Mary Malone (Photography by David Reiss; Styling by Mia Maxwell & Samantha Lange; Hair and make-up by Jackie Saundercock)

Meet Mary Malone, Star Of Netflix’s Missing You

By Olivia Emily

2 days ago

Here we talk all about the new Harlan Coben series

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Meet Mary Malone, Star Of Netflix's Missing You

Mary Malone (Photography by David Reiss; Styling by Mia Maxwell & Samantha Lange; Hair and make-up by Jackie Saundercock)

Have you been watching Missing You? The latest thriller to emerge from a partnership between beloved crime writer Harlan Coben and Netflix, the series centres on Detective Kat Donovan (Rosalind Eleazar) whose world is turned upside down when she spots her fiancé Josh on a dating app – 11 years after he vanished from her life. Meanwhile, Kat’s close friend Aqua (Mary Malone) is experiencing her own unravelling. ‘I’m so grateful I got to play this role – full of secrets, messy feelings and complicated relationships,’ Mary tells C&TH. We sat down with Mary to hear all about it.

Interview: Mary Malone

Mary Malone in an oversized shirt and tie

Photogher: David Reiss
Stylist: Mia Maxwell & Samantha Lange
Hair and make-up: Jackie Saundercock

Hi Mary, how’s life going at the moment?

Well, I’m in my mid-20s trying to get my life together and figure it all out! But the past year has been particularly wild for me. I’ve been blessed with some unreal opportunities and learnt so much about myself, who I am and what I want. I still have a lot to discover but I’m getting there, and I have a lot to be grateful for.

You can now be seen in Netflix’s Missing You – can you give us an elevator pitch for the show?

Yes! So, Missing You is a love story at its heart, but it’s jam packed full of Harlan Coben twists, turns and drama! It all kicks off when DI Kat Donovan is convinced to download a music themed dating app, when suddenly… Josh pops up. Kat’s fiancé, who mysteriously went missing 11 years ago and she hasn’t seen him since. His reappearance spins Kat’s world upside down. She turns detective skills onto her personal life, her family and friends, to uncover the secrets of her past and the mystery of her fathers murder. It’s one of those shows that keep you guessing till the end. I can’t wait for everyone to see. Also the cast is killer!

You play Aqua – how would you describe her?

At first glance, she is just a perky yoga teacher; chakras and crystals, she loves all that. She’s confident and grounded, has made a good life for herself and has a strong sisterhood with Kat and Stacey. But as the story unravels, we meet a complex and surprising Aqua who is forced to face her haunting past. She is fiercely protective to the people she loves, even to her own detriment. So with Josh’s reappearance, her relationship with Kat is tested as they grapple with their shared history and heartache. Aqua’s story is heartbreaking, but her spirit is optimistic and bright.

What was it like playing her?

I’m so grateful I got to play this role – full of secrets, messy feelings and complicated relationships. It’s all very human, which is something trans actors don’t often get a stab at in this industry. It was definitely a challenging role because there’s always heaps of subtext under everything Aqua says and does and she behaves in all sorts of unpredictable ways. But within all of the intense mystery thriller vibes I had heaps of fun.

How did you get into character?

Costume really helps me. It’s probably one of my favourite parts of being an actor. Working with Cobbie, Molly and Beckie was so fun. We had the best time playing dress up and together we all shaped Aqua. Through finding her style, discovering where it was similar to mine, where it was different, and how she dresses in different moments of the story, it really helped me embody her. And of course hair and makeup was a huge part of Aqua’s creation. Sitting in the makeup chair every morning was a vital part of my daily ritual.

I think the most important preparation for me is to ground myself, calm my energy, and create a sense of safety in my body. I struggle with anxiety on set, but having my angel Kim look after me every morning before travelling really soothed me. It’s kind of like how you have to hype yourself up when getting ready for a night out. I’m so grateful for the people who helped me step into my role with confidence.

Jessica Plummer as Stacey & Mary Malone as Aqua in Missing You

Are you a Harlan Coben fan, and have you read Missing You?

Of course, I watched Fool Me Once – I feel like the whole world did! Harlan is a master at telling stories that thrill and move you. He’s also such a warm and friendly guy. I’m a fan for sure.

I did read some of the book, but a lot has changed from the book to the series, especially for Aqua. I found it was more useful for me to focus on the sides, the new Aqua, and how we wanted to recreate her for this series. I think this has been a great opportunity to show people you can turn things around and make changes to better represent trans characters. I was really impressed with Harlan and Victoria for making this turn around possible.

