Avianna Mynhier discovered a special love for acting while pursuing her college education in science technology at Stanford University. She landed her breakout role as Rachel Ward on the hit series “The Walking Dead.” Fans can anticipate seeing her make her next appearance on the upcoming Amazon Prime drama series “Panic.”

Avianna has found some light within the darkness of the COVID pandemic — creating her own podcast entitled “Uprising” — as she strives to utilize her platform to help spread more hope, kindness, and inspiration in these dire times. RIVAL recently had a chance to chat with Avianna about her life as a creative and what initially sparked the flame to pursue a career in the arts. Topics we discuss include her acting journey so far, future projects, inspirations, and more

RIVAL: What is your background and how did you initially get your start in the entertainment industry?

My background is in science/technology and I started in the entertainment industry on pure whim and instinct. Sounds crazy, but it’s true. I graduated from college a year young, so I gave myself one year to do whatever my heart desired. When I started acting, it was immediately clear I’d found something special.

RIVAL: What sparked your interest and prompted you to chase a creative path and choose acting as your medium?

I have a deep love for storytelling — that has always been true. Growing up, I would tell stories through dance, writing, and photography. Then, when I found acting, I knew I’d struck the collection of it all.

RIVAL: You landed your first role on the hit series “The Walking Dead.” What was the audition process like for you?

The audition process for “The Walking Dead” was a whirlwind! I got the audition while I was at work doing my side hustle. My manager called and said I had a few hours to learn, create, tape and send out the audition. I had to get out of the office and find someone to help me tape it. Somehow, I got it all done in time and the next morning they told me I’d booked it.

RIVAL: What was your experience like working on TWD?

A kaleidoscope of wonder! I got to learn from experts, make incredible friends, build up my confidence, explore Georgia and have lunch with zombies! Doesn’t get better than that.

RIVAL: Fans will be able to see you in a new project soon, starring in the upcoming Amazon Prime drama series “Panic.” What is the show about, and what can you tell us about your character and her involvement in the story?

“Panic” is a drama thriller centered around teenagers in a rural town. They compete in a dangerous game for a chance to escape their town. My character, Abby, is part of that narrative and sees firsthand how menacing the game can be.

RIVAL: What are your favorite parts of really slipping into a new character?

I think that the process you discovering a character — what they think, feel, want, hide, even how they move — is incredibly exciting. You get to start fitting puzzle pieces together and creating your vision.

RIVAL: Which actors/actresses have inspired you along your journey?

So many it is hard to keep track of! Saoirse Ronan, Frances McDormand, Heath Ledger, Naomie Harris, Dustin Hoffman, Lily James. I find myself endlessly enraptured by artists.

RIVAL: What are some movies that made you fall in love with acting?

“Whiplash,” “Million Dollar Baby,” “Moonlight,” “Her,” “Annihilation,” “Booksmart,” “The Grand Budapest Hotel.” I’m absolutely movie obsessed.

RIVAL: Who are some artists you would love to collaborate with in the future?

I tend to admire women who approach the industry with a broad vision of what they can do. These women tend to create beyond their acting — they write, produce, direct, edit. The Greta Gerwig, Margot Robbie, Elizabeth Banks, Issa Rae, Reese Witherspoon types. However, to say I’d like to collaborate with them would be incredibly presumptuous. I should only be so lucky!

RIVAL: What type of roles would you like to see yourself pursuing next?

I love characters written with originality and authenticity. I also love getting to work with other women. So stories that satisfy both — that’s the sweet spot.

RIVAL: What are you currently working on?

I started a podcast called Uprising! It has been a light in this COVID darkness for me. I chat with Tony-winning actors, Michelin Star chefs, Forbes tech entrepreneurs, professional athletes, you name it. It’s a place for people to connect and feel inspired during the pandemic. Available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher. Check it out!

RIVAL: Recommendations - What are you currently: watching // listening to // list of favorites (films, books, games, food, etc.)?

Wow. I’m excited about this question because the lockdown has given me ample time to indulge in all of these things. I recently watched “The Queen’s Gambit.” Anya Taylor-Joy slays as the lead. She’s also great in “Peaky Blinders,” which is one of my all time favorite shows. I’m currently reading “Stolen Lives: Twenty Years in a Desert Jail.” It’s an unbelievable true story. I’m telling everyone to grab a copy.

Games. Now we’re talking. I’m obsessed with Catan, Splendor and card games, like Gin and Cambio. And food-wise. Any of it, all of it. I don’t discriminate.

RIVAL: What do you hope to achieve through your art?

Honesty. Connection. Empathy. Joy. Understanding. I think that art is one of the most powerful forces we have. It’s capable of changing hearts and minds like no other.

RIVAL: Through all of your experience, what is the most important thing you have learned about yourself?

I’m flawed. And that’s not a bad thing.

RIVAL: Describe your biggest dream.

To leave the earth feeling satisfied. That may sound dark, but hear me out. Many of us spend our lives striving endlessly toward the next goal, paycheck or accolade. I think to live a full, well rounded life that leaves me feeling satisfied on my final day would be the greatest dream.

RIVAL: What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Never skimp on the things that keep you off the ground: your shoes, your bed and your car.

RIVAL: How have you been holding up with everything that is going on in our world right now?

I feel like surviving covid is akin to riding a jellyfish — no one knows how to do it, so we’re all holding on for dear life, but slipping and sliding off constantly, getting stung repeatedly along the way. That’s the best way I can come up with to describe it.

RIVAL: What did your day-to-day life look like prior to COVID? What does your daily life look like now?

Prior to COVID, I loved being out and about. During covid, I still love being out and about. So, you can imagine my predicament.

RIVAL: What are some causes that you are passionate about and hold close to your heart?

Women’s empowerment. I want to help advance the health, rights and wellbeing of women worldwide, so I attend global conferences that strategize on this very goal. I’m committed to this effort long term.

RIVAL: If you weren’t an actor, what other professions would you pursue?

Well, being that I focused on science and technology in college, I imagine I’d be back in Silicon Valley working on a startup. There aren’t enough women in STEM, so I’ve always felt responsible for championing more of it.

RIVAL: What do you think is the most challenging part of being an actor today? What do you find the most rewarding?

The messiness of it all, which is only further emphasized by the COVID crisis. It’s a circuitous career path with no guarantees and that is not always easy to stomach.

For me, the most rewarding part is the process. I love reading scripts, getting close to the text, creating characters, collaborating with other artists, working on set. It’s all thrilling to me.

RIVAL: You’re currently hosting a weekly podcast called “Uprising.” Please share with us what the stream is about, what inspired you to start “Uprising,” and what do you aspire to achieve through this platform?

The podcast elevates inspiring voices that are positively impacting their craft, industry or community. The idea was born out of frustration with the status quo— I was feeling depressed about all the division, anger, and discrimination in the world, so I decided that I needed to be a part of the change that I wanted to see. I created the podcast in hopes of opening people’s eyes to new ideas, identities and professions, outside of their sphere. And at the very least, I wanted people to feel a sense of connection and inspiration during these solitary times.

RIVAL: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Reading, embroidery, painting, stargazing, journaling, dancing, watching movies, watching more movies, writing, and of course, giggling with the people I love.

RIVAL: What are your future plans?

As of now: survive COVID. The rest feels secondary.

RIVAL: What advice would you offer to other aspiring artists?

Nurture other aspects of your life. Your life informs your art.