Natalie Alyn Lind might just be the biggest horror fan you'll ever meet – so much so that her favourite book is a horror novel, and her first film as a producer, Halloween Store, which she also stars in, is firmly rooted in the genre. It's the very first thing she wants you to know about her.
Warm, free-spirited, and grounded are the first three words we would use to describe Lind. Having grown up surrounded by the entertainment industry, it's no surprise that her creative inspiration comes from travelling and immersing herself in different cultures. And when she's not exploring somewhere new, spending time outdoors in nature helps her slow down, reset, and reconnect.
If you're already familiar with Lind, you'll likely know her from her role as Oreana in the Paramount+ series Dutton Ranch. "From the moment I arrived, it felt incredibly immersive. The environment, the heat, the ranches, the people... it all felt extremely authentic. We spent time at cowboy camp learning everything from cutting to roping, and that really helped ground us in the world before we ever stepped on set," she says of her first days filming.
Below, we speak with Lind about the best advice she's ever received, her experience working on Dutton Ranch, and the next project she's hoping to bring to life.
What’s the first thing we should know about you? And what’s something you wish more people knew about you?
I love this question. The first thing people should know about me is that I’m probably the biggest horror nerd you’ll ever meet. I also have a birthmark on my right leg. I wish more people knew how heartbroken I am that my favourite burger in LA, Stout Burgers, is closed – and that I’m dyslexic.
Would you describe yourself as more of an introvert or an extrovert?
I think I’m a little bit of both. I can be very outgoing and social when I’m around people I love or when I’m working, but I also really value my quiet time.
Tell me about joining Dutton Ranch – what was the experience of stepping into that world like? Did it feel immediately immersive?
Absolutely. From the moment I arrived, it felt incredibly immersive. The environment, the heat, the ranches, the people... it all felt extremely authentic. We spent time at cowboy camp learning everything from cutting to roping, and that really helped ground us in the world before we ever stepped on set. It never felt like we were pretending to be cowboys; it felt like we were being taught how to live in that world.
What was it about the role of Oreana Jackson that drew you in? Did you feel an instant connection to her?
I did. Oreana is feisty, free-spirited, unpredictable, and completely unapologetic about who she is. She says what everyone else is thinking and wears her heart on her sleeve. I loved that she felt modern while still fitting naturally into the Yellowstone universe. The second I read her, I knew there was something really special about her.
How would you describe Oreana to someone meeting her for the first time? Was there a part of her personality or journey that resonated with you personally?
If you met Oreana, you’d probably know exactly who she is within the first five minutes. She’s bold, passionate, stubborn, and impossible to ignore. What resonated with me most is that she doesn’t spend much time worrying about what other people think. That’s something I admire and something I’m always trying to embrace more myself.
How has working on Dutton Ranch differed from projects you’ve worked on previously?
The level of authenticity is what stands out most. So much effort went into making sure we understood the lifestyle and culture of the world we were portraying. There’s also something really special about the scale of the Yellowstone universe. It has such a passionate audience, and you can feel the responsibility of honouring that while also helping expand it in a new direction.
When you’re not filming, what would we most likely find you doing?
Spending time with my dogs Georgie and Rocky. I love being outdoors, whether that’s white water rafting, archery, or just enjoying nature. And at the end of every day, you’ll almost always find me curled up in bed watching Survivor or falling asleep to a scary movie.
What are three films or television shows you’ve watched recently that have stayed with you?
Recently, Backrooms really stayed with me. I’m a huge horror fan, and I thought it did such an incredible job creating tension and atmosphere in a way that felt fresh and unsettling.
I'm also watching Cape Fear on Apple TV, which is addicting and completely pulled me in. I hate having to wait every week for a new episode.
Another one that really stuck with me is The Madison. One of my newer best friends, Elle Chapman, is in it, and her performance is absolutely incredible. Watching someone you care about deliver work at that level is really special, and she brought so much depth while being absolutely hilarious.
What inspires you creatively outside of acting?
Traveling inspires me more than anything. I love experiencing different cultures, meeting new people, and seeing the world through perspectives that are different from my own. I find that every place has its own stories, traditions, and way of life, and I always come home feeling creatively recharged.
I’m also incredibly inspired by nature. Some of my happiest moments are spent camping, surfing, or simply being near a big body of water. There’s something about being outdoors that helps me slow down, reset, and reconnect with myself. A lot of my best ideas seem to come when I’m away from the noise and surrounded by nature.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received – either personally or professionally?
Focus on what you can control and let go of the rest. This industry comes with so many things that are outside your hands, and learning where to put your energy has been incredibly valuable.
Your favourite book of all time is…
It by Stephen King. I’ve always been a huge Stephen King fan, but It is the book that has stayed with me the most. It’s terrifying, emotional, and ultimately a story about friendship, growing up, and confronting your fears. The world and characters are so richly developed that it feels like you’re living alongside them, and it’s one of those rare books I can revisit again and again and still discover something new.
If you could play any character – fictional, historical or real – who would it be and why?
If I could play any person, it would be Grace Kelly. She had this incredible balance of elegance, intelligence, and mystery that made her one of the most captivating stars of her generation. I think exploring those layers would make for an incredibly compelling role.
Looking back on your career so far, what has surprised you most about yourself as an actor?
Looking back on my career, what has surprised me most is how much I’ve learned to trust the timing of things. There have been so many opportunities that I was convinced were meant for me, and when they didn’t work out, I was genuinely heartbroken. At the time, it felt like a huge loss. But over and over again, I’ve found that those moments usually made room for something even better that I never could have planned for myself.
It’s taught me that this career isn’t always about getting exactly what you want; it’s about trusting the journey and yourself as an actor. Some of the projects and experiences I’m most grateful for only happened because something else didn’t, and that’s a lesson I carry with me every day.
What excites you most about this chapter of your career? And what are you looking forward to?
This feels like a really exciting chapter because I’m expanding beyond acting and stepping into producing. After producing my new film Halloween Store, I definitely caught the bug and I’m actively looking for my next project to bring to life. I’m also incredibly excited for Dutton Ranch season 2! There are a lot of exciting possibilities ahead, and that’s a really fun place to be.