How did it feel when you got the role?

I remember getting the call. I just finished a particularly busy shift at my bar job, then my agent gave me a ring. I was ecstatic. It was such a smooth casting process, too, so I kind of couldn’t believe it was mine! It’s the biggest job I’ve booked, so it was a dream come true really.

Did you do anything special to prepare for the role?

Well, I knew I had to freshen up on my yoga since Aqua is a yoga teacher. But my favourite thing was preparing for stunt scenes! We had stunt rehearsals, which I’ve never really done before. I had an amazing double to support me, but I was really eager to get stuck in with all the stunts myself. I wanted to immerse myself in it completely. I also spent some proper time diving into Aqua before filming. Since she’s got a lot of secrets, I had to be really sure about her intentions in each scene. To know exactly when she’s honest and when she’s not, and why she decides to reveal information when she does. It was important to me that, within the drama of the story, she still felt like a real person. And that even if the audience doesn’t know why she behaves the way she does until the end, I do.

Any standout moments from rehearsals or filming?

Of course, the stunt scenes! We had one day in particular that was super intense stunts all day long. I absolutely loved it. It was quite jokes really, because even though we were creating quite a dark and violent scene, I was having a lot of fun creating it. I also just loved working on my scenes with Ros [Rosalind Eleazar]. I was so lucky to have a scene partner who was so personable and genuine. And she’s just such a great actor, it was a privilege to see her play Kat in the flesh.

What has been your favourite project to date?

I’ve been a part of some amazing projects recently. Obviously Missing You has got to be one of the greatest; I learnt so much through this job and didn’t want it to end. But I also really enjoyed being a part of Doctor Who and working with Russell T Davies. It’s such an iconic show and means so much to my community so I was honoured to be a part of it.

I was also recently a part of the London cast for Fangirls – a feral Australian musical by Yve Blake. I’d never done a musical professionally before, and let me tell you, musical theatre is no joke! I’d say that was the most diverse and inclusive production I’ve ever been a part of. I played a bitchy yet lovable 14-year-old Australian private school girl… I never saw that coming for my casting bracket, but there you go!

Any roles in the pipeline that you’re excited about? (If you’re allowed to tell us!)

Nothing I can tell you about right now, but watch this space. I’m hoping Missing You will show people they can cast trans people in more interesting and fulfilling roles. I’m hoping for more opportunities at this level.

Who has been your favourite actor to work with in the past?

My sister Allie Daniel. Working with another trans woman on the West End was monumental for me. She taught me a lot about boundaries and how to navigate this hectic industry as a trans woman. She’s currently in Hadestown at the Lyric Theatre and she’s everything.

Which co-star did you learn the most from?

I learnt a lot working with Ros for sure. Watching someone lead a series with such generosity and openness was inspiring. I took note of her ability to collaborate with the writers and directors to create the best work possible. She was all about the characters’ relationships and the story, and never led with ego. Working with her motivated me to put my voice and creative mind into the space. As shooting progressed, I became braver with my own input thanks to her motivation.

What’s your dream role?

I know it’s mad but I always dreamed of playing a mermaid. I love films like Splash, Lady in the Water, The Lure. I’ve been drawn to mermaids and the ocean since I was little. So I’m waiting to be AV checked for a badass queer mermaid film… Anytime now…

What’s a genre you’d like to do more of?

Comedy, for sure. I did a lot of clown training at drama school so I’d love to flex my funny bones. Oh, and a horror movie! I’ve always had a thing for spooky stuff.

Who is an actor, writer or director you’d love to work with?

I’ve been in love with Miranda July for a long time. I’m a big fan of hers and I’d love to work with her.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A mermaid, as I mentioned before… But I also really loved ballet and started dancing at the age of four. I wanted to be like Angelina Ballerina.

If you could give advice to your 15-year-old self, what would it be?

I’d say thank you for keeping me safe. I’d tell her that we’re building a support network around us. That she’s loved. That anger always finds a way out. And that she’s not responsible for everyone else. Oh! And babes… We’re gonna be on Netflix!

How can we all live a little bit better?

Spend more time in nature, in the trees and the sea, and with animals.

Anything fun in the pipeline – professionally or personally?

Recently I’ve started writing again. I’m really enjoying telling my own stories. Who knows, maybe one day they’ll manifest into something I can share with the world. I’m also desperate to get a dog at some point. Probably not right now, but definitely one day.