Born and raised in Columbus, Indiana, Chaley Rose always knew that she wanted to be an actor and a singer. Her mother, who is a journalist, wanted her to pursue journalism, but at the same time, never discouraged Chaley’s dreams. Lucky for us, Chaley Rose is now living her dream.

Many of you may know her from her role as the aspiring singer Zoey Dalton on the then ABC hit series Nashville. She’s also appeared in series such as Anger Management, Filthy Preppy Teen$ and Stitchers.

Now, fans are going to see Chaley in a whole new way. She’s landed a guest star role on the hit CBS medical drama Code Black. Chaley will play Pepper Russo, a first-year resident who has what you can call a very eventful first day.

We sit down with the talented Chaley Rose to talk about her character Pepper Rose, what it was like gettng use to medical procedures and medical jargon as well as what it was like to work with actors such as Rob Lowe and Marcia Gay Harden.

Pop Culture Principle – After being on Nashville for thirty episodes, where you looking for something different for your next project?

Chaley Rose – As an actor in the beginning of their career, I’m mostly looking to perform well in any great project that comes my way. Nothing specific other than a strong character in a great show. I’m open to anything!

Pop Culture Principle – Can you talk about how you landed the Code Black guest star job?

Chaley Rose – I went in for casting for the role of Pepper. I got picked for the role which was very exciting. But I learned that they wanted to see more for me as the role may have become more dramatic. So I had a second audition with casting using different scenes. I had a great audition and was offered the role!

Pop Culture Principle – What type of preparation did you do for the role of Pepper Russo?

Chaley Rose – I took each scene to my acting coach, Saxon Trainer and we worked through them one at a time. Especially the physicality of being nervous. Pepper and I are different in terms of confidence haha.

Pop Culture Principle – In the Season 3 premiere, Pepper has a very eventful day. What was it like going through those range of emotions on set?

Chaley Rose – Pepper is unsure of herself and very nervous about her first day. She makes a few silly mistakes on the first day (including puking). But the biggest mistake is accidentally exposing herself to fentanyl. Pepper nearly dies on her first of work but survives in the end! An unforgettable first day for sure! It was a lot of fun going through all of this on set. Especially learning to collapse realistically!

Pop Culture Principle – Working in the medical field requires learning a lot of medical jargon. Did that come easy for you or was it difficult at first?

Chaley Rose – We went through a day of “medical bootcamp” to learn some basic medical procedures and medical jargon. There are real doctors and nurses on set to help with pronunciation and to show actors how to use instruments. So it wasn’t too stressful!

Pop Culture Principle – The series is also known for its very authentic ER and operating scenes. How is it filming those important and intense scenes?

Chaley Rose – Shooting the scenes is a bit chaotic but the chaos on set is helpful while acting the scene! It’s also loosely choreographed so we aren’t moving around blindly and bumping into each other (too much). Some of the most impressive work on Code Black is the prosthetics and makeup. They achieved some very impressive “injuries.” It’s actually more fun than it is stressful.

Pop Culture Principle – The series is led by several veteran actors including Rob Lowe, Marcia Gay Harden and Luis Guzman. What was it like working with them on set and did you learn anything?

Chaley Rose – It was pretty intimidating working with Rob Lowe, Marcia Gay Harden and Luis Guzman. But they were all very warm and supportive. I was in awe of my situation when I took a moment to take it all in. I had those three saving my life! It was very surreal and an experience I won’t forget.

Pop Culture Principle – What do you think is Pepper’s biggest strength and her biggest weakness?

Chaley Rose – I think Pepper’s biggest strength and weakness is her sensitivity. Something that will make her a great doctor but also stands in her way.

Pop Culture Principle – Do you have any other upcoming projects that you can tell us about?

Chaley Rose – I just finished a film for Tv One called Dinner For Two starring Tristan Mack Wilds and myself! We put our hearts into it. Can’t wait for the world to see it!

We would like to thank Chaley Rose for sitting down and chatting with us. You can catch new episodes of Code Black every Wednesday night at 10/9c. If you would like to keep up with Chaley’s latest project and news, you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram @chaleyrose.

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