilled to play a role that had such a change in character. To play a good character and evil character in one season was a dream come true!
PW: Can you remember your audition? Were you nervous?
M: I already had a friend on the show. Zoey Burger has been friends with my daughters for many years, so I had been watching the show. When I read the description for Desdemona, I knew I had to play the part. I was more confident at the audition than any audition I think I’ve ever had. I REALLY wanted this job!
PW: As Every Witch Way prepares to say farewell after four seasons, what are your favorite memories from your time on the show?
M: I have never had so much fun working on a show. Melissa Carcache, Todd Allen Durkin, and I, the Witches Council, laughed so hard every day that it never felt like work.
PW: Could you choose a favorite episode?
M: My favorite episode was in Season 2 when I conjured up a storm. We had a special effects crew come with a huge wind machine and rain. I loved shooting that scene. It felt like I was in a disaster movie.
PW: What do you think adhered fans so strongly to the show compared with other programs?
M: I think it was the story of Every Witch Way that really appealed to the fans. The telenovela format made it very easy for fans to get to know the characters and grow with us every night.
PW: What do you make of the social media response to the news of the show’s ending? Did you expect fans to react as strongly as they have?
M: Our fans are the best! They’ve fallen in love with these characters and feel like they are their friends and don’t want it to end. I would have never imagined that they care so much but I am so grateful that they do!
PW: Melissa told me that she cried when filming the final few episodes – did you?
M: It was extremely moving to realize that this was it – the end of Every Witch Way. The end of Desdemona and a goodbye to the people who had become my closest friends. So yeah, I have to admit there were some tears.
PW: The shows’ been nominated for numerous TV awards – how important to you is that kind of thing? Are you happy just to been a part of a program people love?
M: Awards don’t mean that much to me except to help recognize how much the show is loved. It is truly the fans that made the show successful, any awards are just icing on the cake.
PW: Your new TV series South Beach is currently in post-production. What can you tell me about it and how does your role in the show differ from that of Desdemona?
M: South Beach began airing yesterday on Hulu! My character Karen has a lot of personality but nothing like Desdemona. She’s a publicist who works in Miami, but alas, has no special powers!
PW: Is it important to you that you take on new, challenging and exciting roles?
M: I just like to work. I absolutely love working. It is definitely more fun to play a role that is more challenging, but I’m grateful for all the work and find it all exciting in its own way.
PW: Finally then, do you have any other plans in the pipeline you can tell me about and do you have a final message for EWW fans?
M: The next project I’m working on is a feature film called Annabelle Hooper and the Ghosts of Nantucket, with Bailee Madison as Annabelle. I play Phoebe Beadle. It films on Nantucket Island in September. It’s a young adult film that the fans will love. I have so much love in my heart for the EWW fans. I will always be grateful for the support you’ve given us. You guys are the best!
The final episode of Every Witch Way airs on Nickelodeon tonight July 30th at 7 PM EST.
