‘Descendants: The Rise of Red’ Actors, Kylie Cantrall, Malia Baker, Morgan Dudley, Dara Reneé, & Ruby Rose Turner Share Their Personal Origin Stories & How They Compare To The Characters They Play

I had the pleasure of talking to Kylie Cantrall, Malia Baker, Morgan Lynee Dudley, Dara Reneé, & Ruby Rose Turner, stars of Descendants: The Rise of Red.

Ruby Rose Turner is an actress and singer whose career in the entertainment industry began at the age of seven. Turner made her professional debut as a dancer on Univision Miami’s long-running TV show, “Sabado Gigante.” Before entering the entertainment industry professionally, she was a competitive dancer for four years, earning several National Champion titles in small group categories. Turner’s dancing talent was further showcased in two special live performances on ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars.” Her first appearance was to promote the modern adaptation of the movie “Annie,” where she performed alongside Quvenzhane Wallis. Her second appearance saw her portray a young Julianne Hough in a Move Beyond Tribute performance. Turner has appeared in a variety of national and international television commercials, showcasing her versatility and appeal to a broad audience. She transitioned into acting with guest-starring roles, including an appearance on ABC’s “Black-ish.” Additionally, she had a recurring role in Seasons 2 and 3 of the Netflix series “Fuller House,” where she played Phyllis Gladstone, the eldest daughter of Joey Gladstone. Her career continued to ascend as she took on the lead role of Cameron “Cami” Wrather in the Disney Channel series “Coop and Cami Ask the World.” The show further established her as a prominent young actress in the industry. Most recently, Turner’s voice can be heard in the English version of Netflix’s animated series “Eden,” where she voices the character Sara Grace. Reflecting on her career, Turner has stated that she originally got started in the business as a dancer. From the age of four to eight, she was deeply involved in competitive dancing, which paved the way for her acting career. An open call audition at her dance studio led her to find an agent and start booking guest star and recurring roles. Booking a show on Disney Channel was a significant milestone, and since then, she has been consistently auditioning and securing roles. Turner has expressed that acting brings her a sense of contentment and happiness, making it a central part of her life and career.

Dara Reneé is an American singer, model, and actress, best known for her role as Kourtney Greene in the Disney+ mockumentary series “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.” Born in Los Angeles, California, Reneé was raised in Baltimore, Maryland, where her mother, Kimberly Brooks, established a non-profit performing arts school, Encouraging Youth To Dream, located in Pikesville. Brooks is also an actress, and Reneé’s grandmother was a member of the 1960s Baltimore soul group The Royalettes, indicating that artistic talent runs in her family. Reneé attended John Paul Regional Catholic School in Milford Mill. She initially auditioned for theater roles in New York before moving back to California to complete her high school education at Charter High School of the Arts (CHAMPS) in Van Nuys. Reneé’s career began with her debut role as Savannah in the 2018 Disney Channel Original Movie “Freaky Friday.” In 2019, she landed a recurring role as Stunts in the fifth season of the ABC Television series “Black-ish.” Additionally, she made a guest appearance in “The Kids Are Alright.” Her breakthrough role came with “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” where she plays Kourtney Greene, a student, makeup artist, and best friend of Nini. The series premiered in November 2019. Originally intended as a one-off character, Kourtney became a series regular, thanks to Reneé’s impactful audition and performance. She even created the arrangement for the series’ rendition of “Bop to the Top.” Starting in the second season, Reneé’s real-life mother, Kimberly Brooks, joined the cast to play her character’s mother, Michelle. In 2021, Reneé expanded her repertoire by co-hosting Disney’s “Magic Bake-Off” alongside “Raven’s Home” star Issac Ryan Brown. The show combined her vibrant personality with her love for performance, engaging a new audience in a different format. At the 2022 D23 Expo, it was announced that Reneé would join the cast of “Descendants 4,” later officially titled “Descendants: The Rise of Red.” She plays Uliana, the sister of Ursula the Sea Witch, in the film released in 2024, further solidifying her place within the Disney family. Reflecting on her career, Reneé has spoken about her familial influences and early exposure to the performing arts. She credits her grandmother with teaching her how to harmonize and her mother with imparting knowledge about different characters. Together, they opened Encouraging Youth To Dream, a studio aimed at nurturing young talent in Baltimore. Reneé’s journey to Disney started with an open call for “High School Musical,” marking the beginning of a series of successful roles that have defined her career thus far.

