Vaughan Murrae On Opening Doors For Non-Binary, Avoiding Token Characters And Their Role In The Way Home

Vaughan Murrae, the star of The Way Home and Before I Change My Mind, is an actor who began their journey in a modeling agency and went on to find their true place in the film industry. Through their presence on screen, Vaughan aims to shift perceptions of non-binary actors, advocating for roles that exist not as a checkbox, but as fully realized stories — with deep, authentic engagement in the non-binary experience.

Open to creative challenges, Vaughan recently appeared in the comedy Malcolm in the Middle, a genre they had never worked in before.

In a conversation with Asya Radko, founder of Drive Music Media, Vaughan spoke about their path in the modeling industry, the beginning of their acting career, how an award category was changed specifically for them from “Best Actor/Best Actress” to “Best Acting Performance,” and about their first leading role in Before I Change My Mind.

Interviewer: Before your debut in film — before your work as an extra and before the roles of Robin in Before I Change My Mind and KC in The Way Home — what were your very first steps in the industry? What drew you to acting, and why did you decide to build your life around it?

Vaughan: I don't have any experience doing extra work, but I did start off with modeling at the age of twelve. I was curious about the industry to begin with, and my first agency at the time was looking to expand its specialty from models to actors. I was offered a chance to try acting in their talent division and I took it. It was both a spur of the moment decision, but also one that just felt right.

Interviewer: Your first major film role was Before I Change My Mind. Could you tell us about the casting process and the creative experience on set? What stands out most from that time, and in what ways does this role resonate with you on a deeper level?

Vaughan: Before I Change My Mind was an experience full of firsts for me. It was my first time leaving my province and my first time on a plane. It was also my first lead role in a feature film and the first time I really felt like I could sink my teeth into a character. I loved the story and the journey Robin goes through, especially because it leaves a lot up to the viewer's interpretation. I will always give my kudos to Trevor Anderson and Fish Griwkowsky for writing an amazing story with a nonbinary character whose journey doesn't solely revolve around them being queer.

Interviewer: You became the first non-binary actor, in the festival’s 75-year history, to receive the Boccalino d’Oro (ed. — Golden Jug) for Best Performer. Do you feel that this marked a shift in recognition for non-binary artists in cinema? How important is it for you to be a voice for the LGBTQ+ community through art? And in today’s industry, do you feel it is harder — or perhaps easier — for non-binary people to find their place in film? What challenges have you personally faced?

Vaughan: They actually amended the title of the Boccalino d'Oro award for me. Originally the title was "Best Actor" or "Best Actress", but for me it was "Best Acting Performance" which blew my mind at the time, especially because it was done so effortlessly and without my asking. I've always hoped my presence in the industry can help open more doors for nonbinary and gender queer actors, that includes both an increase in queer characters in film/TV and more inclusion in the culture of the career as well.

In regards to how easy or hard it may be to feel that inclusion, I think it varies. There has definitely been a general push for more queerness in the industry (I doubt I'd be auditioning for, let alone playing nonbinary characters if I was working even 20 years ago), but there's still lots of room to grow. While I always prefer quality over quantity, last year only 9.3% of roles in primetime scripted series were queer identifying, that’s up from the previous year, but also quite lower from years before that, and of that percent in 2024-25 only 2.5% were nonbinary (as stated by GLAAD's 2024-2025 "Where we are on TV" report). The last thing I want is "token" queer characters that feel like they only exist in a story for the sake of checking off a box. However, I encourage writers and filmmakers to challenge themselves to tell more diverse stories or just let queerness be present in their storytelling organically.

There's always room to grow.

Interviewer: What is your process when approaching a new role? How do you decide which castings or projects are right for you? What qualities must a project have for you to say, “Yes — this is worth it”?

Vaughan: At present, I want to explore as many opportunities that come my way, but I'm usually more drawn to stories that feel personal. The format or genre doesn't really matter to me, but the heart behind it is what draws me in. I also love when a project offers an opportunity to learn something new or presents a challenge for me to tackle. I experienced this during the filming of Malcolm in the Middle as someone who'd never done a comedy before; and had struggled with it prior.

Interviewer: Are there any types of projects or roles you would never take on? What are your personal boundaries as an actor, and why?

Vaughan: I think it varies from role to role. Aside from the obvious — like, not participating in any project that's anti-queer or promotes hate, I think a lot of it boils down to how I want to present myself on screen and whether I think I'm the best fit for the role. However, as I mentioned previously, I love the challenge that comes with tackling new opportunities.

Interviewer: How did you become involved in The Way Home? What does it feel like to portray a character surrounded by so much mystery and speculation?

Vaughan: I have a chuckle every time I remember my audition process for KC because it was practically nonexistent. I auditioned for them, didn't hear back for a few months, figured I didn't get it, and then two days before they needed me on set my manager called to tell me I got the role! In a way, that abruptness is very akin to KC and their part in the show too.

Interviewer: What was the most challenging part of working on The Way Home, and what came to you almost instinctively — as if you were born to do it?

Vaughan: The most challenging part of playing KC was not knowing anything about them! I think the fans will be surprised to find out I know as much as they do when it comes to the character, and little was shared with me from season to season until wrap day, when I'd finally get all the juicy gossip.

On the bright side, I've learned how to become a master lurker, since most of my scenes were KC watching from afar. It was actually pretty fun showing up on set for a few days to lurk in the woods or at a café, say something mysterious, and dip out like nothing happened hehe.

Interviewer: How difficult was it to say goodbye to the project? With the final season set to be released this spring, what do these episodes mean to you, and what have they given you most?

Vaughan: While I wasn't on set as frequently as the others, it's obvious how special “The Way Home” is. Everyone who played a part in creating it should be proud. I hope fans will appreciate all the work into making such a beautiful final season.

Interviewer: You are currently working on a new project, Malcolm in the Middle. We understand there are limits to what you can share, but could you tell us what resonates with you about this project and how the casting process unfolded?

Vaughan: Everyone I worked with in Vancouver were the most phenomenal human beings I've had the pleasure of meeting. I also think fans will be excited to find out it wasn't just the original cast that returned, but many of the original writers, showrunners, and crew as well! A lot of love was poured into this special and I cannot wait for them to see what Malcolm's family has been up to after all these years.

Interviewer: Through your roles — and through the way you inhabit each project — what do you hope to offer audiences? What is your mission as an actor, and why does it matter to you?

Vaughan: I want to play a part in telling amazing stories. As an actor, I have the opportunity to not only witness a story unfold, but I get to experience it through the eyes of a person "living" it. It's an intriguing balance between the examination of the human condition — your own empathy and thoughts — while also fulfilling a more childish part of yourself which is, basically, playing pretend in front of a camera. It's a job that balances a mature exploration of yourself and how you see the world, while also feeding your inner-child and imagination.

I wouldn't really say I have a "mission", but rather, I don't think doing anything else would be half as fulfilling as what I'm doing now. So I'm following the path that makes me happiest.

Interviewer: What single word best describes your journey in acting? Why that word?

Vaughan: Probably something reactionary like "Wow!" or just a shocked emoticon ":O" haha!

This industry never ceases to surprise me, and I feel like every new opportunity and experience puts me in awe.

The Interview was written by Asya Radko. Pictures were taken by Trevor Anderson (Films/Loud Whisper Productions), Megan Vincent, Annastacia Dickerson, Hallmark Channel/Neshama Entertainment, Disney/David Bukach, Chiraratux