Netflix will have Sweet Magnolias fans pouring it out all summer when the show’s 10-episode season 3 is (finally!) released on Thursday, July 20. We at Survived The Shows had the great pleasure of chatting with Tracey Bonner, who plays Pastor June, about her role, and what we can expect from the series’ season 3. Check out the full interview below!
What’s the main element in Pastor June’s character and Sweet Magnolias in itself that fascinates you the most and convinced you to join the show?
TRACEY BONNER: What drew me to Pastor June was her kind-hearted nature. She is an excellent listener, but when she speaks she offers so much wisdom. Her tone is soft yet nurturing. I was also intrigued by the fact that the spiritual leader was being portrayed by a black woman. Growing up I didn’t see women in the pulpit so it is refreshing to see the congregation in such a small, intimate town being led by a woman.
Did you do any particular research or preparation to play Pastor June?
TRACEY BONNER: My mother is my main source of inspiration for my portrayal of Pastor June. She is deeply rooted in her biblical practices, and as a former educator she is always looking to impart her wisdom to others. She’s kind, intelligent, and looks to empower those in her community. All of those traits are what make my mother so endearing, and that made it easier for me to choose her as my muse when bringing Pastor June to life.
One of the things the audience loves the most about Sweet Magnolias, besides romances and their twists and turns, is how relatable the characters are. Is there any particular feature in June’s character you can relate to on a personal level? Where are you and June most similar and where are you two most different as human beings?
TRACEY BONNER: I relate personally to Pastor June’s desire to help others. I have a non profit called DateYourselfGirl, Inc., and it’s dedicated to empowering women to become the love they seek. One of our main self-healing practices is through providing community service, and for the past nine years we have hosted a diaper drive for organizations like Hosea Helps and The Atlanta Mission. I believe Pastor June would be an advocate for DateYourselfGirl and our mission to build healthy women emotionally, mentally, and physically. On the other hand, Pastor June and I are different because I am less reserved. When people meet me they say that I am completely different from Pastor June because of my outgoing nature. I am more outspoken and am typically the life of the party, so those characteristics are opposite of what the viewers see on TV.
On the acting level instead, what’s been the biggest challenge you experienced in portraying Pastor June?
TRACEY BONNER: The biggest challenge in portraying Pastor June is remaining consistent with who she is. Oftentimes my true characteristics want to come out, and I have to remind myself that Pastor June is still Tracey but on a much more dialed back level. Sometimes that can be a struggle.
What’s been your favourite scene to shoot so far on Sweet Magnolias?
TRACEY BONNER: There have been many favorite scenes, but the ones where I get to talk to the ladies one on one have been the most enjoyable. Those scenes are typically when I give them sound advice and for the most part they listen to what Pastor June has to say.
Speaking of Season 3, how would you describe the season for all the fans that have been looking forward to it for years?
TRACEY BONNER: I have no spoilers to offer however I will say the fans of the show will not be disappointed. There will be some good surprises that I think will leave everyone wanting more.
Pastor June has always been a character of great support for the community of Serenity. What can you tease about her arc on Season 3?
TRACEY BONNER: You will see Pastor June in a much different light this season. She’s going to be seen less in the church which will give the viewers a more relatable side to her. BUT I can’t say much because I truly want you to watch her arc with a fresh set of eyes.
In Season 1, you had this beautiful, emotional scene with Logan Allen, after Kyle had run away from the school theatre because her dad wasn’t there for him. How was it like for you to work with Logan Allen?
TRACEY BONNER: Logan is one of the sweetest, kindest actors to work with. He’s so young but so giving as a scene partner. And outside of shooting the scenes he’s such a respectful young man and that’s the kind of actor you want to spend long hours on a set with.
In Season 2 instead, we saw Pastor June trying to help Dana Sue and Ronnie to save their relationship for Annie’s sake. How was it like for you to work with Brandon Quinn and Brooke Elliott?
TRACEY BONNER: Brandon and Brooke are so much fun to work with. They both have had such amazing careers, and I have learned so much by observing their process. The way they work together is a masterclass in partner work and scene study. I love being on set with them, and even though we have watched the ups and downs of their relationship they truly know how to have fun on set.
Speaking of your experience on the set of Sweet Magnolias, how can you describe it? How was it like to work with both the cast and the crew? Is there any one in particular you grew friendship and you’re still in touch with, even when you’re not working on the show?
TRACEY BONNER: I truly can say that I love each and everyone in this cast and crew. It is rare that you have the opportunity to bond with everyone, but this set is a real family atmosphere for sure. We get together outside of filming, as well, so that makes it so much easier to collaborate on set because we know each other.
I have established a close bond with Brooke and JoAnna.
Brooke and I have our girls brunch catch up sessions. When we get together we discover that we are more and more alike. I swear she and I knew each other in a past life. She’s a forever friend. And JoAnna and I lean on each other for support whenever needed. She was so gracious to Zoom in and speak to my BFA Acting students, at the University of Minnesota, last year. She’s so giving of herself that is what makes her so special.
I have a close relationship with Brittany LaShay Smith. She and I have worked together for years and have established a strong sisterhood. Michael Shenefelt and I are like BFF’s. We have worked on a few projects together and developed a close relationship, as well. He, his wife, and I all call and text each other regularly and offer each other support whenever needed. It’s important to build strong bonds in this industry and I can honestly say Sweet Magnolias has solidified some lifelong bonds for me.
Do you have any fun anecdotes from set to share with us?
TRACEY BONNER: Brooke, Brandon, and I would play Heads Up between takes. They are hilarious.
If you could choose any other character to play on Sweet Magnolias, outside of June, which one would it be and why?
TRACEY BONNER: I’d love to play a role like Helen. She’s so much like me in real life. Single, career driven, and seemingly has everything together except when it comes to her love life. So many twists and turns but always has a heart open for love.
Outside of Sweet Magnolias, you had the chance to join the cast for Netflix show Raising Dion, where you played Simone. What’s your favourite memory out of that experience and what fascinated you the most about the role and the show?
TRACEY BONNER: Another show that I absolutely LOVE! I had such a blast on the set of Raising Dion. I got the opportunity to work with some artists I truly respect and to reconnect with director Darren Grant. It was a great opportunity for me to showcase my acting chops. My favorite memory was filming the scene where my daughter disappears from the car. When I saw the outcome on screen I was amazed because we shot that scene at a sound stage so to see the CGI magic that was created was awesome.
Do you have any upcoming new projects to share with us?
TRACEY BONNER: I am excited to announce that my next feature film, The Beanie Bubble, will be premiering in theatres on July 21, 2023 and on AppleTV + on July 28, 2023. I got the opportunity to play opposite Zack Galifianakis, Elizabeth Banks, and Geraldine Viswanathan. It was a fun project, and I am truly happy with the work I did. It will be a nostalgic ride down memory lane.
What kind of advice would you give to those people among our readers who would like to pursue a career in entertainment (may it be in acting, writing, or directing), based on your own experience?
TRACEY BONNER: I would tell anyone looking to pursue the entertainment business to pursue it without relent. Become a student of the craft and never stop learning. Also, you must know and understand that the pursuit of this business is never ending. Don’t give up when the journey takes longer than you planned because nothing worth having is easy or immediate. And I would also suggest finding a mentor because we all need someone who can help guide us through the ups, downs, and unknowns of this industry.
Sweer Magnolias, which also stars Tracey Bonner, is back with Season 3 on Netflix on July 20. Get a preview below!
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Chiara
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