Since her debut at age 5, Texas native Mckenna Grace has accumulated more than 70 acting credits to her name and has seamlessly bridged the gap from childhood fame to adult stardom. Grace has worked with some of Hollywood’s most prolific actors, has been nominated for an Emmy, Saturn, Critics Choice, and has even received a Phoenix Film Critics Society award for her breakthrough performance in Gifted—a role she took on at the age of 9. Yet, even after over 13 years of working in film, she has no desire to slow down. In fact, Grace is eager, more intentional, and ready to let her youth not be a phase, but the foundation for a future she so keenly looks forward to.

In the next two years, Grace is set to appear in Colleen Hoover’s Regretting You as Clara Grant, in the sequel to Five Nights at Freddy’s alongside Josh Hutcherson, and in the next Scream installment. She was even cast as overbold tribute Maysilee Donner in the much-anticipated second Hunger Games prequel and is soon to appear in a Green Day-inspired comedy.

Just days after her 19^th birthday, Grace shares what it’s like to live life in front of the lens, ponders the lessons she’s gathered behind said lens, and reflects on the preservation of her youth on screen forever.

You recently joined the cast of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. How does it feel to step into this world?‍

I am truly so excited to be joining this franchise, and it is not something I take lightly. I am a HUGE fan of Hunger Games. It’s such an honor to be a part of this, but also to be taking on such a fan-favorite character. I’ve read the book at least three times and have done so much research into all the fan headcanons. I love the fan film! It means so much to be playing this role, and I promise to Hunger Games fans that Maysilee is in good hands. I promise to give it my all. I’ve already dove headfirst into prep.

Thinking about everything you’ve experienced in these last 13 years, what’s one important lesson you carry with you?

Positivity. Keeping a constant positive attitude is really hard, but it’s something that I’ve found is really important because it impacts the people around us and creates a better work environment. I can’t always control what happens to me, but I can control how I react. Regardless of what I’m experiencing in my personal life at any given moment, I still try to show up to work with a smile. I feel like what you put out in the world is what you get back, so I always want to try to put out a compassionate and kind energy. I really try to stay present and grateful for every opportunity and experience because I know how lucky I am to do what I love.

Photographed by Selah Tennberg 

Styled by Michy Millions

Written by Mariam Bagdady

Makeup: Kirin Bhatty at A-Frame Agency 

Hair: Nancilee Santos at TMG 

Flaunt Film: Oren Buchler 

Flaunt Film Music: Dusty Decks