CHILLIN’ WITH KALEY RONAYNE

By Joseph Luparello

Detroit, Michigan born actress Kaley Ronayne claimed her fame through nothing but exploiting a natural gift. 

Early in life, after receiving diplomas from the University of Michigan, her parents Donna MacDonald and Brendan Ronayne envisioned Plymouth as the ideal place to call home. Here, Kaley grew up and attended Mercy High School in Farmington Hills, where her acting  was just starting to spread its wings. Many key roles throughout numerous Mercy productions were secured by Roynayne. One season spent at the highly reputable Interlochen Center for the Arts made way for continued amelioration of her ability. Most importantly it prepared her for the next step: College.

Kaley was welcomed with open arms to her primary school of choice Boston U. The specific program she enrolled in entailed a semester’s study in London and promised dozens of audition opportunities for agents/managers across the nation.

It was evident the grind paid off and things were taking off once Ronayne landed her first major role in 2013 as Blythe in The Carrie Diaries. She has yet to let off the gas ever since, appearing in Fox’s Gotham, , TNT’s Public Morals, Lifetime’s Army Wives, and Cinemax’s Quarry. Her other features include Blue Bloods, Chicago PD, and NCIS.

The current hype revolves around the upcoming limited National Geographic series titled The Right Stuff. The production is brought by Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way and Warner Horizon Scripted Television. In the show, astronauts and their families abruptly become celebrities thanks to a competition that can easily result in their demise or instead make them immortal and a part of Project Mercury. Ronayne is set to play Dee O’Hara, a nurse for the Mercury Seven.

Chilled sat with her to see how she is adapting to the COVID-19 era, where she likes to dine/sip in New York, and what she stocks her home bar with.

Chillin' with Kaley Romayne

Chillin’ with Kaley Romayne

Tell us about the projects you are working on.

My industry is basically shut down, but I am staying creative. Shooting an indie film in October and working on a feature film script as well. I am also a political organizer for @knock4democracy. 

With your busy schedule, what do you like to do with your downtime?

Since COVID hit, I have been doing a lot of cooking. Recently, I learned how to make pasta from scratch, and I force my friends to let me make it for them. 

When you go out to eat where do you like to dine/

I live in Bushwick, which is one of my favorite neighborhoods in NYC to eat out in. I love OPS, Roberta’s, The Turks Inn, and Faro.

Chillin' with Kaley Romayne

Chillin’ with Kaley Romayne

What types of dishes do you typically order?

I love to order a lot of dishes and split with everybody. I struggle to settle on just one thing!

Any favorite bars?

I personally love dive bars. Some of my favorites in NYC are Doc Holliday’s, Welcome to the Johnson’s, and Three Diamond Door.

What drinks do you order when you go out?

I am currently obsessed with natural wine, so I usually order that. As far as cocktails go, I love Margaritas.

Chillin' with Kaley Romayne

Chillin’ with Kaley Romayne

Do you prepare drinks at home/

I did not used to, but since COVID I am both a chef and a bartender! Just recently I made spicy margarita with fresh squeezed grapefruit juice for some friends.

Tell us about your home bar, what is it stocked with?

I love to have apertifs around, like Cocchi Americano.

Have you ever been a bartender?

Of course! I am an actress in NYC. It is a rite of passage.

If you could share a drink with anyone, who would it be?

I recently heard Elizabeth Banks tell a story about going out drinking on a podcast, and it made me want to go have a drink with her. She is one of my idols and seems like an absolute blast! 

What dishes/drinks are you making during the “stay at home?”

Homemade pasta, scallops, steak, and salad. Really treating myself over here.

How are you coping?

Spending time in nature, zooming with my family, and meditating. I just bought a mini trampoline to jump my stress away, we’ll see how well that works.


Photographer: Antoine Verglas

Stylist: Sarah Slutsky

Hair: Marc Mena

Makeup: Camille Thompson

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