Aline O'Neil on Playing Tonya in Peacock's Hysteria!, the 'Satanic Panic,' & Acting Insights

[00:00:09] Aline, thank you for joining me today on Pop Culture Unplugged.

[00:00:12] Thank you for having me.

[00:00:14] Congrats on Hysteria. It was number five last week when I mentioned earlier we spoke to MJ. He told me it was number five. Has it moved up at all? Have you heard anything?

[00:00:21] You know, I've been trying not to keep too close an eye on it. It should be number one, so I'm just like, we'll let it simmer, you know?

[00:00:28] Hey, when the next few episodes drop, hopefully we'll see it climb right up, right? Especially for Halloween and right around the corner.

[00:00:34] That's what I'm saying. People better binge it. It's gonna go number one. I'm feeling the good vibes.

[00:00:39] So we're gonna jump into Hysteria in a little bit, but I want to, you know, dive into your career a little bit.

[00:00:44] You've had an exciting journey, I've noticed, when I was doing some research on you, you know, with Will Trent as one of the shows that you were on also.

[00:00:51] What made you jump into the industry? What drew you to acting?

[00:00:55] Yeah, you know, I was a little kid and my parents put me in this like summer camp.

[00:01:00] It was like a musical theater where we did these like junior shows like The Aristocats and I was like Marie and stuff.

[00:01:06] And obviously I really loved that and musical theater was like my first love.

[00:01:10] And I remember I played like competitive soccer and I did musical theater.

[00:01:13] And one day my choir teacher was like, we want to give you the lead in the musical, but you know, we got to simmer back on the soccer.

[00:01:20] You got to pick. And I just was like in that moment, like, hmm, am I going to play soccer for the rest of my life?

[00:01:26] In middle school, of course. Soccer for the rest of my life or am I going to be an actor?

[00:01:30] And then I was like, you know, I'm going to be an actor.

[00:01:31] And then I just decided and I was like, I'm going to be really good at this and this is what I'm going to do.

[00:01:36] And that's it. I guess it's stuck.

[00:01:37] Yeah. While you were growing up and you were you were sticking with acting up, what was your like your parents reaction?

[00:01:42] They want to have a backup plan. Like, how did that whole conversation go?

[00:01:46] You know, I think they secretly knew because I was always like, I want to be on Broadway, which that dream hasn't disappeared.

[00:01:53] But my dad was always like, you're going to be on TV. And I was always like, haha, dad.

[00:01:58] But, you know, they were always so supportive. I'm really blessed. Like, my parents are my best friends and my little sister.

[00:02:04] So, yeah, never any like you need a backup plan. They were like, chase your dreams.

[00:02:08] We got your back if you need us. And I'm very lucky. Yeah.

[00:02:12] What's been their reaction seeing you now? You know what?

[00:02:14] They've seen you on TV with previous projects or even like with hysteria. What's been their reaction like?

[00:02:18] Oh, my God. It was so fun. We because I hadn't seen all the episodes yet like everyone else.

[00:02:23] So we got a bunch of balloons and like these like little fake candles and we all just sat down.

[00:02:29] We woke up, I think at like five or six a.m. and we all got together with some chicken minis and just watched all the episodes that entire day.

[00:02:36] We've been. Yeah, it was so much fun. And, you know, I think that they're proud.

[00:02:43] I hope I'm sure they are. Sure. They are.

[00:02:47] And throughout your career, you've done, you know, a diverse roles.

[00:02:51] You know, you've done a little bit of everything.

[00:02:53] Is there like a specific role that you have enjoyed the most?

[00:02:57] Oh, my gosh.

[00:02:58] Well, I think I have to say Tanya and hysteria because it's like the one I've gotten to do the most with.

[00:03:05] And I don't know. I just like I loved her.

[00:03:08] She was so different and unique on the show compared to everyone else.

[00:03:12] And I don't know. I just had the best time with her. She's got to be my favorite.

[00:03:15] I Matt Scott Kane, our creator, showrunner, just best person ever gave me a lot of fun stuff to work with.

[00:03:21] So, yeah.

[00:03:23] How do you transition from a show like Will Trenton to like hysteria?

[00:03:26] You know, you go from like, you know, like a detective police type, you know, like show to like right into like a horror thriller, a little bit of everything hysteria.

[00:03:34] Like, how do you how'd you go through that?

[00:03:37] Well, you know what? Luckily, deep down, the character I played on Will Trenton and the character I played on hysteria, they're both two teenage high school girls deep down that want to be seen, want to be loved, like want to be taken care of.

[00:03:51] And like that's basically at the core of most of the characters I play.

[00:03:55] So that wasn't too crazy of a transition. Am I allowed to say spoilers? Are you cool?

