story / Mary Ritch
photos / Shanna Fisher @ Day Reps
stylist / Stephanie Gutierrez
hair & makeup / Dee Daly @ Opus Beauty
When sixteen-year-old Katelyn Nacon found out she was cast as Enid in the massively popular AMC television series The Walking Dead, she cried nonstop for a complete hour — and we don’t blame her. Not only is Nacon an actress, but she is following in the footsteps of former Walking Dead cast member Emily Kinney by releasing music. And in five years, the artist hopes to “be a full time actress as a season regular on TV or in films, recording music in the off-season.”
It’s a lofty goal, but to say that the young, Atlanta-born entertainer will have a successful career is an understatement. If anything, this rising star is going to be around for a long time.
What is it like on the set of The Walking Dead?
It’s been pretty amazing. The cast and crew are all so nice. The first day was a bit intimidating because the whole cast was there.
When did you realize you wanted to be an entertainer?
I went to a summer theatrical camp at Atlanta Workshop Players for a week when I was nine. I had so much fun that I cried heading home when the week was over, and that was when I knew I was meant to be doing this.
You have a great voice! Do you have any plans to pursue Broadway?
I’m actually on a trip to New York City this week. I just saw Matilda and The King and I, and they were amazing. We also did a Broadway workshop just the other morning. I’ve performed in plays, and love doing musical theater, but on-screen acting is what I’m looking at right now.
What was the inspiration behind your Love in May EP?
Two songs were about my grandmothers. “Jean” is about my grandmother who I lost to breast cancer, and “May” is about unconditional love.
What was your first movie or song?
My first favorite song was “Ain’t No Other Man” by Christina Aguilera. I loved her voice on that; it was so powerful mixed in with all the horns. My first favorite movie was definitely Beauty and the Beast. I just loved the character of Belle.
Who are some of your peers in the business that you look up to?
I may not be her peer, but Meryl Streep is definitely someone I look up to. I think she is incredible.
How do you feel about social media and what do you think your life would be like without the Internet?
I have a bunch of friends in L.A. who I don’t get to see often, so I enjoy using it to keep up with them and friends who are far away. As far as life without the Internet, I think school would be a lot harder, especially for me since I miss so many days of class because of work.
What do you think is the biggest challenge your generation faces?
Everyone is so concerned about what they look like on the outside, especially with social media. They need to be happy with who they are on the inside and live in the moment.
What do you think your life would be like without the internet?
School would be a lot harder. Especially for me since I miss so many days in class because of work.
Where do you want to be in 5 years?
I would love to be a full time actress as a Season Regular on TV or in films. Maybe recording music in the offseason.
blouse, Vienique / bracelet, Phillip Gavriel / cuff, Cutting Edge Archives / pant, Mani Jassal / booties, Grey City
hoop earrings, Phillip Gavriel / jacket, Rajdeep Ranawat, top, Aeneas Erlking, cuff, Amarilo, leggings, Michael Ngo, Heels, JF London
blouse, Lucianna Balderrama, bustier, Fete, Beaded Skirt, Jad Ghandour, Heels, JF London