As Gen Z Faces Rising Uncertainties, Canadian/Mexican Actress Emilia McCarthy Gives Us Reason to Hope

As Gen Z comes of age just in time to face a greater degree of uncertainty than previous decades, actress Emilia McCarthy represents the best of what the future can be. Youth ages 10-25 are saddled with challenges like climate change, post-pandemic economic upheaval, gun violence, and social inequality (to name a few). In an era when strong leadership will prove key to survival, powerful role models like award-winning Canadian-Mexican actress Emilia McCarthy point the way toward positive change. 

Born in London, Ontario, home to some of the world’s best-known creatives, including Justin Bieber and Ryan Gosling, McCarthy got her start at the age of seven, sharing the screen with A-listers Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett and Elle Fanning in the Golden Globe Award-winning film Babel. Since then, her robust on-screen resume has grown to feature some of television’s most notable productions, such as the first-ever Netflix original series Hemlock Grove, Disney’s Z-O-M-B-I-E-S, Zapped, and Nickelodeon’s Max and Shred. 

Now 24 at years of age, McCarthy’s name has been featured alongside industry legends in the New York Times and among the Hollywood Reporter’s “Rising Stars.” Her running list of accolades includes multiple awards for “Best Young Actress,” with many more still to come. As her recognition grows, so does her commitment to remain true to her purpose about the impact she makes through her work, advancing meaningful messages about inclusivity, working through differences, and becoming stronger together.  

“This summer’s releases of SkyMed and Z-O-M-B-I-E-S 3 are incredibly impactful for me,” shares McCarthy. “Both presented strong roles that gave me an amazing opportunity to share values of inclusion and community-building through powerful storytelling. The Z-O-M-B-I-E-S films have always done a wonderful job of sharing these principles with their audience, introducing Disney’s first non-binary actor and character in the third film, sending a message of inclusivity on every level.” 

Fluent in English, Spanish, French, McCarthy is a true “citizen of the world,” earning a degree in film studies with a minor and pre-masters in psychology from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). Having built a thriving career from the ground-up, she is deeply familiar with what it means to follow your passion while staying true to yourself. The blonde, blue-eyed actress is rarely associated with the Mexican culture in which she grew up, but the challenge of keeping her cultural heritage close has made her a champion for deeper cultural awareness. Every project or role she chooses - including the 2019 United Nations “World Is In Our Hands” collaborative campaign with renowned photographer Justin Wu to promote climate change awareness - serves as a positive social influence for the things that matter most to her generation. 

Catch McCarthy’s upcoming role as 22 year-old local “Madison” in SkyMed, a nine episode medical drama showcasing the thrilling world of flight nurses and pilots working in remote indigenous communities (premieres July 10th on CBC/Paramount+). See McCarthy’s reprisal of “Lacey,” an Acey cheerleader who stands in the way of change but learns to lead with understanding and acceptance, in Z-O-M-B-I-E-S 3 (premiering July 15th on Disney+). Learn more at imdb.com/name/nm2264289/. Follow @emiliaamccarthy on Instagram for upcoming projects, features, and more.    

Emilia McCarthy is a multi-award-winning Canadian-Mexican actress with more than 20 film credits, including popular hits on Disney, Netflix, Nickelodeon, and 2006 Golden Globe Award-winner Babel. She took on her first film project at age 7, sharing the screen with industry elites Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, and Elle Fanning. Now 24, her name has been featured in the New York Times and among Hollywood Reporter’s “Rising Stars.” Fluent in three languages (English, Spanish, French) and educated in film studies and psychology, McCarthy understands what it means to work hard, follow your dreams, and stand up for what you believe in. She is a powerful voice for change, making a strong impact for causes that include social equality, environmental awareness, and diversity/inclusion. Learn more at imdb.com/name/nm2264289/. Follow @emiliaamccarthy on Instagram for upcoming projects, features, and more.