[00:04:00] Are we cool?

[00:04:00] Yeah, that's fine.

[00:04:02] So when I first saw the scripts, I didn't know where it was going, but it's kind of like a joke in our family now because I got kidnapped on Will Trent.

[00:04:08] And then like by the time the seventh and eighth episode of hysteria came out, I was like, oh, I'm kidnapped again.

[00:04:14] And my parents like we only ever see you get kidnapped on TV. So the crossover is actually pretty funny.

[00:04:20] That sounds good. Well, I guess I mentioned all these roles that you've done. Is there a specific role that you kind of hope you get your hands on someday?

[00:04:29] Oh, yeah. I'm obsessed with like Euphoria and Tell Me Lies, like the ones that have those like super toxic relationships.

[00:04:39] And I just like really, I really want to be on a show like that. I think that would be so fun.

[00:04:43] And also I want to do more like horror and slasher. I've only gotten to do like a horror film, you know what I'm saying? Like a true horror film. And I would love to do that.

[00:04:53] Have you had the opportunity to audition for any type of roles like that?

[00:04:55] Yeah, I auditioned for I know what you did last summer.

[00:05:00] The reboot. Yeah, yeah.

[00:05:02] Gosh, I wanted that so bad. That was like such a fun audition.

[00:05:05] So something along those lines and I never watched scary movies.

[00:05:08] So I watched it with my mom like late at night and we both were like, we were just so scared the whole time.

[00:05:16] So I'll have to brave it up and do my research if I do ever get one of those. But yeah.

[00:05:21] And it does feel like we, as you know, as everything's changing with the industry, it seems like we're getting a lot more of shows like that.

[00:05:28] Yeah, right. Yeah, totally.

[00:05:31] And we have all those streaming options also. So you might break through one of these walls.

[00:05:36] Thanks. Thanks. I appreciate your support.

[00:05:39] There you go. Let's start into hysteria now. We see you as Tanya.

[00:05:44] First of all, tell us a little about the audition for this for this project.

[00:05:48] Yeah, I got like a very limited script. I got two scenes for it and it was like kind of like MJ was saying it was a regular audition I got.

[00:05:58] But I did read the sides and I was like, because my scene with Kiara when she spits the blood on me was one of my scenes that I got for my audition.

[00:06:09] And I was really like, I feel like normally people would be like, you like what when they read that.

[00:06:15] But instead I was like, oh, my God, I got to get this like that looks so fun.

[00:06:19] But it was really fun, too, because the casting director, she wanted us to do two different takes like two different versions, like kind of giving them some options to work with.

[00:06:27] So I think I did one that was like just as mean as I could possibly be.

[00:06:33] And then I did another one. I was just like a sobbing mess.

[00:06:37] I can't even remember. But oh, my gosh, it was just it was really easy.

[00:06:41] I did the tapes. I turned them in. I crossed my fingers. And then I heard back that they had sent me to producers and I waited, which felt like it was like forever.

[00:06:49] But I think it was only probably like a week and they called and they were like, you got it.

[00:06:53] Can you be at a table read tomorrow morning? And I was like, oh, shoot. Yeah. OK.

[00:06:57] And then I turned on a podcast about the satanic panic and I woke up the next morning and there I was.

[00:07:03] You mentioned the satanic panic, which is a big thing for this series.

[00:07:07] What did you find like most fascinating about portraying a character in this setting?

[00:07:11] Well, I mean, first of all, I had never even heard of it, which I just think is so crazy because it's a pretty big deal.

[00:07:19] I'm like, how have we never learned about this in school or anything like that?

[00:07:22] But I'm portraying a character in that time.

[00:07:25] Luckily for me, I am like one of the most grounded and realistic people in the sense of like I'm responding the way a normal person I think would respond to things going on.

[00:07:38] So luckily for me, I got to react naturally to how I would if people were doing weird cult stuff in my school.

[00:07:45] You know what I mean? Right. Right.

[00:07:47] Luckily for me, that was pretty easy because I also was like, what the heck?

[00:07:51] Every time I was reading as things digressed. But yeah.

[00:07:55] What was the description you were giving for Tanya and like how did you decide you wanted to play this character?

[00:08:01] Yeah. Well, you know, I'm always thankful for any opportunity.

[00:08:04] So if my team submits me for something and I do get an audition and they want to see me for it, I'm immediately interested because I'm always open to like a conversation and I want to see like what they want.

[00:08:15] And if it could be me and it could be like they specifically want me for it and what I'm going to make of it, even though it may not be exactly what they have in mind.

[00:08:22] I'm always going to be game for anything, first of all. But yeah, the description was it's actually kind of perfect.

