My Casting Story: Mallory James Mahoney on ‘BUNK’D’

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to grow up in front of the camera? If so, look no further than this installment of My Casting Story. Mallory James Mahoney sat down with Casting Networks via Zoom to share how she landed her series regular role on the long-running Disney Channel series BUNK’D when she was just 13 years old. Keep reading for a window into Mahoney’s journey transitioning with her character to a more grown-up role for the series’ current sixth season, along with how she stayed grounded along the way.

It’s great to virtually meet you, Mallory, and before we dive into your casting story, I’d love to hear how you’d sum up your character of Destiny on BUNK’D.

BUNK’D centers on a summer camp called Camp Kikiwaka, so the show’s characters include campers, counselors, camp owners, etc. Destiny started as the former and was a member of the Woodchuck Cabin. Now with the show’s newest season, though, she’s transitioned to being a counselor at Kikiwaka Ranch. And the character has changed a lot over the years, in general. When BUNK’D first started, Destiny was a pageant girl through and through, and now she’s also become this strong environmentalist. I would say something that’s remained the same, though, is that Destiny’s very competitive while also loving her friends.

Thanks for sharing that insight into your character, and what can you tell us about the process of how you originally booked the role?

I was in Texas when I first auditioned for it — I still live here when I’m not filming — and my initial read was via a self tape. It was actually for a totally different character named Anastasia, who was this theater-type girl. After I submitted my self tape for that role, they asked me to do a screen test and flew me out to Los Angeles. I thought I bombed it, though. [Laughs] So, I was very surprised when they called to tell me I’d booked the role. It was afterwards — when I was meeting with the creator and writers via Skype — that they asked if I’d ever been in a pageant before. I told them no, but being from Texas, I had a good idea of what they’re like. They wanted to know what my talent would be if I were in one, and tap-dancing was my reply. That led to the assumption I could tap, but I clarified that I just felt like it would be my talent, which they got a huge kick out of. And that’s pretty much how Destiny was born. She came out of this collaboration from their idea, and my big hair and curls really worked with the character’s whole pageant backstory. Then in season three, there was actually an episode in which Destiny showed off a pageant talent. It was, of course, tap-dancing, so it was really fun to see it all come full circle.

Disney’s “BUNK’D: Learning the Ropes” stars Mallory James Mahoney as Destiny. (Disney/Nelson Machin)

I bet! It’s fascinating to hear your part in the character’s inception, including how Destiny evolved from the original role for which you auditioned. Can you also share a bit about your journey with the character over the years, going from portraying her as a 13-year-old to now being in one of the older roles on the series’ sixth season?

Yes, I’m 18 now, so I’ve definitely grown up on the show as much as Destiny has. We have seen the character progress so much throughout the series and really grow as a person. So, I felt like it was fitting for her to get more responsibility in the new season with transitioning from the role of camper to counselor.

That makes sense! And I have to say that just from meeting you over Zoom, you seem like a very grounded individual, Mallory. I know that people who grow up on TV can sometimes have a hard time as they get older. Do you have any insights from your own experience that you can tell us, regarding how you’ve remained true to yourself through the process?

Absolutely! One of the most important things is to hold on to your normal life outside of acting, too. My family has always helped me stay grounded, and I have kept all of my friends back in Texas. I hang out with them whenever I get the chance! It’s necessary, in general, to keep things separate. That means that when I am not working, I’m just a normal teenager. I am making my bed every morning and taking out the trash — the chores still have to get done.

That idea of maintaining a normal life when you’re not filming seems like a sound one that all actors may want to take to heart, no matter their age. And before we wrap, can you share how your years of experience on BUNK’D have grown you as an actor?

There’s definitely been a lot of growth for me through the process because it was my first TV show, as well as my first time doing multi-cam. It was all a bit of a challenge when I first started, but everyone on the show has always been incredibly supportive. One of the biggest things I struggled with when I first started on the show was being loud enough and projecting my voice. I was used to having a microphone right below my mouth, so there was a learning curve that came with delivering dialogue for the boom mic. But I got there, and I think my comedic timing has grown a lot from my experience on the show, as well.

Disney’s “BUNK’D: Learning the Ropes” stars Miranda May as Lou, Trevor Tordjman as Parker, Mallory James Mahoney as Destiny, Israel Johnson as Noah, Shiloh Verrico as Winnie, Luke Busey as Jake, and Alfred Lewis as Bill. (Disney/Nelson Machin)

From the initial self tape to the screen test that landed a 13-year-old Mahoney her series regular role on the long-running Disney Channel series, this has been a window into the 18-year-old’s BUNK’D casting story. Those interested in keeping up with the actor’s career journey can find her on Instagram, where Mahoney frequently posts updates about her work.

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This interview has been edited and condensed.

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