In Her Campus’s series Next Question, we rapid-fire interview talent Gen Z loves about what it’s like to rule over pop culture. This month, actress Vanessa Morgan is in the hot seat to answer our burning questions.
Vanessa Morgan — known to many Gen Zers as Toni Topaz from Riverdale — is back on tour TV screens, with Season 3 of Wild Cards coming to The CW on Jan. 26. (Seasons 1 and 2 are currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.) “A cop, a con, a fun watch,” Morgan says of the show. “There’s comedy, there’s drama. There’s murder in each episode, a mystery that you‘ve got to solve, and romance at the same time.”
That balance of crime, mystery, romance, and sharp humor becomes even more chaotic for Morgan’s character, Max Mitchell, in Season 3. “[Max’s] mom is back from the dead,” Morgan says. “That’s a big, crazy thing for Max. She thought she was dead for 15 years.” On top of that emotional shock, Max is dealing with a dangerous mafia threat and a painful shift in her love life. “The stakes are really high and stressful for Max,” she says. “She’s just trying to pretend like everything’s OK.”
Morgan was immediately drawn to Max, especially at this point in her life and career. “I loved Max’s personality and how she always believes everything’s gonna work out for her,” she says. “She’s strong, independent… her charisma, she’s just so likable.” What sealed the deal was Max’s unshakable confidence. “Literally nothing affects her. She’s never stressed,” Morgan says. “She’s like, ‘Nope, everything’s gonna work out.’ That’s what I liked about her the most.”
For fans who have grown up watching Morgan, Wild Cards feels like a full-circle moment. Long before crime-solving cons and undercover disguises, many Gen Z viewers first met Morgan on My Babysitter’s a Vampire. Looking back, Morgan calls that time “one of the highlights of my career.” She remembers being young, leading a show, and having fun with friends while playing a vampire that audiences truly connected with. “It always warms my heart,” she says. “That project had such an impact on people, [and] it’s also so special to me.”
That same emotional connection to a role followed her into Riverdale. “Playing a character from Archie Comics was a dream,” Morgan says. “Going through the experiences we went through together, you can’t really replace something like that.” The role meant so much that Morgan even got a tattoo. “A little ‘T’ for Tony Topaz with a heart on my arm,” she says, “because that’s how special it is to me.”
Having worked in the industry since she was 6 years old, Morgan says acting is inseparable from who she is. “This is where I met so many of my friends,” she shares. “I created my identity through this job, through these characters.” Rather than feeling like she has to unlearn parts of herself as her characters, she sees the process as constant growth. “You’re always learning,” she says. “Trusting yourself more, doubting yourself less, and feeling confident that you deserve to be here.”
Motherhood has added another layer to that growth. Morgan had her son, River, in 2021 and her daughter, Kaia, in 2024. “I feel like it’s only made me a better actress,” Morgan explains. “There’s so much more emotion and depth that I’ve felt. You can’t really explain those feelings unless you’ve felt them.” It has also changed how she chooses roles. “I think about what I would want my kids to see growing up,” she says. “Something they would be proud of. I want to do work that leaves a positive message.”
When reflecting on her career so far, Morgan says what she is most proud of is her perseverance. “I always believed in myself,” she says. “No matter how many nos I got, I kept going. I didn’t give up.” She credits that belief, in part, to her family. “They always said, ‘Vanny, you’re the best. You got this,’” she says. “That really shaped my mindset.”
As she looks ahead, Morgan is open to whatever comes next, as long as it feels meaningful. “I would love to do something impactful,” she says. “Something that moves people. Maybe something about motherhood that reflects my life now.” For now, she is fully embracing the chaos, charm, and confidence of Max Mitchell as Wild Cards enters its most intense season yet.
These responses have been edited for length and clarity.
What TikTok trend are you enjoying right now?
It’s the trend where it says, “There’s gonna be a day when you’re gonna have an audition for that role, and it’s really important you do that audition.” Or, “You’re gonna meet that guy, and he’s gonna ask you to go on that date, and it’s really important you go.” I have so many moments in my life where I’m like, “It’s so good that I made that choice.”
What’s an app you’re trying to use less of?
Scrolling. Whether that’s Instagram or TikTok.
What’s your Go-to Karaoke Song?
“I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor. I feel like I sound good singing it, and it’s a classic.
What’s A song you’ve had on repeat lately?
“I Need” by Olivia Dean.
What’s a comfort show or movie you always go back to?
When I was little, I used to watch the movie Sleepover on repeat. I just loved it. I also watch my usual Christmas ones like Home Alone. And then reality TV, 90 Day Fiancé.
What’s Something people would be surprised you’re into?
Health and wellness are what I’m obsessed with. I love the outdoors, like going by the ocean and taking hikes.
What’s One thing you’re currently romanticizing in your life?
The day-to-day. Being with my kids, going to cute little cafés, going for walks, and just being present in the moment.