Actress Mackenzie Aladjem, now 13, has been performing since age four, and won a Young Artist Award in 2011 for her role as Fiona Peyton on Showtime's hit series "Nurse Jackie." Aladjem stars alongside Edie Falco – who plays Jackie Peyton, the show's titular character – as her daughter.
Aladjem has also appeared in "Parenthood," "About A Boy," "Grey's Anatomy," "The Middle," "All My Children," "Workaholics" and "CSI: Miami."
She performed in the stage production of "Annie," and portrayed the character Molly. She made her film debut in "The Lincoln Lawyer" (2011), based on the book by Michael Connelly.
Aladjem recently spoke exclusively to HNGN about her four canine companions that she can't live without.
HNGN: Tell us a little about Jackson, Lucky, Lucy & Charlie. How did they come into your life, and are any of them rescues?
Aladjem: Charlie is a Maltipom (a Maltese/Pomeranian mix). She came into my life in first grade. She is sweet and loud! We rescued Jackson about 6 years ago. We think he is a flat-coated retriever/border collie mix.
All Jackson wants is love, unless you come to our house unannounced - then maybe not so much!
We rescued Lucy and Lucky 5 years ago, at the same time. They came from different kill shelters, and had only spent about 48 hours together before we rescued them, but you would think they had spent their entire lives together. They are best friends, and Lucy is very protective of Lucky, who is afraid of everything!
Out of the four of them, do any have your personality? If so, how?
Probably Lucy. She is always excited and wants to be doing something. She is very social!
Who demands the most attention and why?
That would have to be Jackson. He is huge, but thinks he is the smallest, and he always acts like he's a lap dog!
What are some of their favorite things?
Jackson loves to be pet, and loves to go hiking and running. Lucy wants to know what everyone is doing. Lucky loves to play with toys and he loves treats! Charlie loves to bark at everyone and everything!
What do they do to cheer you up on a day that you are not so happy?
I love going on walks with them. That really cheers me up!
Do you ever practice or run your lines for your dogs?
Haha! I have never done that, but I might have to give it a try.
Do any of them ever get to go to work with you? If so, what type of treatment do they get?
I wish! I don't think they are disciplined enough, unfortunately!
What have you learned from having these dogs in your life?
They have taught me that dogs are great company! I love spending time with them at home, playing or just cuddling. They give you unconditional love!
If they were to tell us one secret about you, what would it be?
Hmmm. Probably that I sing in the shower and when I'm home alone.
What do your pets mean to you?
They mean the world to me! I love them all so much, for so many different reasons.
If any of the four were to have a part on "Nurse Jackie," what would it be?
Maybe one of them could show up at All Saints as a patient in the ER and then Jackie could bring them home to us!
