Violet McGraw on Acting, Hollywood & What Comes Next | INLOVE
Violet McGraw Interview:
In this exclusive INLOVE Magazine conversation, the young actress discusses her evolving career, M3GAN, Marvel, Summer’s Last Resort, dyslexia, family, creativity, and the experiences shaping her next chapter.
At just fifteen years old, Violet McGraw has already built the kind of résumé many actors spend decades pursuing.
Audiences first discovered her through emotionally complex performances in acclaimed projects such as The Haunting of Hill House and Doctor Sleep, before she became a standout presence in the cultural phenomenon M3GAN. Along the way, she entered the Marvel universe as young Yelena Belova in Black Widow and continued that journey in Thunderbolts*, proving an unusual ability to move effortlessly between blockbuster franchises and deeply emotional storytelling.
Yet what makes Violet’s rise particularly compelling is not simply the breadth of her work, but the depth she brings to it. Her performances often explore themes far beyond her years—grief, resilience, loneliness, courage, identity, and the complicated realities of growing up. Critics have repeatedly praised her emotional intelligence on screen, noting a rare authenticity that allows audiences to connect with her characters in a profoundly human way.
This Violet McGraw Interview explores the actress’s evolution from acclaimed childhood performances to an exciting new chapter in her career.
In this Violet McGraw Interview, she also opens up about stepping into comedy with Summer’s Last Resort.
Now, Violet enters an exciting new chapter with Summer’s Last Resort, her first major young-adult comedy lead. Starring alongside Sophia Bush and Jerry O’Connell, the film marks a notable shift from the horror and thriller projects that first introduced her to audiences worldwide. It is a transition that reflects not only her growing versatility as an actress but also her willingness to continually challenge herself creatively.
In this conversation with INLOVE Magazine, Violet reflects on navigating Hollywood at a young age, finding emotional truth within her characters, balancing ambition with authenticity, advocating for young people with dyslexia, and embracing the opportunities that come with growing up in front of the camera while remaining connected to who she is beyond it.
In this exclusive Violet McGraw interview, INLOVE Magazine sits down with the young actress to discuss her evolving career, M3GAN, Marvel, Summer’s Last Resort, dyslexia, family, creativity, and the experiences shaping her next chapter.
Violet McGraw Interview: The Next Chapter
INLOVE: You began acting at a very young age and have grown up on sets surrounded by some of Hollywood’s most respected actors, directors, and storytellers. Looking back, what experiences have shaped you the most—not only as an actress, but as a young woman finding her own voice in the world?
Violet McGraw: Growing up on sets has taught me so much. My first big job was at six years old, and getting to be directed by Mike Flanagan made it impossible not to learn something. He’s incredible to work with, and I’ve been lucky enough to work with him more than once. I also hit the jackpot on The Haunting of Hill House. Having Carla Gugino and Henry Thomas to watch and learn from was amazing. Seeing how passionate they were about their work inspired me and showed me what it means to truly love what you do. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is to trust myself and not be afraid to speak up when I have ideas. I’ve also learned that being kind and working hard goes a long way, no matter what you’re doing.
INLOVE: From The Haunting of Hill House and Doctor Sleep to M3GAN, many of your most memorable performances explore themes of grief, fear, resilience, and human connection. What is it about emotionally complex characters that continues to draw you in?
Violet McGraw: I really enjoy playing characters who feel real. Nobody is happy all the time, and everyone goes through challenges. Those kinds of characters are interesting because they have so much depth, and they allow me to explore different emotions. It’s also really rewarding when people connect with a character because they see something of themselves in them.
INLOVE: Your portrayal of Cady in M3GAN resonated with audiences because beneath the horror was a deeply human story about loss, loneliness, and healing. What did that role teach you about yourself, both professionally and personally?
Violet McGraw: Playing Cady taught me a lot about being vulnerable and trusting my instincts as an actress. It was definitely one of the most emotional roles I’ve played. Personally, I learned how important relationships are and how much people need support when they’re going through difficult times. I think that’s one of the reasons so many people connected with the story.
INLOVE: With Summer’s Last Resort, audiences get to see a completely different side of you. What excited you most about stepping into your first major young-adult comedy lead, and what did you discover about yourself through the experience?
Violet McGraw: I was really excited to do something lighter and more fun. I’ve done a lot of horror and drama, so getting to be part of a comedy was a new challenge. I was definitely nervous at first, but early on during filming I discovered that I love making people laugh and that comedy takes a lot of timing and confidence. I was lucky to have amazing mentors like Jerry O’Connell, who constantly kept me on my toes and encouraged me to push beyond my comfort zone and explore my character more. Sophia Bush also showed me how much fun it is to live in the comedic moment. They both made the experience so inspiring, and it pushed me in a completely different way as an actress.
