From Kaneohe to post-apocalyptic Manhattan, the 15-year-old actress is making waves with her breakout role on AMC’s The Walking Dead: Dead City — and she’s just getting started.

Mahina Napoleon doesn’t need a lot of lines to steal a scene.

In fact, on The Walking Dead: Dead City, much of her screen time is silent — but every glance, every beat, and every breath speaks volumes. As Ginny, the young survivor carrying her own grief in a crumbling Manhattan, Mahina delivers one of the most emotionally gripping performances in the Walking Dead universe — all before her 15th birthday.

“Sometimes, I just let the emotions happen,” Mahina says with an easy smile. “I always prep and talk things through with the writers, but once I’m on set, I just feel it. Whatever comes out usually feels right — like it’s meant to be.”

For fans of Dead City, that authenticity hasn’t gone unnoticed. Mahina’s portrayal of Ginny — a girl navigating unimaginable loss in a world of walkers and warlords — has become one of the series’ most talked-about elements. Her bond with Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) brought unexpected tenderness to the show’s gritty storyline.

“Jeffrey is just super cool,” she says. “He’s such a nice guy and a great dad, so he really knows how to connect with kids. He made everything fun and chill on set, which helped a lot with making our bond feel real on screen.”

The moment that really shook viewers came in the Season 1 finale — when Ginny finally broke her silence. “I tapped into everything Ginny had been holding in,” Mahina says. “It was more intense than anything we’d done up to that point, but also kind of freeing.”

With Dead City back on AMC and AMC+ with new episodes every Sunday, Mahina promises we haven’t seen anything yet. “I can’t give too much away,” she teases, “but Ginny’s headed in a whole new direction. You’ll see a stronger, more mature version of her — and I’m so excited for everyone to see that growth.”

A Star on the Rise — and Rooted in ʻOhana

Before zombies and survivalism, Mahina first made her mark as Julie Tennant, daughter of Special Agent Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey) on NCIS: Hawai‘i. For Mahina, the experience felt like a second home.

“Everyone was so welcoming. Vanessa and Kian, who played my TV family, really became like real family to me. It felt like one big ʻohana,” she says. “And Vanessa? She taught me how to lead with kindness. I messed up a line once and she took the blame so I wouldn’t feel bad. That stuck with me.”

Born and raised in Kaneohe, Hawai‘i, Mahina proudly reps her mixed heritage — Native Hawaiian, Chinese, Filipino, Spanish, English, Irish, Scottish, Dutch, and German — every chance she gets. “There aren’t many people who look like me on screen,” she says. “So getting to bring all of that into shows like The Walking Dead and NCIS means a lot. I want to show the world what we’re about.”

Big Dreams, Bright Future

Even with two major shows under her belt, Mahina’s ambitions stretch far beyond the small screen. She lights up talking about music, musicals, and her dream of playing a superhero — or even a Disney Princess.

“I’d love to be in a musical — maybe Clueless: The Musical?” she laughs. “That way I could sing, act, and show off my love for fashion. Seriously, I’m manifesting that.”

When she’s not filming, she’s writing music with an R&B-pop vibe inspired by artists like Kehlani. “I really love singing ‘Honey’ — it’s such a vibe. And yes, I’m working on some songs right now, so stay tuned for that debut!”

And yes — there’s even a dream fashion line in the works (in her head, for now). “It’d totally be streetwear for kids my age — comfy, cool, everyday stuff. Hoodies, cute tops, zip-ups. Stuff you can live in.”

Grounded, Grateful, and Still Just a Teen

Despite her red carpet moments and industry buzz, Mahina is still living the life of a regular teenager — sports, school, cultural performances, and all.

“This past year I started three new sports, won two division championships, and got to take part in a big cultural performance at school,” she says. “I love acting, but being a kid is important too. You only live once!”

So, what’s the one thing she hopes people say about her ten years from now?

“That I worked hard and stayed kind,” she says without missing a beat. “My mom always says being kind is the most important thing — no matter what.”

Photography Credit:  Lindy Lin
Glam: Mark Quirimit