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Happy's Place has assembled a seasoned cast. NBC's new family sitcom stars Reba McEntire as Bobbie, who inherits her father's tavern and discovers she has a half-sister she didn't know existed. Among the cast members is the actress playing Bobbie's daughter, Gracie.
The character made her debut in the middle of the first season, appearing in an emotional episode that explores grief and family dynamics.
So who plays Gracie on Happy's Place? The character was brought to life by Emmy Kenney, a television veteran with a strong filmography spanning over a decade.
Her appearance on Happy's Place marks another milestone in a career built on engaging performances across both comedy and drama.
Emma Kenney shines in Happy's Place
Emma Kenney is the star who plays Gracie on Happy's Place. She replaced Elizabeth Alderfer. Kenney joined the ensemble for a guest appearance in the 10th episode of the first season called The MacAllister Girls.
In the episode, Gracie has been stationed at a military base in Qatar, but visits the house to meet her new aunt. The narrative centers on a deep conversation between daughter and mother as they navigate shared grief.
When they are asked about joining Happy's Place, Kenney describes the set as welcoming and warm. She admitted feeling anxious about joining the ensemble cast, but said her concerns vanished after meeting the crew and cast.
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Early career and a huge breakthrough before Happy's Place
Emma Kenney began her entertainment career at the young age of 4. She was taking improv lessons and getting commercial work. Additionally, the role that launched Kenney's career. At 10 years old, she received the role of Debbie Gallagher in Shameless.
She appeared along with William H.Macy. Kenney portrayed Debbie for 10 years, bringing depth to a character who evolved from a young kid into a complex young woman. She appeared in 134 episodes of the show. The show allowed viewers to watch her grow as both a performer and a person.
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The Conners and continued success
After Shameless, Kenny took on the role of Harris Conner-Healy in The Conners, appearing in 106 episodes. The show served as a continuation of the popular show Roseanne. The portrayal demonstrated her ability to handle both comedic timing and dramatic moments. Working on The Conners gave her experience in the multi-camera show format, which prepared her for other upcoming projects.
Movies and voice work
Beyond television, Emma Kenney has appeared in numerous film projects. She delivered voice work for the animated movie called Epic. She also appeared in the Western film Murder at Yellowstone City and the animated movie My Love Affair with Marriage. These productions displayed her versatility across separate genres.
Gracie's impact on Happy's Place
Her character features in a crucial episode that deals with family and the loss of connection. In the narrative, Gracie struggles to connect with her newly discovered aunt, Isabella. When pressured by her mother, Isabella and Gracie eventually bond over having overwhelming moms.
This leads to a raw conversation between Bobbie and Gracie about their shared grief. The emotional sequence between McEntire and Kenney became a highlight of the episode. Kenney mentioned that filming the conversation with McEntire helped her better understand her character.
Her journey beyond acting
Outside of acting, Kenny is devoted to animal welfare. She serves as the director and founder of Yogi's House, a Los Angeles-based rescue and foster organization for dogs. This work displays her commitment to causes beyond entertainment.
Happy's Place has been renewed for the second season, which could mean more opportunities to witness Gracie's story develop.
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Kenney's career demonstrates consistent growth from child actress to seasoned actress. From The Conners to Shameless, and now the ongoing sitcom, she continues to choose roles that challenge her potential.
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