INLOVE: The film explores family dynamics, self-discovery, and the unexpected ways people grow when life doesn’t go according to plan. Was there a moment in the story that felt particularly relatable to your own journey growing up?
Violet McGraw: I think the idea that things don’t always go the way you expect is really relatable. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that sometimes the things you didn’t plan for end up teaching you the most. Even when something is difficult or hurtful, you can often look back later and realize how much it helped you grow. Growing up comes with a lot of changes, both good and bad, and I think that’s something many people can connect with.
INLOVE: You have already worked within some of the most recognizable franchises and projects in entertainment—from Marvel and horror classics to independent storytelling. How do you stay grounded and connected to the craft while navigating an industry that often moves at such a fast pace?
Violet McGraw: My family helps me stay grounded. They’re always there for me, and they remind me to enjoy what I’m doing. I also try to focus on the work itself instead of getting caught up in everything else. Acting is something I genuinely love, and that’s what keeps me motivated. My parents have also made sure I still get to play soccer, which is my other passion. Being part of a competitive team sport definitely keeps you humble and reminds you that success is never just about one person.
The Violet McGraw Interview also reveals a personal side of the young actress as she discusses dyslexia, confidence and resilience.
INLOVE: Returning to the world of Marvel as young Yelena Belova allowed audiences to better understand the emotional foundation of a beloved character. What have you learned about the power of storytelling and character development through projects that span generations of audiences?
Violet McGraw: I’ve learned that great stories can connect people of all ages and truly transcend time. Everyone may take something different away from a character, but emotions are universal. It’s really special to be part of projects where people from different generations can watch the same story and all find something meaningful in it.
INLOVE: You have spoken openly about living with dyslexia and have become an inspiration to many young people facing similar challenges. How has that experience shaped your perspective, and what message would you share with those who may sometimes feel different or underestimated?
Violet McGraw: Having dyslexia has definitely challenged me at times, but it’s also made me stronger. It’s taught me that everyone learns differently, and that’s completely okay. My advice would be to never let anyone tell you what you can or can’t do. The things that make you different can actually become some of your greatest strengths. I worked really hard with a specialist to develop a toolbox of skills that helps me feel prepared when lines get changed at the last minute or I have to read from a teleprompter. Because of that, I’ve learned to trust myself more and not let fear or anxiety take over when unexpected things happen. But trust me, I still get nervous. I am
Just better at managing it.
INLOVE: Your career continues to evolve in exciting ways. As you look toward the future, what kinds of stories, characters, or creative collaborations feel most meaningful to you at this stage of your journey?
Violet McGraw: I want to keep challenging myself and trying new things. I’d love to explore different genres and play characters that are completely different from anything I’ve done before. I’m always excited to work with creative people who are passionate about storytelling and making something meaningful.
INLOVE: At INLOVE Magazine, we always end with our signature question. What does it mean to be in love—with life, with creativity, with family, with purpose, with becoming who you are? What does being in love mean to Violet McGraw today?
Violet McGraw: To me, being in love means appreciating the people and things that make life special. I love being creative, spending time with my family and friends, and getting to do something I’m passionate about. I’m still learning and growing every day, but I think being in love with life means staying grateful, staying curious, and enjoying the journey.
Right now, being in love also means becoming comfortable with who I am. When you’re growing up, it’s easy to focus on where you want to be next, but I’m learning to appreciate where I am today. I’m excited about the future, but I’m also trying to enjoy every chapter as it comes, because those moments are what shape who you become.
As this Violet McGraw Interview reveals, her next chapter is about growth, authenticity and discovering new creative possibilities.
At fifteen, Violet McGraw stands at a rare intersection of talent, humility, and self-awareness. While many audiences know her through unforgettable performances in projects that explore fear, loss, courage, and resilience, what emerges most clearly from this conversation is a young woman deeply committed to growth—both as an artist and as a person.
There is a quiet confidence in the way she speaks about challenges, whether navigating a demanding industry, living with dyslexia, or stepping beyond her comfort zone into new creative territory. She understands something many people spend a lifetime learning: that success is not measured solely by achievements, but by the willingness to remain curious, grateful, and open to becoming.
As she enters a new chapter with Summer’s Last Resort and continues to expand her remarkable body of work, one thing feels certain: Violet McGraw is not simply growing up in front of the camera—she is growing into her own voice, her own purpose, and her own definition of what it means to lead with authenticity.
And perhaps that is what makes her journey so compelling. Beyond the accolades, the franchises, and the performances, Violet reminds us that every chapter matters. The unexpected turns, the lessons, the moments of uncertainty, and the moments of joy all become part of the story.
For Violet McGraw, the story is only beginning. And if her journey so far is any indication, the chapters ahead promise to be every bit as meaningful as the ones that brought her here.
Words by Elle Taylor.
