MacKenzie Porter Balances Music and Acting in 9-1-1: NASHVILLE

MacKenzie Porter is going from strength to strength pursuing a dual career path in music and acting.

The multi-talented Canadian artist is currently making waves as one of the lead characters in the hit series 9-1-1: NASHVILLE, which airs Thursdays on CTV and Crave. In a recent interview with Bell Media, Porter opened up about how she landed the role and the whirlwind that followed.

An Unexpected Promotion

MacKenzie Porter initially auditioned for a small recurring character on the show. However, after just two episodes, producers asked her to become one of the leads, according to Harris (2026). The role of Dr. Samantha Hart, an emergency room doctor, required some quick schedule adjustments for the busy performer.

Porter described having to rearrange her music commitments but emphasized that being busy is a blessing (Harris, 2026). She shares the screen with an ensemble cast including Chris O’Donnell, Jessica Capshaw, LeAnn Rimes, and Michael Provost in this latest addition to the successful 9-1-1 franchise.

A Career Built on Dual Passions

Porter’s path to 9-1-1: NASHVILLE showcases a career that has successfully straddled both the music and television industries. Born January 29, 1990, and raised near Medicine Hat, Alberta, Porter began her artistic training early, studying piano, violin, and voice from age four. Her brother, Kalan Porter, won Canadian Idol in 2004, and the siblings performed together in a family band during their youth.

Notable Acting Roles

Porter’s acting credits span more than two decades and include:

• Travelers (2016-2018): Porter played a medic in this science fiction series, gaining significant recognition for the role. The show is a standout modern Sci-Fi series at a time when it is hard for such series to get a second season.
• Hell on Wheels (2011-2016): Porter appeared in the AMC western drama series, working alongside established actors in the critically acclaimed show.
• The Other Woman (2008): This Lifetime television film earned Porter a Best Actress Award at the Rosies, Alberta’s Film and Television Awards in 2010.
• Early Television Work: Porter’s screen career began with appearances in shows like Supernatural, Dinosapien (2007), and Wild Roses.
• Other Productions: Her diverse filmography includes The Unauthorized Full House Story (2015), Seattle Superstorm (2011-12), and various Hallmark productions.

Throughout her acting career, Porter has worked with notable actors including Patrick Swayze, Carmen Electra, Michael Madsen, Aidan Quinn, and Jason Priestley.

Music Career Achievements

While building her acting resume, Porter simultaneously developed a successful music career. After winning the Nashville North Star competition in 2011, she launched her solo career with the single “I Wish I’d Known” in 2012.

In 2018, Porter signed with Nashville-based Big Loud, becoming their first Canadian artist. Her achievements include:

• Four number-one hits on Canada Country: “About You,” “These Days,” “Seeing Other People,” and “Pickup”
• Featured on Dustin Lynch’s chart-topping single “Thinking ‘Bout You,” which spent six weeks at number one on Country Airplay
• Co-host of the 2024 Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMAs) alongside Thomas Rhett
• Part of the musical duo Thelma and James with her husband Jake Etheridge

Finding Balance

When asked about the stress of balancing multiple careers and new parenthood, Porter noted that she and her husband feel lucky to be stressed by things they prayed for (Harris, 2026). Porter and Etheridge welcomed their first child, a daughter, in March 2024.

Reflecting on the differences between music and acting, Porter explained that songwriting is deeply personal while acting allows her to explore someone else’s story, providing a refreshing creative outlet (Harris, 2026).

The convenience of filming 9-1-1: NASHVILLE just 30 minutes from her home has made juggling her dual careers more manageable, though she admits to occasionally flying through the night to make it back to set on time.

As for whether her high school classmates would have predicted her dual success, Porter mused that they might say musician, since she was known for violin and singing, but also noted she missed considerable school time for film sets (Harris, 2026). Above career predictions, she simply hoped they’d remember her as a nice person.

Source: Harris, B. (2026, January). Being busy is a big blessing for Canadian country musician and 9-1-1: NASHVILLE star MacKenzie Porter. The Lede. Bell Media.