Digital Cover: Emma Kenney
Talent: Emma Kenney
Photos: Anna Maria Lopez
Stylist: Andrew Gelwicks
Makeup: Quinn Murphy
Hair: Josué Perez
EIC + Words: Anthony Vu Cao
Producer: Chrissy Wang
Emma Rose Kenney is best known for her role as Deborah “Debbie” Gallagher on “Shameless”, a role she has played from 2011 to 2021, and now she takes on the role as Harris Conner-Healy in the ABC family sitcom “Roseanne”, and its spin-off continuation “The Conners”.
We got the chance to catch up with the talented Emma, as she is in between shoot for “The Connors”.
Hello Emma – How are you?
I’m good thanks! Sitting in my trailer in between takes for my show “The Connors” right now.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m from New Jersey originally but have been an actress since I was 10. I just celebrated my 23rd birthday which was so much fun!
“The Connors” season 5 is airing soon. What can we look forward to your character in the up-coming season of “The Connors”?
Where the show let off last season, Harris has just moved back home and discovered a new interest. I definitely think we see her come into her own a bit more this season and discover more about herself. I also think we will see her start investigating the relationships she has.
How is your relationship like on and off screen with the “The Connors” castmates?
I’m so lucky to work alongside such television superstars every day. They come to work so prepared, so ready and it really makes all the difference to everyone around them.
How do you most closely relate, if at all, to your character, ‘Harris Conner-Healy’?
She has a very close relationship with her friends which I can relate to – my friends are my family.
In “The Connors”. Tell us about your experience on the show and which episode resonate to you the most?
I’m on my 5th season of working on this show and it’s been a great experience. I’ve learned a lot from my fellow cast members and have enjoyed watching my character grow and learn as she navigates life.
At age 10, while attending middle school, you were casted as Debbie Gallagher in the comedic-drama “Shameless”, was it difficult to juggle your professional and personal life at such a young age? Looking back, what advice would you give your younger self?
I was so excited to finally be acting that I wasn’t too concerned with missing school. Of course, the transition was definitely a new experience but I remember how supportive all my friends were and I felt so lucky to be selected for the role.
With the current state of the world and working at such a young age; what issue(s) is most impactful to you and how do you see yourself to make a difference to the respective issue(s)?
I’m a big animal activist and recently have been posting to bring awareness to the issue and trying to save specific dogs in shelters. I understand that I have a platform, so I always try to use it to help and shed light on subjects that need attention brought to.
Who did you look up to growing up? And Why?
Growing up my biggest inspiration was a lot of my cast members on Shameless. I was so young that watching and listening to them really shaped.
To balance your life, do you have any hobbies or activities that you would participate when not busy with TV or Film projects?
I’m a big reader – I love to go to the beach, or a lake, and read by the water. Spending time in nature is very calming and centering.
With a wide perspective view and experience as a child star, what advice would you give to young aspiring actors and entertainers?
I would tell child actors to be nice to everyone on set, hang up their wardrobe after filming, and have your lines memorized to a T! GR8T
