Vancouver, B.C.
Marshall plays Keely Moore
Charmaine Janis Rodriguez
Have you seen the series “One Of Us Is Lying” on W Network in Canada and are hooked? Based on Karen M. McManus’s #1 New York Times best-selling novel, One of Us Is Lying (OOUIL) is the story of five high schoolers who walk into detention and only four make it out alive. “Everyone is a suspect, and everyone has something to hide,” the book’s summary reads.
But an added excitement for the Filipino-Canadian audience is Keely Moore, who is played by Vancouver-born and raised actress Zenia Marshall, daughter of Filipina mother, Luisa. Yes she’s Luisa Marshall of the award-winning and internationally-acclaimed Tina Turner Tribute act.
Zenia will be appearing in seven episodes of OOUIL which also streams on Peacock in the US. “I’m so honoured to be a part of this series! For starters it was the first YA series I’ve done in the genre and that was very exciting! It’s the first time I’ve ever done a character from a book as well which was so fun! Filming all together from the pilot in Vancouver to New Zealand and Toronto had also offered some very beautiful memories and adventures that I’ll cherish for a long time,” Zenia tells Philippine Canadian News.
Zenia made her film debut alongside 80’s Pop Star Princess, Debbie Gibson in the movies “Summer of Dreams” & sequel “Wedding of Dreams”. Most known for her leading recurring role in TV series “Date My Dad” as “Mirabel Cooper” with “7th Heaven’s” Barry Watson and the legendary Raquel Welch, she has also made an appearance in the CW TV series “SuperGirl”, guest starred on SYFY’s “Van Helsing”, and has recurred as a guest star on “Supernatural” to name a few, according to her bio.
The OOUIL series’ cast members include Annalisa Cochrane (Addy), Chibuikem Uche (Cooper), Marianly Tejada (Bronwyn) and Cooper van Grootel (Nate) and it has been getting positive reviews from critics, which is good for this adaptation of a mystery murder teen book, which sold 200,000 copies when it was released in 2017.
“For me personally, I’ve been fortunate enough to see a lot of positive feedback and excitement around the show!! So many people out there have been so kind and supportive! The supporters we have are so sweet – our stan kingdoms are very passionate. Seeing some of the messages and comments come in about my character, Keely, especially from the Filipino community has been so incredibly heartwarming. She was my first half Filipina role and Filipina role in general I’ve ever had the honour to play and it means so so much to me that she also means something to others as well. I’m so thankful for all the OOUIL supporters that have been so positive, uplifting, embracing, and kind,” Zenia shares about her experience.
She also revealed that she had auditioned for the role of Keely and initially thought she didn’t book the role. “I was honestly a little stunned when I eventually got called back! I met Jennifer Morrison in my audition in Vancouver who is our pilot’s incredible director as well as some of our amazing producers! A little while later, I got a call from my agent that I booked the series! And the rest is history!,” she added.
She advises fellow actors of Asian/Filipino heritage to “celebrate everything they are and to never let Hollywood/the industry make you feel limited.” “Stand up for yourself and others when you feel like a script doesn’t represent you or your culture authentically/respectfully. Speak up when you have diminishing experiences in the industry,” she said. Zenia also sends them a message of encouragement even when there are rejections or when the journey seems challenging.
“As pressured as you may feel to book at slow times or to give in to negative/icky feeling roles, don’t feel that you have to settle for stereotypical or offensive roles – EVER. At times when lack of diversity and quality representation in stories in the film industry can get discouraging, remember that there’s always space and need for you in this industry. Along with some of our current inspiring Filipina and Asian actors that have paved the way, remember the impact that you can have in your own journey and to use that for positive change and to be embracing and uplifting. Seek or create material that is worth YOU and tells the stories you’re proud to tell,” she added.
Music is her beat
Zenia admits she is excited to be able to bring darker and edgier roles to screen as well as more comedic characters. While she dreams of having projects with Keira Knightley, Mindy Kaling, Rachel Brosnahan, and Kristen Wiig, Zenia is pursuing what her heart beats for the most—an EP that will be released soon. She is working on her next single and keeps her fans in suspense for what’s next. “I’m really excited about making my first album. It’s a ways away right now because I’m still creating my first EP so I will try not to get too ahead of myself here. But having sat on so many songs for so long has created such a huge excitement to finally bring those to life!,” she teases.
