Naledi Murray Dishes on Playing Wendy in Sweet Tooth and Wrapping Up the Story With Season 3

On June 6, the third and final season of the hit series Sweet Tooth launched on Netflix, concluding the daring tale.

The post-apocalyptic fantasy drama takes place in a world ravaged by disease and follows hybrid animal children seeking safety in a world in which they're persecuted. 13-year-old actress Naledi Murray plays Wendy, a hybrid piglet-girl, who becomes the series' deer-boy hero, Gus's, best friend. Naledi was just 8 when she shot the first season, growing up right alongside Wendy and the sprawling tale of Sweet Tooth, and we got the chance to ask the actress about her work and the meaningful end of the series in the interview below.

Sweety High: When did you discover your passion for acting? Was there any specific a-ha moment that made you realize it was the path for you?

Naledi Murray: I would say there wasn't an exact time I discovered my passion for acting, it was multiple things that made me realize I wanted to do acting. Throughout my childhood I was surrounded by artists and creativity. My dad is a stuntman and actor, and he would always need help doing auditions, so I would always help him run lines. However, there was a time when I realized it was possible for me to start acting. One day, a 5-year-old me was in my building lobby and saw my neighbors, who were my age, heading into a black car. Their parents had clothes covered, and I saw equipment. It just looked very important. I asked my mom what they were doing, and she said that they did modeling. That's when it clicked, I was astonished like, "Oh, little kids can work, too." So, I begged my parents for a year. They finally gave in, and here I am now.

(Photo credit: Malcolm Murray)

 

Also read about: Avianna Mynhier on Playing Maxx in the New Series Blue Ridge

 

SH: What would you say was your first big break?

NM: Sweet Tooth is actually my first role where I've been a main character. Before that, I did a lot of projects where I played recurring or guest star roles. Sweet Tooth was the first time I got to experience what being a main character was like. When I shot the first season I was 8, and now I'm 13, turning 14 this year. It's kinda crazy to think about, but it's been an awesome journey and I'm so grateful I got to be a part of Sweet Tooth.

 

SH: For anyone who hasn't seen the show yet, can you describe Sweet Tooth? Where does your character, Wendy, fit in?

NM: Sweet Tooth is a fantasy series on Netflix, set in a post-apocalyptic world where a virus nicknamed "the Sick" has killed almost everyone off. In this world, hybrids start being born, causing doctors and scientists to question which came first, the hybrids or the Sick? While the rest of the world is on a hunt for the cure, hybrids are facing prosecution and are just trying to survive. My character, Wendy, is a half-pig,half-human hybrid and leader of her hybrid siblings. She also becomes Gus, believed to be the first hybrid's, best friend.

(Sweet Tooth via Netflix)

 

SH: Would you say you're like Wendy at all in real life? In what ways are you similar, and in what ways are you different?

NM: I think Wendy and I are both fierce young women who have had strong maternal figures to look up to. I admire her fierceness—she is really brave, and I felt honored to portray her. My mother is another strong woman I admire, and I really had to channel her energy when playing Wendy. One thing about me, though, is I like to talk a lot, so I am in no way shy. Wendy on the other hand, can be shy at times so that's where our differences lie.

 

Also read about: Kale Culley on Being Part of the Walker Family and His Journey as August So Far

 

SH: Do you feel like you've grown up right alongside Wendy?

NM: I would absolutely say I have grown up with her. I have played Wendy for three seasons, and Wendy and I have gone through a lot of changes together. She has really had to step into leadership without her mom by her side, and I was able to step up my acting skills to play her.

 

SH: What was your favorite memory from the set?

NM: That's a great question. Honestly, I've had so many great moments on set it's so hard to choose… this one's pretty funny. I'm very proud that I was able to prank a ton of people on set. It was amusing to me, at least. I pranked almost every director, my acting coaches, a couple of castmates and other crew members that I got injured. It looked like a gnarly bruise on my wrist and part of the top of my hand, but in reality, it was makeup. I convinced my makeup artists, Carly and Shay, to teach me how to do bruises and other cuts or scrapes and had great fun with it.

 

SH: Is there anything you can't wait for fans to see in the new season?

NM: Honestly, I'm excited for everyone to see the action in Sweet Tooth. This season has a lot more gruelling action scenes, and I'm all for it. I really like how this season felt almost as gruesome as the comic books. I will hint that Wendy is in quite a few action scenes throughout the journey to Alaska.

 

SH: What has being part of the Sweet Tooth family meant to you? How does it feel that the show has finally come to a close?

NM: Being a part of Sweet Tooth means everything to me! I would consider the cast and crew my second family, honestly. It was such a positive set, and I felt so safe and cared for by so many people. It's crazy that something that I worked on for nearly five years is all of a sudden over, but I also feel so proud of everyone. I really cherish the time I spent working on Sweet Tooth. Naturally, I was sad to see it end, but I feel like it was time. It was a lot mentally, to be away from home for so long, and I felt a little homesick. Now, I'm excited to see what's next on my journey. This definitely will not be the last you'll see of me.

 

Also read about: Pyper Braun on Working Opposite a Terrifying Teddy Bear in Blumhouse's Imaginary

 

SH: Where else can we see your work right now?

NM: I have had the opportunity to work alongside a few great actors like Eddie Falco in Tommy on CBS and Hugh Grant in The Undoing on Max and other small guest star roles. However, Sweet Tooth is my first substantial role to date. I'm looking forward to roles in the future that will help me continue to grow and challenge me.

 

SH: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

NM: I hope that any young person reading this will feel inspired to be more ambitious. You can do so much regardless of your age. You don't necessarily have to work, but you can follow your passions starting now. I'm not saying every child should start working, but I want more children to know that it is possible. Take initiative for your future—you can start a small business selling little bracelets in your neighborhood or even just your friends. You can get into clubs at your school that include what you want to do when you grow up. There are probably activities like debate teams, dance teams, football teams or swimming clubs. If you want to act, you can start auditioning for plays at your school or join the drama club and even just watch YouTube tutorials about it. I want you to know the possibilities are endless.

 

For more interviews with our favorite rising actors, click HERE to hear from Parish's Caleb Baumann.