Falling in love can be a wonderful thing. But it isn’t always easy when you come from different backgrounds, especially if you’re not even human.

In the new award-winning indie horror-comedy film “AN ACCIDENTAL ZOMBIE (NAMED TED),” a zombie and vampire try to navigate the ups-and-downs of falling in love while trying not to inadvertently kill one another.

Dominican-Japanese actress AKARI ENDO stars as Livia, the beautiful vampire battling even her own instincts not to suck the blood of her new zombie sweetheart, Ted, played by Cameron McKendry.

Before leaving the Dominican Republic for Hollywood, Akari earned La Silla Award nominations for Best Actress for her roles in “Cristo Rey” and “Quien Manda.” She was nominated for Best Actress at the Soberano Awards for starring in the musical touring production of “Legally Blonde”; and also starred in productions of "High School Musical," "Camp Rock," "Cats," "Rent," and "West Side Story."

Since making her way to the U.S., Akari has appeared in the Lifetime movie, “The Wrong Teacher,” and in fan-favorites “Sharktopus vs Whalewolf” and “Sharktopus vs Pteracuda.”

I recently caught up with Akari Endo to find out more about her latest biting role:


Tell us about your role in “An Accidental Zombie (Named Ted).”

AKARI: Livia is a sweet and naive vampire in denial who falls in love with Ted. She goes to “Monsters Therapy” in an attempt to feel more like a human and less like a vampire. Her biggest desire is to have a normal life without others judging her for who she is.

How was it portraying a love-struck vampire?

AKARI: It was so much fun! Cameron is a great actor, and very easy to work with. Also, our cast and crew members created a family-like environment that made us all feel comfortable.

What would you consider your characters ‘best’ quality? And their ‘worst’?

AKARI: Best quality: her sweet yet strong personality. Her worst: Sometimes being too shy and not being able to accept things she cannot change.

Any interesting stories from the set you can share with us?

AKARI: The vampire fangs! Oh my God, it was so hard to finally get them looking natural. We spent hours in the SFX makeup department creating my fangs but for some reason I looked more like a dog than a vampire. It was hilarious. Finally, we tried fake acrylic nails instead and my fangs looked and felt great!

What’s the biggest lesson you learned from working on this project?

AKARI: I learned a lot about selfless cooperation. Most of us actors were either from LA or NY and the production provided everything we needed, but many people from the area (Ocala) were volunteering their time and effort. It was inspiring to witness this amazing community working together, expecting nothing in return but the feeling of being part of this project.

And, now just for fun:

Who’s your favorite actor/actress?

AKARI: Emma Stone

What role from the past do you wish you could have played?

AKARI: Anita from “West Side Story”

Favorite movie or TV show from your childhood.

AKARI: “The Lion King” (1994)

Tell us one thing that would surprise our readers to learn about you.

AKARI: There was a point in my life when I seriously considered being a nun. Lol

How can fans keep up with you?

AKARI: Through my Instagram account @akari.endo link