Behind the Screen: An Interview With Fiona Rene
Fiona's journey from Shawnee, Oklahoma, to becoming one of Hollywood's new stars is nothing short of remarkable. Growing up in a place she calls "home," not just for its roots but for the sense of peace it gives her, Fiona learned early on the power of simplicity and authenticity. Yet, this calm upbringing stands in contrast to her dynamic on-screen roles, where she embodies fierce, complex women who command attention. From her breakout performance as Reenie Greene in the hit show Tracker to fan-favorite roles in Lincoln Lawyer and Fire Country, Fiona has proven time and again that her acting chops go far beyond the surface.
In this exclusive interview, Fiona opens up about how her roots shaped her, what it means to play strong, independent women on-screen, and the personal growth she's found through her sobriety journey. With a thriving career and a clear vision for the future—whether it's through playing darker roles or working on her own show—Fiona is just getting started, and she's determined to grow both on-screen and off.
Read the full interview below!
Mature Magazine: Growing up in Oklahoma, what was that like?
Fiona: Well, we did move every year, but we always made it back to Shawnee. Grandma was there, and we had family roots, but I call it home more because I feel the most relaxed there. There’s something about Oklahoma that’ll never lie to you, that doesn’t want more from you, and that doesn’t judge you. Like all I need to do is go fishing, come home, make a sandwich, sit on the front porch and watch the sun go down. Now doesn’t that sound real nice?
Mature: What were some of your favorite movies or TV shows growing up, and how did they influence your passion for storytelling and acting?
Fiona: Ooh, fun question! As a kid, Jim Carey and Robin Williams were my everything. I know every line to Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Jumanji. Then something happened in my teens and 20s, and it was all horror, thriller, (and more) horror!!! Buffy (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), The Fly, The Lost Boys, The Ring, 28 Days Later, I could go on and on.
Mature: "Tracker" has become a massive success, and your character, Reenie Greene, has quickly become a fan favorite. What drew you to this role, and how do you relate to Reenie's firecracker personality?
Fiona: Thank you..not me blushing. I think Reenie is someone I've always wanted to be– feminine but strong, smart and independent, but still a giving team player. Our big difference is that she gets up at 5 AM and starts her morning routine; I haven't quite gotten there (laughs). Also, I'd like to think I give her some of my firecracker (energy), and she molds it into an entire firework of a show.
Mature: Before "Tracker," you played another fan-favorite role in Netflix's "Lincoln Lawyer." What was the biggest difference between playing Glory Days and Reenie Greene, and how did each role challenge you as an actor?
Fiona: Funnily enough, Reenie and Glory have more in common than I thought, going in. They both are independent women who have something to prove, work their asses off, and try to look beautiful while doing it. They both want to do what's right in their own integrity, they both have an ego that you don't want to mess with, and I think they're both scared of the love that they feel….the difference between them is how they choose to cope when times are tough.
Mature: When preparing for a role, what is your process for getting into the mindset of your character?
Fiona: I love this question, and honestly, it really depends on what the role is and how close I already am to it. How much relationship experience I already have with that character, and probably most importantly, is ridding myself of all judgment towards the character. That shit gets in the way, but honestly, it's always different. Sometimes, it's really knowing the backstory: the backstory is up in the air til season 3, and it's really knowing where the character wants to move forward.. and lastly, making sure it just feels real. Visualization is what physical exercise, movement, and senses a character has. For example, with Reenie, it's always pilates and walking in heels. For senses, what smells, tastes, and sounds does this character experience? Reenie's smells are currently Jo Malone Silver Birch and Lavender Cologne for work and Miss Dior when she's off. These are two scents that I don't actually use in my day-to-day life.
Mature: You've been involved in influential shows like "Fire Country" and "I Know What You Did Last Summer." What have been some of the highlights of your acting career so far, and are there any dream roles you'd love to take on in the future?
Fiona: YES!!! I'm truly so grateful for the projects I've been a part of this far— moving forward, I want to explore my range. I'm really interested in playing in something more grittier, maybe even southern roles, to tap into where I come from. Mystery and psychological thrillers with some darker, more "villainous" characters. Making my way into the film medium….oh. and also, I've got some comedy chops that I feel haven't been quite utilized on screen yet
Mature: In addition to your acting career, you're deeply involved in nonprofit work, especially with The Game Academy, focusing on storytelling and RPGs for neurodiverse students. How did you get involved with this cause, and what impact do you hope to make?
Fiona: Well, I've always felt like I was "other,"... and I never learned the same way as everyone else in school. I have found that no matter how many books I read or inspiring lessons that influence me, I never really solidified a lesson in my life until I experienced something emotional and personal around it to "lock it in." That's what RPGs do. You play—and within a story, your character is required to make choices that have consequences. That can be really scary to do in day-to-day life, and the Game Academy provides a safe place for neuro-diverse people to come together, play and make choices. It should be implemented in every school— it fosters confidence and individuality alongside teamwork and play.
Mature: You're also spearheading Grandma's House in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to help underserved communities. Can you share more about the nonprofit's mission and why consumption awareness is so important to you?
Fiona: There are many studies that suggest food insecurity (contributes) to mental illness and substance abuse. These conditions cyclically affect one's well-being. Creating a community that can champion each other with these facts in mind can change lives. Whether it is food, content, substances, or the energy of the people we surround ourselves with, what and how we consume are building blocks for how we experience life. At least, that's what it's been for me. Grandma's House is a space for connection, food, mental health services, and consumption awareness.
Mature: Your openness about your sobriety journey is inspiring. How has your experience with sobriety shaped your outlook on life and your work in Hollywood, especially in an industry known for its high pressures?
Fiona: Hollywood can be a wild place because, on one side, there is so much love, vulnerability, and empathy, and on the other side, there is so much scarcity, judgment, and fear. Everyone's sobriety journey is very different— but things that I have learned, like (living by), "ear universe, grant the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things that I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." I mean, fucking hell; I apply that phrase to every single part of my life, especially this industry.
Mature: Sobriety often requires a level of maturity and self-awareness that can be challenging to achieve. How has your journey with sobriety helped you grow, personally and professionally?
Fiona: I appreciate you saying that; I would like to consider myself pretty self-aware, but my sobriety journey is something that feels so complicated and never-ending. I will say that my definition of sobriety may be a little different than someone else's, but more than anything, it's been my journey of investing in a relationship with myself– which I now know is in parallel to how I have relationships with other things in my life. Whether that's other people, substances, food or time. For me, The journey of sobriety is a journey of relationships. How I have one is usually how I have others..
Mature: With Season 2 of "Tracker" premiering soon, what can fans expect from your character Reenie this season? Are there any other exciting projects on the horizon that you're looking forward to sharing with your audience?
Fiona: I think fans can expect to get closer to Reenie. To see vulnerable sides to her, see her move forward, and not stay stagnant in anything. Lincoln Lawyer Season 3 Premieres Oct 17, and other than that, I've been doing a lot of voiceover work, which is always fun. Then, of course, I'm in the process of creating my own show based on my life working in haunted houses!!!
Mature: What does Mature mean to you?
Fiona: My favorite words are those that are nouns and also verbs… (You have ) to balance in order to be balanced, (You have) to discipline in order to be disciplined, (You have) to mature in order to be mature… So with that; Mature, to me, means the act of growth with the purpose of always growing through the end.
Talent: Fiona Rene
Editor in Chief & Art Director: Oliver Brown
Photographer: Rowan Daly
Stylist: Cassidy Mamula
Hair: Mel Dominguez
Makeup: Gregory Arlt
PR: THE INITIATIVE GROUP