Morgan Dudley is a versatile actress known for her performances in “The Prom” (2020), “A Tourist’s Guide to Love,” and the long-running Nickelodeon series “Henry Danger” (2014). Most recently, Dudley has gained attention for her role as Ella, a young Cinderella, in the Disney+ film “Descendants: The Rise of Red.” Born in Hiram, Georgia, Dudley’s passion for the performing arts was evident from a young age. She has shared that singing has always been her first love, a talent she nurtured through high school theater. This early dedication to music and performance paved the way for her entry into the professional acting world. Dudley’s career began to take shape when she discovered the app Scenebot Stage Live. Her performances on the app caught the attention of its owner, leading to an invitation to a showcase in Los Angeles. Initially skeptical, Dudley attended the event with her mother, Cynthia Pigg, and met her agent and manager there. She was around 17 years old at the time, marking a relatively late start in the industry compared to her peers. In 2020, Dudley appeared in the Netflix musical film “The Prom,” directed by Ryan Murphy. The film featured a star-studded cast, including Meryl Streep, James Corden, and Kerry Washington. Dudley played the role of a dancer in the film, showcasing her multifaceted talent in both acting and dance. Dudley’s stage career includes a notable debut on Broadway in the musical “Jagged Little Pill” in 2021. This role allowed her to further establish her presence in the theater community and demonstrate her singing abilities on one of the world’s most prestigious stages. In addition to her film and stage work, Dudley has maintained a presence on television. In 2023, she appeared in the TV series “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.” Her involvement in various media highlights her adaptability and wide-ranging skills as an actress. Dudley’s portrayal of Ella in “Descendants: The Rise of Red” has garnered significant attention. The film, part of the popular “Descendants” franchise, premiered on Disney+ and added to Dudley’s growing list of prominent roles. Her performance as a young Cinderella brought a fresh take on the beloved character, endearing her to fans of the series. Reflecting on her journey, Dudley has expressed that her career path, while unconventional, has been driven by her love for singing and performing. She credits her early experiences in high school theater and the opportunities provided by Scenebot Stage Live for setting the stage for her professional success. Her story is one of perseverance and passion, illustrating how talent and determination can open doors in the competitive entertainment industry.

Malia Baker is a Canadian actress, best known for her roles as Mary Anne Spier in the streaming series “The Baby-Sitters Club,” Gabby Lewis in the television series “Are You Afraid of the Dark?,” and Chloe Charming in the film “Descendants: The Rise of Red.” Born on December 18, 2006, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Baker’s journey into acting began at a young age. Although born in Vancouver, she spent her early childhood in Botswana, Africa, before returning to Canada, where she pursued her passion for acting. Baker’s acting career commenced in 2018 with an uncredited role in the TV movie “Hope at Christmas.” Her first credited television appearance came in an episode of ABC’s family drama “A Million Little Things.” In 2019, she made guest appearances in The CW’s superhero series “The Flash” and the revival of “The Twilight Zone,” showcasing her ability to adapt to various genres. Her breakthrough came in 2020 when she was cast as Mary Anne Spier in the Netflix series “The Baby-Sitters Club.” Her portrayal of the shy and empathetic character resonated with audiences, earning her widespread recognition. Baker reprised her role in the show’s second season in 2021, before its cancellation. That same year, she joined the cast of Nickelodeon’s “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” for its second revival series, further cementing her status as a rising star in young adult television. Baker’s film credits include her role in the Lifetime TV movie “Caught in His Web,” as well as her casting in the Disney+ film “Descendants: The Rise of Red,” where she played Chloe Charming. She is also set to appear in several upcoming projects, including the Miramax dramedy “Harvest Moon,” co-written and starring Paul Bettany, and the drama “Spider & Jessie,” alongside Mckenna Grace and Dacre Montgomery. Additionally, she has been cast in the drama “Thena” and the indie drama “Hair of the Bear,” where she will also serve as an executive producer. Baker’s involvement in the arts extends beyond acting. In 2022, she participated in Canada Reads, defending Catherine Hernandez’s novel “Scarborough,” demonstrating her commitment to promoting literature and engaging in cultural conversations. Reflecting on her personal journey, Baker describes her life as a blend of dramatic and fortuitous events. Growing up in a single-parent household with her mother, sister, and numerous pets, she developed a close-knit circle of support. Her love for ice cream and her pescatarian lifestyle are small but cherished details that highlight her relatable and down-to-earth nature. Baker believes in the philosophy that everything happens for a reason and expresses gratitude for her current achievements and the people in her life.

