Biography
Makayla Lysiak is quickly making her mark in the acting world, emerging as one of Hollywood's promising new talents. She stars as Barbara Robinson in the David E. Kelley–adapted series Mr. Mercedes on Audience Network, based on Stephen King's bestselling Bill Hodges trilogy. Mr. Mercedes returns for its second season on August 22. Additionally, Makayla appears in the fifth and final season of the acclaimed TNT series The Last Ship, premiering this August.
A native of Southern California, Makayla discovered her passion for acting early on when she was cast as Dorothy in a school production of The Wizard of Oz. Supported by her parents, she began acting at age nine, with her first scripted series role on Parenthood. Since then, she has appeared on popular shows including Instant Mom, New Girl, Speechless, and The Fosters.
Makayla earned the role of Barbara Robinson, the sister of Jerome Robinson (played by Jharrel Jerome of Moonlight). Barbara is a teenager living in the shadow of her older brother, who attends Harvard. Makayla was attracted to the role due to Barbara’s complex teenage emotions, which she hopes to explore more deeply in each season. She is also thrilled to work alongside esteemed actors like Holland Taylor, Brendan Gleeson, and Harry Treadaway, under the direction of Jack Bender.
Beyond acting, Makayla pursues various creative outlets including painting, singing, screenwriting, photography, and filmmaking. She also enjoys spending time with her three siblings and playing with her two dogs, Sophia and Katie.
Follow Makayla Lysiak on Instagram: makaylalysiak, Twitter: makayla_lysiak, and Facebook: MakaylaLysiak.
