YOBDEE MARAZZI TALKS SHE'S MAKING A LIST
"How important it is to pour love back"
Daniel John
Much like Lacey Chabert taking on a different role in it, deciding who lands on Santa’s naughty or nice list, this film goes a bit off the usual Hallmark routine?
When I first read the script, I remember feeling this warm, nostalgic feeling. The kind you get when you watch your favourite Christmas movie with a blanket and hot chocolate, but it really surprised me how much there was underneath the humour in the holiday magic. On the surface, it had all the elements people love about festive films, the charm, the sweetness, and the cosy escape feeling, but there was also the slightly mischievous twist that made it stand apart from others, what really pulled me was how the story balanced lightheartedness with meaning. You could feel the characters wrestling with real emotions and real choices, even inside a whimsical holiday world. I truly love that the script didn't try too hard. It felt truly genuine.
It just has to be said that both Lacey and Andrew Walker are such true holiday-staples by now. What was it like finding the rhythm between their roles and Sarah. Did all their experience make stepping into the genre feel familiar from the very start?
Working with Lacey and Andrew was an amazing experience. They’re both such well-known faces in the holiday genre and they brought this calm, grounded, energy that instantly made me feel welcomed. Specifically when we were in the shuttle to set, they loved making conversation that made me feel seen. Their chemistry and professionalism made stepping into this kind of film feel natural, especially since it was my first Hallmark Christmas-movie. Being alongside them did not feel intimidating at all, as I got to see the "behind the scenes Lacey and Andrew" instead of the perspective fans get to see of them, that's one of the main things I love about working with new actors, you get to see their true personality, and not just what they are known for.
We're about a decade now from when you were cast as Yeshi on 'Mix'. How did your passion for acting spark as early as it did?
To be completely honest, I didn't have a specific passion for acting in itself but anything regarding being on stage or in the presence of a camera, most of my time I would make music-videos using my dolls as the actors but never thought of the idea of becoming one. That was until my mom decided to put me in acting classes over the summer as I had so much energy and that started my whole career in acting. My acting teacher saw “raw talent” and introduced me to her agent that graciously gave me a shot. I didn't think much of it as I was heavily involved in gymnastics and hip-hop, dancing as my crew was well known, and we travelled to many different places to perform. After my second audition, I managed to land a series regular role, Yeshi, on ABC's pilot 'Mix'. Being on that set so early in my years showed me that storytelling wasn't just something I liked, but it's something I felt deeply connected to. Especially coming from Ethiopia, being adopted into the life I have now, storytelling became a way of honouring where I came from and where I'm going. My trajectory has been a mix of hard work, patience and faith. I've taken classes, auditioned endlessly and faced a lot of no’s. Every no I receive is one step closer to a big yes. I don't take any opportunity for granted, every project has shaped me into the actor I'm slowly becoming. The one thing I must say is I'm incredibly grateful to my mom and agents that had faith in me from the start. None of the opportunities I have been given would have been possible without them right behind me.
You seem to have stayed quite busy all year?
This year has been a blessing with many bookings I've been able to work on, which has been amazing! I've done five projects within the last couple months, all having different character-breakdowns that truly stretched me in different ways emotionally and physically and that's always incredibly exciting for me. I love roles that challenge me, or allow me to explore parts of myself that I haven't tapped into yet. Specifically, roles that are a part of my personality, which helps me step out of my comfort zone. I can't say much yet, but there are a couple of things that are coming out in the new year that I'm really excited to announce!
If you were to make a list, what roles would you be happy to get as you continue to explore?
If I could make a little wish list, I'd love to dive into roles that carry heavy emotional and dramatic weight that doesn't just showcase my acting ability but to bring the character to life and tell their story. Another one would be a character that has a similar background as me, like being adopted and brought into a new family to have a new life. I want my work to matter and represent the right things. My goal is not just to book a "breakout role", but to have a role that gives me publicity where I can use it for the better and help others in need.
Christmas at large mean different things to different people. What is Christmas for you?
Christmas for me is very family centred. I'm adopted into an Italian household where there's little quietness and lots of laughter, and dance parties. I grew up knowing what it meant to have very little so the holidays remind me of how far I've come and how much grace I've received, and how important it is to pour love back into the world. That's why I value the simplest moments, like cooking or even just sitting on the couch watching a movie with the Christmas tree lights on. Those little things mean more to me than any big celebration or present.
What are your seasonal treats, pop-culture wise?
I am very much of a Christmas music type of gal. I am the type that starts listening way earlier than I should. If we're being specific, I must say Michael Bublé's 'Christmas' album always gets me moving. I love dancing so any upbeat Christmas song that will get me grooving is a hit on my list. It's the time of year where joy feels louder and I love leaning into that.