[00:08:29] It was like cheerleader. I think it said like homecoming queen because originally I did get crowned homecoming queen.

[00:08:35] It got cut because I wasn't there and they were like, oh, no, where is she? You know what I mean?

[00:08:40] But and that I was Judith's best friend. And as the series progressed, I had to grapple with my friend's new dark interest and hobbies, which feels like very accurate as the show goes up goes on. Yeah.

[00:08:56] Well, when while you were filming this or like before you jumped out, said, did you like because, you know, there's a lot of metal music.

[00:09:02] Like I mentioned the MJ to go back to try to listen to any of that music and also like, you know, takes place in the 80s.

[00:09:09] Do you do any research on that? You know what? To be honest, I am.

[00:09:13] I know I feel like everyone on our show is like, I'm such a metal head. I love all that stuff.

[00:09:17] And I'm like, no, I'd probably be listening like girls just want to have fun.

[00:09:22] But I feel like that works for my character. So honestly, I feel like I stayed true to like the girly bops and kept it.

[00:09:29] Kept Tanya, you know, have you have you heard about the fans to like the fans of those?

[00:09:34] There's a big Spotify playlist now based off the series. Have you heard really?

[00:09:39] Yes. You might like later on when you get to check it out. Somebody has a few people have built a Spotify hit list of the series right on Spotify.

[00:09:48] No way. So if you look at the list of the whole bunch of 80 stuff, I guess that's the way to do it.

[00:09:53] I'll have to educate myself like honestly, especially if we get season two fingers crossed.

[00:09:57] But yeah, wait, that's so cool. I had no idea.

[00:10:01] Yeah. So like when the fans tune in, what can they expect for like Tanya's journey throughout this throughout this series?

[00:10:07] And like, what are you excited mostly about this character?

[00:10:10] Oh, without giving spoilers away for this one.

[00:10:14] Oh, OK, OK. I think I'm most excited for people to watch how Tanya responds to some pretty intense situations and handles the pressure of her peers.

[00:10:30] Because I feel like she's kind of unique in the decisions she makes and how she responds in terms of how the rest of the group reacts to things.

[00:10:43] Yeah, I can see that. Yeah. What do you think for like what are some intense and suspenseful like moments that you were in?

[00:10:49] Like, was there any challenges about playing those certain scenes?

[00:10:53] I mean, that that's my favorite. So like, yes, I mean, like, I guess trying not to give away anything like crying for long periods of time and like being covered in blood.

[00:11:06] I know that would like it's like challenging in a way, I guess, but I think it's so fun.

[00:11:11] So I feel like no, it wasn't a challenge. It was honestly like those were my favorite nights was the ones where I was like really going through it.

[00:11:19] I was like, this is the best time ever. You seem so excited though. I got the feeling that you want to play some serial killer down the road.

[00:11:26] No, I think something might be wrong with me.

[00:11:29] To be perfectly honest, like when I saw where Matt was going with it, I was literally like, yes, I literally texted him and I was like, thank you, thank you, thank you.

[00:11:38] So the series has an amazing cast. Has there been anybody particular that you like you couldn't wait to be on set to work with?

[00:11:44] Or like somebody that if we see a season to somebody that you get to work with more that you didn't get just to work with this time around?

[00:11:50] Oh my, that is such a hard question. I've literally just been like watching the show and like complete awe because you know when you're on set for like as long of a period of time as we were like filming the show because of like the strikes and everything.

[00:12:03] I mean, I felt like I was there all the time and then I'm watching the show and I'm like there are like a million other things going on that I read that I like I'm definitely not a part of and like watching all of that back.

[00:12:14] I mean, our cast is just insanely stacked like how crazy is it like Bruce Anna Julie like Nikki is so amazing episode five with Nikki and Anna. I literally I was weeping MJ because I seen like I'm trying not to give spoilers.

[00:12:32] I mean, everyone is just so talented but I will say like I after working on the show look up to Anna so much.

[00:12:41] She is just the most joyful contagious personality I've ever been around.

[00:12:47] She just her smile just lights up a room and she's so talented and giving and welcoming.

[00:12:53] It was just so fun though like like one time in the police station when we got to work together.

[00:12:57] I don't think I laughed more on set and also it was just like such a great experience because we both just like locked in when it was time to go and watching her and Nikki work together.

[00:13:07] Those are two people I definitely if we do get a second season, I really hope we get to explore some of the Tanya faith beef because I feel like there's definitely some underlying stuff there.

[00:13:18] Our mom's being friends and all and like the church history.

[00:13:21] I feel like there's some Sunday school beef there and I would love to see that explored.

[00:13:26] What do you what do you love about Tanya?

[00:13:28] Oh my god.

