EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Mahina Napoleon: The Rise of a Hawaiian Star in the Walking Dead Universe

Conducted by Guillaume Jean Lefebvre

1. You’ve become a standout face in “The Walking Dead: Dead City” with your powerful portrayal of Ginny. What did this role mean to you personally and as a rising actress?

This role meant so much to me. Being even a small part of such an iconic franchise has been the best experience ever. I’ve loved The Walking Dead for as long as I can remember, so actually getting to be on the show has honestly been a dream come true.

2. Ginny is a complex character whose emotional journey is often conveyed without words. How did you prepare for such a largely nonverbal performance?

For me, it was about really feeling the moment. If I reacted the way I truly would and poured all of my emotions into the scene as if it were happening to me, then the performance came across as more real. That’s what makes it connect for both the camera and the audience.

3. The relationship between Ginny and Negan is both fragile and powerful. How did you work with Jeffrey Dean Morgan to build that dynamic on screen?

Jeffrey is absolutely the best to work with. He’s such an amazing dad and already so great with kids, which made everything feel natural and comfortable. That made it so much easier to build that bond on screen.

4. You grew up in Kaneohe, Hawai’i. How has your upbringing there influenced your artistic journey?

In Hawaiʻi, everyone shows and lives by aloha (love) and ʻohana (family). My family has always reminded me to stay grounded and remember where I come from. I’m proud to be a Hawaiian actress from a small island in such a big world, and being able to share my roots through my work is such an honor.

5. You began performing at just 4 years old. When did you know that you wanted to turn your passion into a career?

Honestly, I’ve just always known. Acting, singing, and dancing have always been my passions, so it felt natural for me to follow this path.

6. Your role on NCIS: Hawai‘i first introduced you to wider audiences. How did that experience help prepare you for Dead City?

Working on NCIS: Hawaiʻi definitely prepared me for the future. It was my first big job, and I got to work alongside amazing actors like Vanessa [Lachey]. It was such a great experience to be part of such a huge franchise.

Mahina Napoleon is quickly establishing herself as one of Hollywood’s rising stars. Hailing from Kaneohe, Hawai’i, Mahina began performing at just four years old, nurturing her passion for singing, dancing, and acting from an early age. She first captured the public’s attention with her role on NCIS: Hawai‘i, an experience that prepared her for even more ambitious projects.

Her portrayal of Ginny in The Walking Dead: Dead City left a lasting impression, delivering a powerful and often nonverbal performance that showcased the full depth of her talent. Alongside Jeffrey Dean Morgan, she created an on-screen dynamic that was both fragile and intense, captivating audiences.

Inspired by careers like Millie Bobby Brown’s, Mahina continues to explore her passions in music and fashion, all while maintaining a balanced life as a teenager. With a promising future ahead, she is already leaving a memorable mark on the Walking Dead universe, proudly carrying her Hawaiian roots and her love for creativity.

INTERVIEW

7. You’ve mentioned Millie Bobby Brown as one of your inspirations. What about her journey resonates with you, and how do you hope to follow in similar footsteps?

I always thought it was cool that Millie and I both kind of started off with NCIS. Her career has always been a goal I look up to because she started so young and has accomplished so much. If I could even get close to what she’s achieved, it would be a dream come true.

8. You’re passionate about fashion and singing. Can fans look forward to a clothing line or music career from Mahina Napoleon in the future?

Absolutely! I’ve been working on both, but the one people will probably see first is my music. I’ve been working on a few things here and there, so definitely stay tuned!

9. Despite your busy schedule, you still make time for school and life outside of acting. How do you maintain balance between work and being a regular teen?

It hasn’t been too hard because I really love both worlds. When I’m filming, I focus fully on that, and when I’m home, I just enjoy being a regular teen. For example, while filming season 1 of Dead City, I missed my first semester of 7th grade at a brand-new school. When I came back, I was the “new kid” and a little late, but everyone treated me normal. Of course, they had questions, but at the end of the day, I’m just like them.

10. Season 2 of Dead City showcased big developments for Ginny. Without giving too much away, what can fans expect from your character moving forward?

Playing Ginny has been such a phenomenal experience because she brought so much heart to the Walking Dead universe. She really challenged Negan in a way that showed fans a new side of him, and I think that impact — on him, on Maggie, and even Hershel, will continue to shape the story. Ginny's journey may have come to an end, but her presence will definitely be felt moving forward, leaving a legacy behind.

Photographer: Richard Bernardin