Callie Johnson Names Her Current-Favorite Broadway Album And Talks About Role In ‘The Beanie Bubble’

This actress is incredible!

From movies to TV to theatre, Callie Johnson has done it all. She is set to start in the upcoming Apple TV+ film ‘The Beanie Bubble’.

We had the amazing honor of talking with Callie about her experience working on ‘Chicago P.D’, advice to aspiring actresses, and more!

Note: This interview was coordinated before the SAG-Aftra actor’s strike commenced on July 14th, 2023.

When did you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career as an actress?

C: “I started dancing at a very young age; my neighbor growing up opened a dance studio in her basement, and my mom knew it was something I’d love doing. She was right! I proceeded to dance in dozens of shows (including over 80 performances of The Nutcracker). As a kid, I grew up watching the great movie musicals like The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, and West Side Story. My eighth-grade year, our high school needed kids to play the Von Trapp children in their production of The Sound of Music; I auditioned and got the part! I remember having absolutely no gauge on how well I could sing or act, but I knew I wanted to give it a try. I continued doing plays and musicals once I entered high school, and then decided to pursue acting in college. The moment I fell in love with the artistry was my junior year at Columbia College Chicago; we were doing this gorgeous blue-grass musical based on true events called Floyd Collins, and a few of my classmates and I took a road trip to Kentucky to visit Floyd Collins’ home. I had a moment of realization that we were doing something incredibly special; we were immortalizing these people by telling the story of their lives, and I think that experience really solidified my path in becoming an actor.“

We are so excited to see you in ‘The Beanie Bubble’! Can you tell us more about your character?

C: “My character, Linda, is a suburban Chicago mom whose cul-de-sac becomes ground zero for the Beanie Baby craze – with Linda at the center. She may seem like just a soccer mom, but below the surface she’s a fierce entrepreneur with a knack for finding ways to creatively capitalize on the “Ty” brand. She really admires Ty Warner as a businessman, and I think Linda’s ultimate goal is to be recognized for her creative gusto and to be treated as a peer by Ty.”

Do you think you have anything in common with your character?

C: “1000%. She’s a leader, she’s driven, and she’s competitive – with all the graces of a small-town Midwesterner. Growing up in rural Illinois, I definitely learned the value of compassion and kindness – but don’t expect me to let you win at a board game, at least without a fight!”

What can fans expect from the film?

C: “It’s inspired by stories in a book by Zac Bissonette following Ty Warner and the meteoric rise of Beanie Babies (if you were alive anywhere near the 90’s, you’ll probably remember those signature red, heart shaped “Ty” tags). The film, however, actually centers around the female characters who helped make these toys such a phenomenon but didn’t make billions or get their names on the tags. For me, this film really explores the female relationship to the American Dream and how it’s often undermined. Fans can expect a very beardless Zach Galifianakis, bright colors, lots of shoulder pads, and a totally killer soundtrack!”

Besides this movie, what would you say has been your favorite filming experience so far?

C: “My guest star role on Chicago P.D. was my first time on a SAG-AFTRA contract, so it’ll always have such a special place in my heart. My role on Chicago Med, however, took a more surprising turn: initially, my character, Joanna, was only slated for one episode. In the first episode, she goes into early labor and has to make some painfully difficult decisions regarding her baby’s survival. I was on set for four days, and all four days were extremely grueling emotionally and physically. I think I was on a gurney the first day for about 8 hrs; lots of crying and pushing for the labor scene. I’m so grateful to Marlyne Barrett and Torrey DeVito (two of the show’s series regulars) for being so supportive that day. They really got me through. Then a few weeks later I got a call from my agent saying that the writers loved my work and wanted to bring me back for another episode to continue my storyline (spoiler alert: it doesn’t end well for her). I was totally thrilled, to say the least! That experience is still such a highlight in my career so far.”

You also have an amazing theater career! We have to ask: What is your current favorite Broadway show?

C: “Thank you! Forever grateful for my career in Chicago, and I’m incredibly proud to call myself a Chicagoan. Currently obsessed with the SIX: Live on Opening Night cast album – a lot of those ladies are Chicago gals, and I was actually doing Hamlet at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre when they were doing their pre-Broadway run across the hall. Favorite song: Get Down performed by Brittney Mack.”

What is the best piece of advice you can give to young girls who want to start acting?

C: “Every facet of you is unique and important – even the parts about yourself you might not like at the moment. Once you embrace everything that you are, really magical things can start to happen! We’re in such a special time where we’re telling really diverse stories about real people. “Imperfections” are interesting. “Goofy” is okay. Women can be funny and smart and messy and angry and wild and free. Allow yourself to be whole and nuanced.”

Where can we follow your amazing journey?

C: “I love Instagram @callierachellejohnson and my website is www.calliejohnson.com. Thank you for having me!”

Make sure to watch Callie shine in ‘The Beanie Bubble’, streaming on Apple TV+ on July 21st!

Je’Kayla Crawford– Founder and Director– Je’Kayla has been a journalist for years and decided to start a publication of her own, New Scene. When not helping her team and working on the monthly issues, you can find her watching a movie on Netflix or baking using a viral Tasty recipe.