Makenzie Lee Foster Talks Emily’s Wonder Lab – Exclusive Interview

Makenzie Lee Foster speaks with us not only about her role on the Netflix show Emily’s Wonder Lab, but also about her book and her work with Afrikicks.

MAKENZIE LEE FOSTER is best known for her RECURRING role as YOUNG DEJA on the award winning NBC series THIS IS US. She is also a SERIES REGULAR on the new NETFLIX series EMILY’S WONDER LAB, which released on August 25th, 2020. Makenzie is also an award winning author. Makenzie takes her book into classrooms to teach children about her journey to become an author and to follow their dreams. She also brings mini books and supplies for the children to create books of their own. Makenzie is set to release a second book titled, “Kickin’ It With Kenzie -Luckily My Luck Is Me!” this Fall 2020. This busy young lady also loves to give back to the community. She has partnered with Afrikicks to help provide shoes to children in Africa. In addition, Makenzie donates toys and copies of her book to a local children’s hospital every year.

Tell us a bit about how you got the role on Emily’s Wonder Lab?

Well…My Mom actually sent in everything because there was a casting for it. She sent in videos of me doing science experiments on my YouTube channel and a video from a school science fair when I was 5. From there I was called in for an audition. I remember being excited and super nervous because this was actually a dream booking for me.I love all things science! I was asked some science questions and told to just be myself. Shortly after that I got a callback and was placed on “avail” and then the long wait started. I thought I didn’t book it because it took a little bit to hear back. My Mom actually ended up emailing to make sure we would be ok to go on a little trip. We had to cancel our trip though because I actually booked it!

What has been your favorite part of working on the show so far?

My favorite part was getting to have fun with my new friends while doing cool experiments. Also, Emily and the crew were so great! We all looked forward to going to “work” for those 2 weeks.

Tell us a bit about your second book and what is about?

I actually just finished the last touches on it and I’m super excited about it! My illustrator is the best. She’s only 16 and I’m so happy that I decided to go with a non-established illustrator. I wanted to use another young person that was trying to follow their dreams. My second book is so colorful! All of my books will teach children how to gain their own confidence. All kids need to understand how powerful they are and how nothing will come easy. My second book will follow that same idea. I can’t say too much more though until my big debut of it. Shhhhh…. 🙂

Also tell us about your work with Afrikicks as well?

Afrikicks is an organization that I care a lot about. They collect shoes, sports equipment, toys, and school supplies for children all over Africa. I found out about them when Anissa Williams posted on Instagram about an organization that needed help sorting shoes for children. My Mom and me were so happy to be able to help and from then on we have stayed connected. I went to a Walmart by my house and used the money that I had been saving to buy all of the shoes that I could to donate to the charity. I think it was about 3 or 4 trash bags full of shoes for the children. It was the best feeling ever! I’m currently collecting more shoes and also copies of my 1st book to send to more children in Africa.

Tell us something people would be surprised to learn about you?

Hmmmm…that’s a tough one because I share everything about me. I would have to say that not many might know that I have struggled with my speech. I have a hard time saying “r” blends sometimes. My Mom always thought it was the cutest thing and would call me “country”. I also tested as gifted and that’s pretty cool to me. Even though I might sound different, I’m still smart. I’m sure that a lot of children are like that.

If you could guest star on another Netflix show which one would it be and why?

Ohhhhh Man! It’s so hard to just pick one! I would have to say that it’s a 4-way tie. I LOVE The Worst Witch and Raising Dion because I’m into all things that have to do with magic in any way. Then, I would say The Who Was Show because it’s education but fun to watch. I can easily get out of doing some of my history home school work with my Mom if I tell her I’m watching that show. Last but soooo important is Motown Magic!!! The songs on there are the BEST!

Why should everyone tune in to watch Emily’s Wonder Lab?

I think everyone should tune into Emily’s Wonder Lab because it’s the BEST science show around! Emily is soooo nice and smart! We blow stuff up, get messy, explore, learn STEAM, and did I mention we blow stuff up?! There are so many other cool things but I don’t want to spoil the surprises. Everyone will just have to make sure to watch with us. 😉

Makenzie Lee Foster, thank you for taking the time to speak with us, good luck on everything!