[00:13:29] Well, I love her but then I keep reading on my mom was like I listened to a podcast of somebody talking about the show and they only called you the rat.

[00:13:37] Like they would only call me the rat.

[00:13:39] And I read that online to somebody else like the rat and I was like, I guess I'm a rat now.

[00:13:45] But that's okay because you know, I think Tanya stays true to herself and you know, maybe she's not always the nicest person.

[00:13:51] But if you were getting peer pressure to do some of the things these people are doing, would you not also like harshly defend yourself and be like what's wrong with you?

[00:14:00] I mean, I would but like I play her so I would fiercely defend her.

[00:14:04] But I just think Tanya is like one of the most level-headed people here and doesn't fall into like the trap which I feel like is part of the whole thing hysteria is about is like that kind of mob mentality and everyone having the same ideas and the paranoia.

[00:14:19] Where I feel like while I was scared Tanya is kind of like, okay, I just I'm getting out of this.

[00:14:26] This is wild.

[00:14:27] Like you guys do your thing.

[00:14:29] I'll just get good grades or something like I don't know.

[00:14:31] I love that about Tanya.

[00:14:32] She stays true to herself even through the end.

[00:14:35] She doesn't like fall into the trap or change her mind or anything.

[00:14:38] She's like, you know, this is this is what I believe and I'm gonna stick to it.

[00:14:42] And I think that's cool.

[00:14:43] That was nice to see your mom just tell you that she heard talking about your character.

[00:14:47] She was like, yeah, everyone's calling you the rat.

[00:14:50] And I was like, oh, okay, like maybe I gotta like it.

[00:14:55] Hey, it is what it is, right?

[00:14:57] You're making it work if that's the case.

[00:14:59] Thank you.

[00:14:59] Thank you.

[00:15:00] I'm like, I'm gonna make the rat trendy, right?

[00:15:02] We'll make that cool nowadays.

[00:15:04] There you go.

[00:15:04] You gotta make some shirts and everything.

[00:15:06] Start posting it online.

[00:15:07] Wait, that's a good idea.

[00:15:08] I'm gonna lean into it.

[00:15:09] I'm like, okay, fine.

[00:15:10] Then I'm the rat.

[00:15:12] There you go.

[00:15:13] So what are you hoping for the viewers to get out of the series when they tune in?

[00:15:17] What do you hope they, especially like with your character, what do you hope they feel

[00:15:21] when they watch it?

[00:15:22] You know, I hope they empathize with her because there are going to be people that watch and

[00:15:26] they're like the rat, like tattling on them.

[00:15:28] Like, ugh, like so annoying.

[00:15:30] But I hope other people watch and they're like, well, if you were in that situation, what

[00:15:35] would you do differently, honestly?

[00:15:37] And when it came down to it, I feel like Tani was honest with her friend.

[00:15:41] And I think the good takeaway is, you know, like it's okay to stand up for yourself and

[00:15:45] maybe sometimes it'll put you in a really almost life altering situation, you know,

[00:15:53] but for the most part, it all works out.

[00:15:57] Karma is karma and you'll make it through.

[00:16:01] That's right.

[00:16:01] That's right.

[00:16:02] That's like terrible advice.

[00:16:03] That makes sense.

[00:16:04] Everyone's gonna be like, what?

[00:16:05] Okay.

[00:16:06] So what's next for you now?

[00:16:07] Any other projects you're allowed to tell us about that you got working on?

[00:16:10] Are you coming out?

[00:16:11] Not yet, but like I'm feeling vibes.

[00:16:14] I feel like good stuff is coming down the pipeline.

[00:16:16] I really hope that what I see next is Heseria season two and we all get to come back and

[00:16:21] make something amazing.

[00:16:24] And yeah, that's what I'm manifesting, but I'm just manifesting a great year overall.

[00:16:28] It's been, this year has just been great in general.

[00:16:31] Like I got to spend so much time with my family and yeah, I'm thankful for that.

[00:16:35] That's awesome.

[00:16:36] Aline, let's end this by how can the listeners and viewers find you on social media?

[00:16:39] Keep up with you.

[00:16:40] I've noticed you've been posting pictures of the show.

[00:16:42] Yeah, I have an Instagram.

[00:16:44] It's Aline O'Neill.

[00:16:45] I know it's kind of, it's like alien, but it's like switch the N and the E and then O'Neill

[00:16:52] with two L's.

[00:16:53] Amazing.

[00:16:55] Aline, thank you for giving me three minutes today.

[00:16:57] Let's get a season two.

[00:16:57] We'll get you back on.

[00:16:59] Continue the story of the rat.

[00:17:01] Let's do it.

[00:17:01] The rat.

[00:17:02] Bring back the rat.

[00:17:03] Yeah, yeah, yeah.