INTERVIEW: Kaley Ronayne on ‘The Right Stuff,’ What Attracted Her to the Project, Inclusion, Empowerment, and Her Favorite Things

Kaley Ronayne is one of National Geographic’s The Right Stuff stars, which now has all episodes streaming exclusively on Disney+.

The Right Stuff is based on Tom Wolfe’s nonfiction book, which explores the early days of the NASA space program. It is founded on the true story of sending the first American man to space, following these astronauts and their families as they become instant celebrities in their quest to be part of Project Mercury. Kaley plays Dee O’Hara, a nurse for the Mercury Seven program. Despite many others finding themselves star-struck around the astronauts, Dee is not phrased by them; the nurse is completely devoted to her work and essential in creating the astronaut medical wing at Cape Canaveral. Eventually, she begins an unlikely friendship with Alan Shepard.

You might recognize the actress from her reoccurring roles on Gotham, Public Morals, Quarry, and Army Wives. Read our exclusive interview with Kaley Ronayne below to find out what started her love for acting, her new series, challenging scenes, isolation, and her favorite travel destination.

GLITTER: Where are you from, and what was it like for you growing up?
KALEY: I grew up in the suburbs of Detroit. I love Michigan, but I never really felt like I fit in there. So as soon as I could, I headed to the east coast, and I’ve been here ever since.

GLITTER: What started your love for acting?
KALEY: I grew up watching a lot of black and white comedies because my parents were kind of strict about what I could watch. I loved The Little Rascals, I Love Lucy, and Mary Poppins. I think that influenced my love for acting, and I started dressing up and putting on plays in the basement.

GLITTER: Who supported you the most when you decided to pursue acting?
KALEY: My family has always been very supportive– mostly because they knew I had made up my mind and there was no standing in my way.

GLITTER: Where do you live now, and what are your favorite aspects of living there?
KALEY: I live in Bushwick, a neighborhood in Brooklyn. I love living there because it’s one of the few areas of New York that doesn’t feel like a mall. There are still small businesses, incredible food, dive bars, artists living and working here.

GLITTER: You star in the Disney+ series The Right Stuff; what attracted you to the script/project?
KALEY: I love period pieces- I feel so at home in an old-fashioned outfit. When I first read the script, I was struck by how good the writing was. After my first audition, I was like, I need to be on this show!

GLITTER: Did you read the book that this project is based on, or do any specific research beforehand?
KALEY: Yes, I loved reading the book. Tom Wolfe is an incredible writer, and surprisingly I laughed a lot throughout. There is a biography written about Dee’s life, but it is catered towards children. So the research I did was mostly online– interviews and video clips of Dee.

GLITTER: Do you have any similarities with your character, Dee O’Hara?
KALEY: I think I am similar to Dee in that I am also a straightforward person. I am not great at hiding my emotions or thoughts (one of the many reasons why I was a terrible waitress). Dee doesn’t placate or play games; she tells it like it is, but with kindness and humor.

GLITTER: What is your favorite aspect of Dee’s storyline?
KALEY: Dee’s friendship with Alan Shepard lasted throughout their lifetimes, and it was really fun to develop that in the first few episodes.

GLITTER: Any fun behind the scenes stories you can share from filming?
KALEY: The day the MASTIF was revealed, I was like a little kid. I was obsessed with it. The director told me I could have a turn riding it, but we ended up wrapping at 2 AM, and I didn’t want to hold everybody up. I’m looking forward to following up on that promise in season 2.

GLITTER: What kind of scenes challenge you as an actress?
KALEY: Emotional scenes are harder for me on-camera than onstage. I am challenged every time I encounter one.

GLITTER: How do you memorize a tricky script?
KALEY: I have a pretty crazy ability to memorize scripts, so I’m not sure I have any advice. I do know that having to memorize something new every week has helped me develop that skill set.

GLITTER: Do you have a favorite genre to perform acting-wise?
KALEY: I love comedy– my dream is to be on a multi-cam.

GLITTER: One highlight of your career so far?
KALEY: The Right Stuff!

GLITTER: Is there any movie franchise that you love and would want to join in the future?
KALEY: I would love to be in a Pitch Perfect movie, but unfortunately, I can’t sing to save my life.

GLITTER: Last show you binge-watched?
KALEY: I just binged The Queen’s Gambit.

GLITTER: How has your time in social isolation been, and do you enjoy having that extra free time?
KALEY: There have certainly been highs and lows. I do enjoy having free time, but I am an over-achiever and need to constantly be doing something productive, so of course, I managed to still overload my schedule.

GLITTER: Did you learn anything during quarantine about yourself?
KALEY: I am stronger than I thought– literally. I carried a loveseat up the stairs the other day and felt like Superwoman.

GLITTER: How would you describe your day to day fashion?
KALEY: I currently love to dress like I’m Julia Roberts in a 90s movie.

GLITTER: Any favorite beauty products?
KALEY: I love Gressa foundation– it doesn’t make me break out, looks extremely natural, and is actually good for my skin!

GLITTER: Favorite place you’ve gotten to travel to?
KALEY: I think Rome is the most magical place I’ve ever been.

GLITTER: If you could travel to any one place right now, where would that be and why?
KALEY: I am dying to go to Mexico City.

GLITTER: One piece of advice that you live by?
KALEY: Someone once told me to compare my current self to my past self and nobody else.

GLITTER: What is your favorite comfort movie?
KALEY: Bridesmaids or Mean Girls.

GLITTER: What message do you have for anyone looking to get into the entertainment industry?
KALEY: Go for it! But you have to love it.

GLITTER: Do you feel there are still changes that need to be made in Hollywood for the inclusion of women and diverse talent in front of and behind the camera?
KALEY: Absolutely. Especially in positions of power. There is so much work to do.

GLITTER: We have a new female VP-elect; would you like to share your thoughts on that? 
KALEY: To be honest, I am thrilled. I naively was devastated in 2016; I took it very personally. Having a female VP in 2021 heals that wound a little bit.

GLITTER: Are there any parts of the entertainment industry that you want to explore more in the future?
KALEY: I have been using my time in quarantine to write, and I would love to self-produce.

GLITTER: Glitter has a celebrity #SelfLoveCampaign. What does self-love mean to you?
KALEY: Self-love can mean so many things. Some days it is eating my vegetables, some days it is drinking a beer and having chocolate. Self-love is the opposite of self-punishment.

GLITTER: Do you have any new projects coming up that you tease?
KALEY: I just shot an independent feature that will be released soon! It’s called The Falling World.

GLITTER: What are the best social media platforms for fans to follow you on?
KALEY: You can follow me on Instagram @Paleykaley.