It’s difficult to find someone who hasn’t encountered the talents of Natalie Morales on their screens. With a career spanning back to 2006, this 40-year-old actress and director has made her mark across numerous television series, including notable titles like Dead to Me, Abby’s, Santa Clarita Diet, White Collar, Parks and Recreation, The Grinder, The Newsroom, and The Morning Show, among others.
Recently, it was announced that Morales would take on a recurring role in the iconic medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, building on her previous guest appearance in the series. In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Morales shared, “I had never played a doctor before, so I really wanted to do that part right.”
Additionally, Morales stars in the newly released film My Dead Friend Zoe, which premiered at SXSW in 2024. In this poignant narrative, she portrays the character Zoe, a deceased friend and an incessant voice in the mind of Afghanistan war veteran Merit, played by Sonequa Martin-Green. Below, Morales reflects on her experiences with My Dead Friend Zoe, her involvement in the venerable Grey’s Anatomy, and her aspirations as both a director and performer.
Joining the Ranks of Grey’s Anatomy
When asked about her experience on Grey’s Anatomy, Morales described it as initially intimidating due to the show’s fervent and passionate fanbase. “I was like, I hope they like me,” she admits. Being a doctor was a new territory for her, heightening her sense of responsibility to portray the role authentically. “I was worried about not looking credible. I bombarded Linda [Klein] and Michael [Metzner], the show’s medical advisors, with questions about every little detail,” she adds, recalling her eagerness to ensure her portrayal was accurate.
Fan Expectations and Character Dynamics
Morales also revealed her concerns regarding fan reactions to her character’s introduction, particularly since she enters the series with a strong and somewhat abrasive demeanor. “It’s always daunting to step into such a beloved show, especially when your character is assertive and kind of rude, even if she does prioritize her patients,” she explained. Her commitment to the role seems to be paying off, with positive feedback from fans to date.
Diving into My Dead Friend Zoe
Discussing her role in My Dead Friend Zoe, Morales described it as an endearing yet dark comedic project. “Although Zoe appears during flashbacks, she’s largely a manifestation of Merit’s guilt about her death,” she elaborated. The character’s unpredictable nature—shifting between charm and harshness—was an intriguing challenge for Morales, who conveyed the complexity of playing someone who represents the darker aspects of human emotion.
Disney/Anne Marie Fox
The Creative Process Behind the Film
Morales highlighted the personal nature of the film, rooted in the real-life experiences of director Kyle Hausmann-Stokes. She emphasized the value of collaboration and the importance of authenticity in the portrayal of military experiences. Having conversations with Hausmann-Stokes and veteran cast members enriched her understanding, allowing her to respectfully honor their stories while portraying the complex narrative.
The Relationship Between Characters
Reflecting on her connection with Martin-Green, Morales shared that their preparation involved significant rehearsal to explore how their characters emotionally influenced each other. “Recognizing how guilt affects behavior introduced a unique dynamic into our performances,” she stated, noting how the character’s guilt acted almost as a ‘guilt demon’ throughout the film.
Directing Influences on Acting
Transitioning into directing has undoubtedly shaped Morales’ approach to acting. Despite her natural inclination to observe, she acknowledges the balancing act of respecting the director’s vision while retaining her insights. “Being an actor enhances my skills as a director, and vice versa,” she remarked.
Staying Creatively Engaged
In between projects, Morales created a live show titled Natalie Morales and the Night Crew, born from her desire to engage with talented friends and support charitable causes. “I’m always looking for ways to stay active creatively, whether I’m performing, writing, or launching projects for charity,” she said. While she enjoys downtime, the drive to create often compels her to seek new opportunities.
Aspirations for the Future
Morales expressed a desire to generate her own content, yearning for the chance to write and direct her own shows and films. She critiqued the current trend of relying heavily on established formulas and algorithms, which stifles innovative storytelling. “I want to tell diverse and original stories, similar to what we see with successful projects like Severance,” she asserted, advocating for risk-taking in creative endeavors.
Creative Excitement
Morales finds inspiration in creativity that resonates with the human experience, embracing honest storytelling amid societal pressures. “We often feel disconnected from authentic expression, and I strive to create work that reflects our shared human truths,” she reflected, pinpointing the desire for deeper connections through art and storytelling.