Anneliese Judge became famous for portraying Annie Sullivan in the popular Netflix show Sweet Magnolias. The second season of this series is out now and has been a success among critics and audiences. For that reason, we spoke with this young actress to talk about her life, career, and the experience of being part of such an emotional show that represents the best of South Carolina.
If you have not watched the second season, you have time to catch up with it, but let me tell you that, according to Anneliese Judge, expect to say OMG! With all the surprises this show has for all of us. If you did see it, you know what she is talking about and, just like me, I am pretty sure that you want more. But, for now, let us enjoy this conversation we had exclusively for Vanity Teen.
My days never really look the same
VT: Let’s start with some information about you. What can you tell us about your roots and family values?
AJ: I grew up in a relatively small town in North Carolina with my two brothers, mom, and dad. We lived really close by to my grandma, as well as other family members. So I spent a lot of my childhood surrounded by family.
Family is so important to me. My parents are my biggest supporters, and they really instilled in me from a young age that if I wanted something badly enough and was willing to work for it, I could achieve anything I put my mind to.
VT: How is it a regular day for you?
AJ: This is a harder question than I thought it would be. My days never really look the same, which is actually one of my favorite things about my work. Some of my typical daily activities usually include homework; I’m a full-time college student, so lots of homework (laughs), also going to the gym, meditating, and reading a chapter of whatever book I’m currently reading.
VT: What do you like to do in your spare time?
AJ:In my spare time, I enjoy reading, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and going to the gym. I love yoga and cycling (SoulCycle style). Recently, I’ve been really into reading travel writing. I’m taking a class on global literature that is super interesting, so it’s been fun to dive into these topics.
Expect to say OMG!
VT: Sweet Magnolias is a popular TV show, so what is it like to be part of this production?
AJ: Being a part of this show is so special to me. It has been such an incredible and humbling experience. It makes me feel really good to know that my work has resonated with so many people and that so many people have found comfort in our show. Working with the rest of the cast has been incredible. Everyone is so talented and kind.
VT: Talking about Sweet Magnolias, what can you share with us about the new season?
AJ: I hesitate to give spoilers because I would hate to take away any part of someone’s watch experience, but expect to say OMG! and Wow! during every episode.
This season is full of the unexpected, and we really get to explore each character deeper than last season. In season one, you’re just trying to learn about each character and understand the relationships they have with each other, but now that all of that has been established, we can shake things up.
VT: Besides acting, you are committed to formal education. Would you like to tell us more about it?
AJ: I’m currently a sophomore in college going for a degree in consumer, apparel, and retail studies. I am currently minoring in business administration and have just recently applied for an accelerated master’s program for retail analytics. It was important to me to go to college, but acting will always be my passion.
A deep gratitude
VT: Which projects do you have for the future?
AJ: I am hopeful that my movie Where’s Rose will have its United States premiere sometime this year. I traveled to London last November for its UK release and had the best time. It would be awesome if my family and friends in the states had the opportunity to watch!
VT: How do you take care of your mental health?
AJ: Caring for my mental health has always been a priority for me. I have a non-negotiable 45 minutes set aside for myself every day. No matter how busy I may be. I have to do something for myself during those 45 minutes. Even if it’s just right before bed – meditating, journaling, taking a group class at the gym, stretching, whatever.
It just has to be an uninterrupted quiet time, 45 minutes for me to check in with myself and give my body what it needs during that moment.
VT: Which message would you like to share with those who enjoy your work and find comfort watching Sweet Magnolias?
AJ: I can’t express how deep my gratitude runs for each and every person who has supported our show. It means so much to me. I hope that we will return for many more seasons and have the opportunity to go on this incredible journey with our audience. I think I can speak for everyone on the cast and crew when I say: thank you!
VT: Anything else you would like to share with Vanity Teen?
AJ: I want to share that I vlogged all of my days on the set of season 2! I made short 60-sec TikTok videos @anneliesecjudge to show viewers some cool behind-the-scenes stuff!
Before we go
I don’t know if you feel the same way, but I think we all should follow Anneliese Judge’s example of taking time to ourselves and connect with the things we love because the world will continue spinning, but we should be kind to ourselves and preserve our sanity.
Also, one of the things I enjoyed the most about her and this conversation is the sympathy she radiates and how she reminded us of the importance of keeping your loved ones closed and staying focused on your goals while working as hard as possible.
We hope to see more of her in Sweet Magnolias, the American release of Where’s Rose, and enjoy every other new project she has for us, but while we wait for them, let us stay connected with her on social media @anneliesecjudge.
Be safe!