Kylie Lorena Cantrall is an American actress, singer, songwriter, and social media personality. Known for her dynamic roles and musical talent, Cantrall has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry at a young age. Cantrall’s most notable acting role is as Gabby Duran in the Disney Channel series “Gabby Duran & the Unsittables,” which aired from 2019 to 2021. She also played a recurring role as Dani in the fourth season of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” in 2023. Recently, she landed the lead role as Red in the Disney+ film “Descendants: The Rise of Red” (2024), further cementing her place in the Disney universe. Additionally, she voiced Savannah in the animated film “Ron’s Gone Wrong” (2021). Raised in a creative environment, Cantrall’s father is a music producer, and her mother is a dancer and choreographer. Her artistic journey began early; she started learning to dance at the age of two and frequently accompanied her father to recording sessions. By the age of seven, she was already participating in dance competitions, and at eight, she became fascinated with the music of TLC after watching the biopic “Crazy Sexy Cool.” Cantrall’s career took off with the help of her father when she started a YouTube series called “Hello Kylie,” where she reviewed Disney Channel shows. She began singing and posting performances on YouTube and musical.ly (now TikTok), quickly gaining a following. In 2016, she was signed to a talent management agency and released her first single, “Sleep Is 4 Suckas,” under the independent music label New Muzik Order, co-founded by her father. At 13, Cantrall was cast in the lead role of “Gabby Duran & the Unsittables.” This role marked a significant turning point in her career, leading her to leave public school and focus on her burgeoning career. The series premiered in 2019, and she performed its opening theme song, “I Do My Thing.” Despite the show’s cancellation in 2021, Cantrall’s career continued to thrive. That same year, she featured on the R3hab single “Sad Boy” alongside Jonas Blue and Ava Max, and starred in “Ron’s Gone Wrong.” In 2022, Cantrall launched a TikTok series called “10 Minute Songs,” where she created songs using three words suggested by fans within 10 minutes. Her creativity and engagement with fans through this series further increased her popularity. During the D23 Expo in September 2022, it was announced that she would star as Red in “Descendants: The Rise of Red” and join the fourth season of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.” August 2023 saw Cantrall becoming the first ambassador for TruSkin cosmetics. During the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, she focused on her music, releasing her debut EP, which included songs based on her “10 Minute Songs” TikTok series, and a single titled “Elastic.” Her debut album is set to release in 2024. Influenced by 90s artists like TLC, Britney Spears, Janet Jackson, and Aaliyah, Cantrall also admires contemporary artists such as Brandy, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Rosalía, and Becky G. Her diverse influences are reflected in her eclectic music style and dynamic performances. On a personal note, Cantrall is half-Venezuelan on her mother’s side. She describes her upbringing in Los Angeles as filled with creativity, thanks to her parents’ artistic backgrounds. She has a close-knit circle of family and friends and is grateful for her journey in the entertainment industry. Kylie Cantrall continues to captivate audiences with her talent and charisma, both on screen and in her musical endeavors. Her rise in the entertainment world is a testament to her dedication, talent, and the strong support system provided by her creative family. As she looks forward to new projects and challenges, Cantrall remains a vibrant and inspiring figure for young artists everywhere.

