Talented actress and comedian Mackinlee Waddell joins us on Close-Up Culture to talk about her show-stealing performance in American Spirit. Directed by Christopher Yates, the film follows a woman who is forced to retread her past missteps and question what comes next after a chance encounter with her ex.
Hi Mackinlee, welcome to Close-Up Culture. American Spirit will have its premier the Austin Film Festival in October. What are your feeling heading into the festival and your first time seeing the film on the big-screen?
Genuinely I am so excited. I worked at Austin Film Festival when I went to school at UT- so to have American Spirit premiere there is very special. It’s going to be a blast to see it on the big screen. I’m also thrilled to go see other screenings and attend panels. I fully plan on soaking it all up.
What drew you to this story and the character of Riley?
The script is beautifully written and it explores some really relatable themes. College is a time when we are figuring out who we are. As we learn about ourselves, we often also have to confront some things we aren’t proud of. I think Melody (Yasmeen Fletcher) gets this opportunity through running into her ex by chance. Also the idea that on any random night in West Campus- when you least expect it- a magical little experience can unfold.
I loved playing Riley because I saw so much of myself in her. Riley and I both use humor to put people at ease. Where we differ is that Riley has a confidence that I don’t think I possessed during my college experience – so that felt healing to get to go back and redo.
You get to show off your comedic and dramatic chops in this film. What was the most rewarding part of playing this character?
This dynamic my character has with Melody is something that felt so familiar and fun. The amount of times throughout my college experience that I sat with my best friends recounting an insane story while belly laughing on the floor is too many to count. At the same time those laughs can be moments away from tears- I think that is girlhood. Getting to step into that world again was incredibly fun. The director Christopher is such a fantastic writer- it was a pleasure to get to bring his words to life.
You are regularly performing standup around Los Angeles and New York. What does standup bring to your life?
This industry can be so unpredictable and often my ability to create is solely in the hands of someone else. Waiting for a yes… Standup has given some of that agency back for me. If auditions are dead and nothing’s going on, I can get on stage and get that same high. I don’t need 15 people to say yes to me, I can write a joke at 11am and tell it by 8pm at a club.
What have you been exploring and playing with in your sets?
I had a bit of a traumatic breakup at the end of 2022 (was briefly married). So I’m exploring that FOR SURE. Outside of that- I had open heart surgery, went to heart disease camp, got to Make-A-Wish. My material is very dark but I think that’s where I have the most fun. I’m also from a small town in Texas…. There is a lot to pull from. I have buckets of lore!
What are the type of projects and roles that excite you the most as a performer?
If I think about waking up and going to work, I want to make people laugh. That can happen in all kinds of projects – especially something that is considered drama or horror. I’m drawn to interesting stories and dynamic characters- not just a type of project. But I do love dark comedies & I want to see more women leading them. Bottoms, Bodies Bodies Bodies, more movies like this please!
What are your ambitions for the future?
I want to keep making things I’m proud of & telling interesting stories. I’d also like to write and direct my own things. Maybe you’ll see me here next year in a different capacity. 😉
Photographer: @morgan.maher
Styling: @oliver_vaughn
Makeup: @aypruhl
Hair: @mikelorenzano
Follow Mackinlee on Instagram: @mackinleew