New Zealand-born actress Rose McIver brings a grounded presence to CBS’s Ghosts, a comedy that features a vibrant cast of over-the-top, undead characters. Known for her previous lead role in the CW’s iZombie, McIver now plays Samantha, a woman who inherits an old mansion and begins to see and hear its long-dead residents following a near-death experience.
McIver, who started acting as a child with small roles—including a schoolgirl in Jane Campion’s The Piano—has garnered acclaim for her ability to anchor the ensemble comedy with emotional relatability amidst the fantastical chaos around her.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, McIver discussed her knack for finding relatable emotions in flamboyant characters and the surprising coincidence of landing two supernatural roles.
Finding Family in Ensemble Comedy
After five years on iZombie, McIver took a break to explore various projects. When Ghosts came around, she felt ready to return to the camaraderie of ensemble work. “When I read the script, it made me laugh so much,” she recalled. The production faced challenges during the pandemic, with an eight-month gap between her casting and the actual filming of the pilot. During this time, the cast built rapport through group texts, turning logistical discussions into a strong foundation of friendship. “By the time we arrived on set, it felt like a reunion,” she shared.
A Coincidental Supernatural Path
When asked about her recurring roles in supernatural comedies, McIver joked, “I don’t know why I keep being put in these undead situations.” Despite the typecasting, she finds joy in grounding stylized environments and characters. “I enjoy trying to find what is relatable or accessible in these heightened stories,” she explained.
Through her work on Ghosts, McIver continues to showcase her talent for blending humor with genuine emotion, making her a standout in a cast filled with quirky and larger-than-life spirits.