Yitzi Weiner: It’s so nice to meet you. Each of you plays great characters with fantastic origin stories. Can you each share your personal origin story and how you got started in this business?

Ruby Rose Turner: I originally got started in this business as a dancer. I began competitively dancing when I was four and continued until I was eight, then found my way into acting through an open call audition at my dance studio. I found an agent and started landing a few guest star roles and recurring roles here and there. Eventually, I booked a show on Disney Channel, and I’ve just been auditioning ever since. It’s the only thing in my life that truly makes me feel super content and happy. And yeah, here we are in Descendants somehow.

Dara Reneé: My story is actually quite similar. Growing up, my mom was an actress, and my grandmother was in a music group. My grandmother taught me how to harmonize, and my mom introduced me to different characters. Then I opened a studio with my mom in Baltimore called Encouraging You to Dream. After that, I attended the High School Musical Open Call. Yes, and that’s how I got into the Disney family — from Freaky Friday to High School Musical. We could sit here for 10 hours talking about it, but that’s the gist of it, compressed into 15 seconds.

Morgan Dudley: I’ve been singing my entire life. Singing has always been my first love. I was a little songbird and did high school theater to sing even more. Then I came across an app called Scenebot Stage Live, and I posted on it. The owner of the app invited me to their Los Angeles showcase. At first, I thought it was a scam, but it wasn’t. I went, and my mom came with me, where I met my agent and manager. I was about 17 years old, so I started a bit later. Since then, I’ve done a Broadway show called Jagged Little Pill. I was also in the movie musical The Prom. I was a dancer in that, which is crazy. And then I auditioned for this.

Malia Baker: Oh, my personal story? Born in Botswana, Africa, I moved to Vancouver, BC, and always dreamed of being an actor. Now I’m here, taking over. So dramatic, I know. It’s like something out of a drama movie, but I feel that’s my origin story. I grew up with a single mom, my little sister, and my dogs and cats. I love ice cream and I’m a pescatarian. I keep my circle close and tight, and I have great people in my life. I’m grateful for being here now. I believe everything happens for a reason, so I wouldn’t change a thing.

Kylie Cantrall: My origin story began when two fun artists met at a party. They thought, “Hey, we should have a kid, and that kid is going to be a singer and a dancer. How cool would that be?” And then one day, she would play a princess on screen, maybe. So, yeah, they got together. This is my parents’ origin story. It’s been a long time in the making, 19 years ago. I grew up with two very creative parents in LA. I started pursuing this at the age of three. I was put in dance class and knew, “Oh, this is what I want to do. I want to sing and dance for big audiences.” Around 11, I started auditioning for acting jobs and got a lead role in a Disney show called Gabby Duran. From there, I’ve been lucky enough to keep working. They like me over at Mickey Mouse Club Disney. I’m so, so grateful to be here right now with this angel and to just be doing what I love. It’s been amazing.

Yitzi Weiner: How are each of you similar to the characters you play in real life?

Ruby Rose Turner: Ella’s blunt, and so am I. We just speak our minds.

Dara Reneé: I feel like Ulyana is very powerful but also misunderstood.

Morgan Dudley: Bridget, oh gosh. Bridget sees the good in people, and I try to as much as I can.

Malia Baker: Chloe and I are similar in many ways but different in others. We’re both headstrong and will fight for a cause we believe in to our core. Chloe does it in a more intense way, though. She’s restrictive in her thinking. If she thinks something is wrong, she’ll say, “You go to a dungeon.” She’s the type of girl who would call out someone for jaywalking when the crosswalk isn’t right. I’m very loyal to the people in my life and admire those I surround myself with. I’ve been lucky to have people I admire close to me. I’ll do anything for them.

Yitzi Weiner: Thank you so much. I wish you continued success and hope to see you again next year.