'That's So Mari' Meet the talented powerhouse: Mariana MaLyn Donnelly

Not many of us at the age of 7 are as accomplished as Mariana Donnelly is. Infact, Mari at the age of 7 has a career that many working adult actors dream of. She is impressive. It’s important to remember that working on set is not always glamorous and kids also have to attend school while at work. It’s a balancing act for sure. However,growing up on set gives Mari a chance to work and learn from talented adults like Tiffany Haddish. If you have not heard of Mari yet it’s only a matter of time.

RIVAL: Not a lot of 7 year olds have worked as much as you, what’s your favorite part about working?

“Being on set and getting to meet new people”

RIVAL: What is it that drives you to work so hard?

Mari: Just being there in front of the camera is what drives me to work hard. I love the spotlight.

RIVAl: When you aren’t working what is your favorite activity to do with your family or friends?

MARI: I love going out to eat and watch movies with my family and friends.

RIVAL: It’s got to be hard balancing homeschool and work? Is it hard to focus on school when you’re on

set? When you’re on set do you play games or do you like to pass the time reading?

MARI: Not so much! We usually have an on set teacher so it makes it a bit easier but obviously sometimes you still hear production working even when you’re in school. So it can get a bit loud but I’m use to it. Sometimes I’ll bring my iPad to on set school when I’m done with school work or the teachers would have activities for us to do.

RIVAL: A lot of time there aren’t a lot of other kids on set, do you have other kid actors who you look forward to running into on jobs?

MARI: Yes! My industry friends. We typically run into each other a lot. Other than that I make new friends on set if there are other kids or I just entertain myself with fun stuff.

RIVAL: I hear you’re starting a clothing line, what inspired you to do that?

MARI: My love for purses/handbags. That’s why I named it Klutch.

RIVAL: Are there any actors you hope to work with someday?

MARI: I hope to work with Vivien Lyra Blair because she’s an amazing kid actress.

RIVAL: So far do you have a job that was a favorite?

MARI: My favorite job was working on the set of Rosalia and Travis Scott’s music video.

RIVAL: You are a light of inspiration. If kids and adults learn just one thing from you what would you want it to be?

MARI: I try not to overthink things. I just do it and apply a lot of my confidence to it. No matter what people may say or think.

RIVAL: You’ve already had a career that most adults dream of. What is your big dream for your life?

MARI: My biggest dream is to land a huge role one day. I also, would love to become a chef and open my own restaurant too.

RIVAL: Working with Tiffany Haddish has got to be fun. Have you learned anything from Tiffany that you think you’ll use in jobs later as you grow up?

MARI: I’ve learned that she is very true to herself; she’s never changed. I want to continue to apply that and more to my life. She’s also very funny so even in a crazy/negative situation we always have to learn to find the light in all the chaos.

At 7 I was climbing trees,hearing Mari’s story is so inspiring to me. It is also a reminder that we can learn and be inspired by people both older and younger than us. The lesson she learned while working with Tiffany Haddish is such a powerful truth. It’s a lesson many adults have yet to learn too.

To find light in all the chaos.

Mari is impressive, confident, and talented. If Mari continues to strive towards her dreams and practices finding light in this chaotic world than she is sure to have a bright future.

Meet the Author

Kristina looks Midwestern but this girl was born and raised in the jungles of Africa. A mix of cultures herself, Kristina knows people aren't always what they seem. She loves meeting new people and seeing their hearts. She is a mom and for the past 10 years also a military spouse. Kristina is also an actress and hopes to teach her children that with hard work dreams can come true. @kristinaburke16