CBC and CBC Gem – Shailyn Pierre-Dixon is Macy Murdoch
Combining science fiction, action, mystery, and friendship in a series aimed at young people, Macy Murdoch aims to take viewers on a compelling trip back in time. We meet Macy, a descendant – three times granddaughter – of Det. William Murdoch. Macy’s familial link to the famous figure, and researched by her father plus some clippings and a photo – put her into overdrive. She must know more. And thanks to her discovery of a time machine, she and two pals go back to 1920, to old Toronto, and to the police station where she must solve a mystery. What She Said’ Anne Brodie spoke with Pierre-Dixon.
Shailyn, I know you were a fan of Murdoch Mysteries. That day when you set foot on the cobblestones of the series’ set, what were you feeling?
When I got on the set of Murdoch Mysteries, I definitely was transported into the 1900s world. It was one of those moments when I realized I was a part of history and a major franchise. Because Murdoch Mysteries is one of those Canadian shows that is like a right of passage into the acting industry stepping onto set really solidified my joy and excitement to create and work on Macy Murdoch.
Do you feel you are carrying on the legacy of honour and intelligence of William’s lifework in ways that would have pleased him?
I think Macy would definitely feel as though she is carrying the honour and intelligence of her great-great-great grandfather in ways that would make William proud. Macy thinks through everything even if it doesn’t seem like she has, and she does her best to use not only her own witts but Williams’s as well to solve the mystery, showing that their smarts really run in the family.
Det. William Murdoch is your character, Macy’s, great, great, great Grandfather, but you share traits. You are both curious and intuitive, take a few facts and you can solve a mystery. Do you think that is in the family DNA?
Totally! Considering Macy’s father is what really sparked her interest in detective work and inventions is a prime example of William’s traits being passed down through the family DNA. Macy wants to feel closer to her dad and in turn, becomes closer to her ancestors like William Murdoch all because of their shared love for solving mysteries.
Macy, Zane and Billie set out to discover if William wasn’t the person we think he is. Without telling all, tell us something!
Macy is sure that William Murdoch is innocent and that he is the person she has been told he is; clever, intuitive, kind, and a genius inventor. She refuses to think otherwise and is lucky enough to have friends like Billie and Zane who will not only believe her but also embark on a crazy journey to prove William’s innocence and character.
Macy’s discovery of a time machine brings her dream to life. It’s the ultimate fantasy. We can’t time travel, but you can in wish fulfillment for us.
I definitely think an appeal to the show is the intelligence of it all, and the fact that so many of us are not in the crime-solving industry and don’t get to experience thrilling adventures like the ones on Murdoch Mysteries or Macy Murdoch. I know for me I grew up loving crime shows and movies so being a part of the Murdoch franchise for me is an ultimate fantasy come true. It’s definitely possible to fulfill our biggest dreams even without the help of time travel. It does help though.
Murdoch himself, Yannick Bisson exec produces Macy Murdoch and is hands-on. Do you speak with him a lot? Did you audition for him?
I didn’t do any in-person auditions, in fact, the first time we met was when I did an easter egg for Macy in the actual Murdoch Mysteries Series. Meeting him, though it was short, was really great, and sort of strange because here I am playing his great-great-great-granddaughter in the year 2023, but on set, I was just another character trying to blend in.
Is the series going to a second season?
Nothing is set in stone yet, but we’re all crossing our fingers for a second season. The cast and crew were just so lovely and one of the most family-like sets that I’ve been a part of. It was truly a gift to work with such talented people so if I got the chance to do it again, it would be a dream come true!
Macy Murdoch is available on CBC Gem