by madden levin
photo by alex ozerov
Starring as Anna Delaney in Netflix’s newest hit series, “Grand Army,” Sydney Meyer should surely be on your radar! This Canada native surely showed a love for performing in front of an audience and acting from a very young age, making it no surprise that she’s already accomplished so much in her career. We were very excited to speak with Sydney in this exclusive interview, where she speaks on her first big TV appearance and how she has been staying safe, happy, and healthy throughout this trying year. Make sure to give Sydney a follow on social media to keep updated on any future projects!
What initially drew you towards becoming an actress? Was there something else that also caught your eye that made it hard to see clearly, or was it a previous obvious path?
Sydney: “I really loved the fact that I felt like acting helped me to understand more about myself and the people around me. I felt it made me a more compassionate person and a more emotionally intelligent person and that was massively appealing to me. I think I’ve always had interest in other things, but acting was something I could never shake. To me it isn’t acting and nothing else, I think I will still branch into other things. I love learning new things and I think at some point I would love to branch into investigative journalism as well.”
I see that your first TV appearance was in “Degrassi.” I know so many people who totally lived off of this show for years – what was it like appearing on such a successful show so early in your career?
S: “It was actually a really great experience because it just so happened that I was acting opposite Aislinn and I knew her from school at that point, so I felt really comfortable with her and she was so incredibly kind and welcoming, so it was a pretty wonderful and ideal first experience. I don’t think I could have asked for anything better.”
How does it feel to finally have people watching “Grand Army” on Netflix? What do you most relate to with your character Anna Delaney – what do you least relate to? Why do you think a show like this is so important right now?
S: “It’s odd to have it out there in the world, it feels like we shot it so long ago, and I’ve started working on other projects, so to have it come out is a flash of nostalgia. I think I relate most to Anna’s nurturing side and the part of her that wants to do well and be a good friend. I think the part I struggled with the most was partly just due to her age, but I struggled with her willingness to just choose a side and not ask any questions. I think I’m slightly less trusting than she is and I would dig a little but further for answers that she initially does in this season. I think this show is important because it shows young people failing, and being messy and honest and vulnerable, and I think everyone has felt that way at some point. It is discussing issues that are difficult and real and it’s doing so in a way that I think will open up conversations that are so necessary.”
photo by alex ozerov
Do you have any other future projects you are working on that you can tell us about?
S: “Right now I’m filming the lead in a series opposite my fiancé. I can’t say what it is just yet, but I’m so excited to be working with Alex in this capacity. He’s so talented and it’s just so special to work with someone that you trust completely and that knows you so intimately as an artist and a person. It’s also a new genre for both of us so it’s really fun to tread these new waters together.”
Most importantly… how have you been staying safe, happy, and healthy during such an unknown time? Any advice?
S: “I have been! My advice is to just be patient with yourself and with those around you. This is new for all of us. A moment of fresh air can help a lot. Ask for what you need and ask what the people around you need. Try to assume the best of intentions. Always remember what you’re grateful for and tell the people you love that you love them. Frequently.”