Amalia Williamson invites Rival into her world to talk Northern Rescue, The Kid Detective, and what is next

Photography: Tasha Kopunovic

Makeup: Sierra Elliot

Stylist: Sierra Williams

If you have watched the CBC/Netflix original, Northern Rescue, you know Amalia Williamson as Madelyn West. However, growing up in Oakville, Ontario, Williamson is not just an actress but also a director and producer who has a love for the arts that extends beyond the entertainment industry. “[If I weren’t in the entertainment industry], I love art and if I had time, I would spend a significant amount honing in on my painting and drawing skills.”

Even with this year’s challenges, Williamson has been staying busy with hobbies and she stars in the new movie, The Kid Detective. The actress gave RIVAL the details on her acting roles, life, and what is next.

In terms of acting, what was your first role?

My very first experience on camera was actually a commercial for the Miley Cyrus x Max Azria clothing line at Wal-Mart. I was 15 and with a commercial agency at the time. I remember the audition- they had us pretend to catwalk like runway models. I was TERRIFIED and lacked so much confidence at the time, but I remember pushing my self-doubt to the side and just telling myself to really go for it and not be ashamed (we have to do this a lot as actors). I knew nothing about walking like a high fashion model, and I left that audition thinking I would never book that but was proud that I tried my best. And that just proves that sometimes you really can fake confidence. And if you fake it enough and as often as I have growing up- you sometimes end up actually being confident.

Photography: Tasha Kopunovic

Makeup: Sierra Elliot

Stylist: Sierra Williams

From that first shoot, how did you book the part in Northern Rescue?

I had done some supporting roles on shows and movies, but I really didn’t have many credits. I was called back into the room to audition three or four times I believe, and I just kept telling myself to not get too attached in case I didn’t book it. When I did end up booking it, I really felt like I was living in a dream. I had only been with my agency (Ambition) for a year and had already landed a lead role on a CBC/Netflix Original. My experience on the show was unbelievable. I couldn’t have been more fortunate to have it as one of my first.

Your role as Maddie West on Northern Rescue is one you mentioned you relate to a lot, why is that?

Probably because it was the longest amount of time I had with a role, and I was able to spend time really creating Maddie’s character. Maddie is a misunderstood young woman. Like a lot of us, she has faced some life-changing trauma in her life, and she doesn’t cope with it very well. She bottles up her emotions, and when they finally come to the surface, she creates a little bit of a disaster in her wake. But at the end of the day, Maddie is just a teenager trying to grow up in a world without her mom. She loves her family, and although she screws up sometimes, she would do anything to protect them, and she stands up for who, and what she believes in, which is really admirable.

You star in a new movie, The Kid Detective alongside Adam Brody. What was it like working with Adam?

I wish I had more time to work with him, but Adam was lovely to work with. It’s so weird working with someone that you watched for SO long as a teenager. I LOVED the O.C. He is extremely talented and kind, and I hope we can work together again in the future.

Understandable and we love the O.C. too! What is The Kid Detective about and how would you describe your character?

The Kid Detective is about a young boy who used to solve small crimes in his town. Now a struggling adult in his 30’s, he attempts to solve a murder - his biggest case yet. I play Melody, a young girl that Adam’s character interviews in his search for a murderer. She provides crucial information in the case. Melody is a bit of a wild card; she is seen with the name “Paul” written on her forehead in black marker. When asked who “Paul” is, she replies that she isn’t sure, but a guy paid her fifty bucks to write his name on her forehead. That’s Melody. She hustles.

And you have recently created a short film. How would you describe I Am Here?

I Am Here is a short film about a brother and sister that are tragically separated during the Syrian Civil war, and years later, the teens are reunited by the power of hope, poetry, and love.

After creating that film, and generally, is there someone in the industry you would like to work with next?

I would love to work with Baz Luhrmann. He has directed some of my all-time favorite films, including Moulin Rouge!, Romeo and Juliet, and The Great Gatsby. His sets and directing style are always so extravagant and beautifully constructed – it is like stepping into another world. I am also a huge fan of Sarah Paulson and Jessica Lange. American Horror Story is one of my favorite shows, and in a perfect world, I could work alongside those two iconic actresses. But alas, Jessica Lange has stepped down from any more seasons of AHS. Sigh.

Photography: Tasha Kopunovic

Makeup: Sierra Elliot

Stylist: Sierra Williams

On that note, what type of roles would you like to see yourself pursuing next?

A good drama. I would like to work on something that I can sink my teeth into. I love being challenged, so to work on a project that would make me really step out of my comfort zone is something I want to do.

Fair enough! What are you currently working on next?

I am actually working on writing and directing a very cool documentary with a good friend and fellow award-winning filmmaker of mine, Sarah Gonyea. We have teamed up with the not-for- profit organization Free Them. So, I’m very excited to make a film again. I also have just been cast as a guest star in an episode of Frankie Drake. So, watch out for me in that!

More of Williamson’s world… Currently binge-watching: Little Fires Everywhere, Chernobyl, “and on lighter days” Love Island Currently listening to: Lana Del Ray, Lady Gaga, Queen. “If I’m driving or looking to hype myself up I’ll be listening to EDM.” Favorite food: Poutine, Ramen, Pickles and pickle juice. Any kind of soup.

Be sure to catch Amalia in her new movie, The Kid Detective and you can follow her @amaliaawilliamson

Meet the Author

Meet the writer: Sandy Aziz is a lawyer, author/writer, poet, creative director, content creator, fashion-fanatic, academic, and adventurer that believes that we should strive to become the best version of ourselves daily rather than just exist in "being." Her work has been featured online and in print across various publications including OURs, MOD Magazine, Mission Statement Magazine, OVERDUE, London Runway Magazine and Verdict. She is North-African (Egyptian) with a touch of Italian. While she is currently London-based, she will also always be a Texan through and through.