My Sister and I Both Auditioned to Make “Fetch” Happen. I Got the Part — But She Made it a Career (Exclusive)

In a heartfelt reflection, Emeline Atwood explores the complexities of sibling relationships through her experiences growing up alongside her older sister, Olivia. Emeline’s memoir, “A Real Animal,” dives into the often unspoken dynamics between the two, particularly during Olivia’s formative years as she pursued her dream of acting.

Olivia’s aspirations to be in the spotlight began early, her yearning for visibility becoming particularly poignant after her struggles with bullying in school. Emeline recalls how Valentine’s Day during Olivia’s sixth-grade year underscored this desire; while candy was handed out generously to classmates, Olivia was left unacknowledged, reinforcing her feelings of invisibility. This longing to be seen intensified as she remained resolute in her dream of becoming an actress, a passion she has nurtured for as long as Emeline can remember.

The sisters shared a close bond while growing up, often occupying the same room, where Olivia animatedly rehearsed her performances, from Oscar acceptance speeches to imaginary interviews. However, Emeline highlights that while Olivia shone in the comfort of their home, she often felt overshadowed by harsh realities at school. As the years passed, teenage interests began to diverge; Olivia’s focus on acting intensified when auditions for the children’s show “Fetch! with Ruff Ruffman” were announced, igniting in her a fervent determination.

After several months of research into the audition process, Olivia’s preparations culminated in a long-awaited audition at the WGBH headquarters in Massachusetts. Emeline, reluctantly attending with Olivia due to family obligations, initially viewed the event as an inconvenience. Yet, Olivia’s charismatic performance during the audition resulted in callbacks for both sisters, leading to an unexpected twist where Emeline ultimately secured a spot on the show, while Olivia was cut from the final selection.

Despite having no aspirations to act herself, Emeline’s unique interests in animals captured the attention of the show’s producers, who were keen on featuring her knowledge of wildlife. In contrast to Olivia’s storied dream, Emeline perceived her experience on “Fetch” as more of a chore than an adventure. The pressures of performing on camera made her acutely self-aware, and the joy of the experiences often felt lost under the weight of producing a show for an audience.

Emeline recalls a moment during filming in Yellowstone National Park, where she promised herself to return to the serene valleys free from the distractions of cameras and performance pressures. This desire for authenticity and connection to nature clashed with her experiences on “Fetch,” where she felt more disconnected from her true self.

The emotional repercussions of the casting decision became a topic of simmering tension between sisters. Emeline was unaware that Olivia harboured feelings of jealousy regarding her own success on the show, a revelation that would come to light much later. With Olivia’s college journey nearing, the sisters confronted the reality of their differing paths, culminating in Olivia’s frustration about being overshadowed by Emeline’s newfound fame.

Today, Olivia has emerged as a successful actress in her own right, channelling her past insecurities into powerful performances. With a flourishing career in theatre, she brings her stories to stages around the world, embracing the visibility she once craved. Emeline reflects on that transformation; her sister’s journey has blurred the lines between their childhood rivalry and a supportive relationship grounded in mutual respect.

The dichotomy between Emeline’s reluctance to be in the public eye and Olivia’s eagerness to seize it serves as a poignant reminder of how envy and love can coexist within familial bonds. Emeline’s reflective narrative crystallises the complexities of sibling dynamics, revealing that while one sister sought the limelight, the other learned to appreciate the quieter moments away from it all.

Through “A Real Animal,” Emeline offers insight into not just her own journey but also the importance of understanding and supporting the ones we care about. As the sisters navigate their respective paths, it becomes evident that their experiences, though divergent, are intricately interwoven by the shared threads of familial love and individual aspiration. Their relationship showcases how the quest for visibility often walks hand-in-hand with a desire for connection, highlighting the beauty and struggles inherent in growing up together.