CHUCK: A Candid Chat with Mekenna Melvin

In an exclusive interview with NiceGirlsTV, Mekenna Melvin talked about her super cool role on Chuck. For Mekenna, her favorite part of playing Alex Hughes, Colonel Casey’s daughter, is how much fun it is getting to know Alex – discovering with each new script what the writers have come up with next; and, for a role that began with a single word in one episode, it quickly morphed into a much broader and more intricate part of the show. In fact, as each day goes by, Alex gets closer and closer to being recruited into her dad’s world, as dating a spy and being the daughter of a spy lends itself well to being involved whether recruited or not.

Mekenna admitted she would love it if Alex dabbled a bit more in the spy-world. She enthusiastically said, “I would love to be a part of that world! It’s so fun for me, as an actress, to see these scenes being filmed by the rest of the cast. I would love to do those scenes too!” Thus, she relishes the thought of Alex training to be a spy or helping on missions. If she had to pick an area of expertise or specialty that Alex would have naturally, Mekenna speculated that Alex would probably be an expert in weapons, like Casey.

Already thinking ahead and picking out an undercover name, Mekenna thought it would be appropriate to use Baby Casey — a moniker that the Chuck fans have already been using – though it would probably blow Casey’s cover. So, thinking along the lines of something she could see Alex really using, Mekenna picked out the code name “Charging Bull.” Talk about confident! Mekenna and her character Alex clearly are both secure in their strength and are willing to take charge as necessary.

Not surprisingly, the one word that Mekenna thinks best describes Alex is “secure” — because, in Alex’s mind, there is no doubt about who she is and, because she knows that, she is secure and confident. Now that Casey is back in her life and having Morgan on her arm as her doting boyfriend, Alex’s world is complete – especially since Alex’s mom also found out Casey is still alive. With all the secrets out in the open, Alex’s world only continues to expand and it is incredibly exciting for Mekenna.

Talking about Alex and Morgan’s blossoming relationship on Chuck, Mekenna said that the secret of their success as a couple is simple: they have the same heart and interests. Mekenna gushed, “What is there not to love?! Morgan is so sweet, honest, earnest and so cute. And Alex’s kind of dorky too — so she’s that kind of girl.” Nothing is more attractive than finding your soul-mate and Alex is smart enough to recognize it when she sees it and holds on tight with both hands.

As for the challenges of working on such an action-packed and constantly zany show, Mekenna admitted that because she sees herself predominately as a dramatic actress that she was initially intimated by the idea that they would not find her funny. But because the entire cast has so much fun together, they merely welcomed her into their fun-filled world with open arms. The warm welcome was a huge relief and it has encouraged her to meld into the Chuck insanity. She happily shared, “They are all so much fun. It was a huge relief.”

While official word on whether Chuck will be renewed for a fifth season won’t be decided for a few more weeks, looming on the horizon for Mekenna are a number of exciting projects. She admitted that she is not able to discuss projects while they are still being negotiated, but she is incredibly excited about what she will be doing next.

When asked what she takes time out of her busy schedule to enjoy, Mekenna confessed to being a Nurse Jackie and Dexter fan, and that she tries to watch a little of everything. In fact, that is her dream: to do a little bit of everything. She would love for her own film and television career to be as diversified as possible. She happily exclaimed, “I’d love to do everything! A small independent film, a big action movie. I’d love to do it all!”

Finally, with a laugh, talking about the one thing that her fans may not yet already know about her, Mekenna revealed that she collects clowns. Going back to her childhood, she has had a deep fascination for clowns and has amassed quite a collection over the years. While some people may be afraid of clowns and the masks they wear, the colorful facades invite Mekenna into a world filled with gaiety and masterful illusion. She celebrates the feeling of joy and mystery they invoke.

Life for Mekenna is constantly evolving and expanding and she embraces the challenge and excitement of it all. She invites you to join in the journey of her further adventures on Chuck and wherever her career takes her next.

Watch Mekenna on Chuck Mondays at 8/7c on NBC.