Mimi Gianopulos, a rising star with a knack for comedy and a deep appreciation for her Greek heritage, recently joined the Wizards of Waverly Place universe with Disney's highly anticipated reboot. During a chat with Pop Culture Unplugged, Mimi shared her excitement about the series, her character Joanna, and the serendipitous journey that brought her to this iconic franchise.
A Magical Opportunity Post-Strike
For Mimi, the opportunity to join Wizards came quickly after the end of the Hollywood strike.
“This show kind of came out of nowhere for me,” she said. “It was my first audition after the strike, and within a week, I had the role. It was a whirlwind, but it felt like everything just fell into place.”
Mimi recalled her initial excitement upon learning she’d joined a beloved Disney legacy:
“It’s so exciting but also intimidating. The Russo family has such a special place in fans’ hearts. I wanted to make sure I was honoring that legacy while bringing something fresh to the table.”
Joanna: An Investigative Reporter and Fun Mom
Mimi plays Joanna, an investigative reporter and the wife of Justin Russo (David Henrie). Joanna brings a vibrant and spunky energy to the show, balancing her professional ambitions with her role as a mom and wife in a magical family.
“She’s outgoing, sarcastic, and tells it like it is,” Mimi explained. “She coaxes Justin out of his comfort zone and adds a fun dynamic to the family.”
Joanna’s journey in the series includes discovering her husband’s magical abilities—a storyline Mimi found particularly fun to portray:
“The reveal was brilliant! Playing a smart, inquisitive character who’s in the dark about something so major was such a unique challenge.”
A Special Connection with David Henrie
David Henrie, who reprises his role as Justin Russo and serves as an executive producer, left a lasting impression on Mimi.
“David is amazing—so collaborative, generous, and thoughtful. From day one, he made me feel welcome. He’s my husband on the show and my boss in real life, and he’s great at both!”
Their connection goes back years. Mimi shared a fun piece of trivia about their professional history:
“Ten years ago, David and I were cast opposite each other in a stage reading of a screenplay. It feels like such a full-circle moment to be working together again.”
Honoring Her Greek Heritage and Hollywood Roots
Mimi’s upbringing in a proud Greek family influenced her path in entertainment. Her father, a former studio head at Fox and Paramount, was both supportive and cautious about her acting aspirations.
“He always said, ‘This is a hard life, but I’ll support you.’ He wanted me to go to college first, and I’m so grateful for his guidance. Now, he’s one of my biggest cheerleaders.”
Joining the Wizards Legacy
Joining a franchise with such a devoted fan base is no small feat, and Mimi is determined to live up to expectations.
“The original show had so much heart and humor. I hope my character resonates with fans, both old and new. Joanna’s relationship with the Russo family, especially with her stepdaughter, Billy, brings a fresh dynamic to the series.”
A Season Two on the Horizon?
While no official announcement has been made about a second season, Mimi remains optimistic:
“We haven’t heard anything yet, but the fan response has been great. Fingers crossed Disney brings us back for more magical adventures!”
What’s Next for Mimi?
As the first season wraps up filming, Mimi plans to take a well-deserved break for the holidays. However, she’s eager to see what opportunities lie ahead:
“I’d love to continue in the sitcom world. It’s a format I adore, and I’m also interested in creating and producing shows in the future.”
Stay Connected
Mimi stays active on social media, sharing updates about the show and her life with fans. Follow her on Instagram @MimiGianopulos for a mix of behind-the-scenes fun, family moments, and adorable shots of her two pups.
Catch Mimi Gianopulos and the rest of the Russo family on Wizards, streaming new episodes every Friday on Disney Channel, with the first eight episodes available on Disney+. Fans of magic, laughter, and heartfelt moments won’t want to miss it!