Jenna Elfman, who plays June on AMC’s Fear the Walking Dead, talks about what her character is making up for and her unbreakable bond with John (Garret Dillahunt). 

Q: This season, we’ve seen the group struggle with the idea of redemption. What is June still making up for?

A: I think she feels that if she can find a place for all these amazing people to feel safe and that they can be able to safely call “home”, then that might lessen the load of guilt she has about the downfall of the FEMA shelter. But the fact that she is back to being able to be around people again and helping them, using her abilities as a trauma nurse... she’s come so far in her healing process already.

Q: How did you enjoy shooting the group’s documentary within the show?  

A: You know, it was such a new way to tell our story that it took some getting used to for me as an actor because I had to answer for myself who June is “on camera.” I mean, many people don’t like being in front of the camera, but her purpose to help others is so strong that maybe the fact bypassed any discomfort of being interviewed on-camera. It was definitely a new moment to discover for my character, as an actor!

Q: What would you say is the importance of preserving all these stories amid such tragedy? What about the group now using video to inspire others to help?

A: I think preserving all these stories does give hope to those who eventually come upon the tapes and [restoring] hope in others is a pretty worthwhile activity in the apocalypse -- that can change the course of things when enough people come together, aligned. When people have been helped by someone or something, it is usually natural to want to return the favor and, in that way, maybe change can happen.

Q: How would you describe the expansion of June and John’s relationship and their unbreakable bond?

A: They have been through so much together, both needing each other in ways that the other can give, so it’s been a really healing, reciprocal growth they’ve had together. And they can definitely trust each other. That’s a big point of stability between them that makes them unshakable.

Q: What does it say that they want to get married amid an apocalypse?

A: That it’s time start finding ways to LIVE again, not just survive.

Q: Is it nice to see Morgan (Lennie James) explore his feelings for Grace (Karen David) as well?

A: I love that storyline so much. It’s been a long time now that Morgan has, to a degree, not permitted himself to move forward. It’s been like a nobility for him, but at a certain point, that nobility becomes a barrier, as this apocalypse goes on. I really can’t wait to see how this one plays out! I love Morgan and Grace.

Q: What’s it like for June to see Grace so sick and treat an illness that she doesn’t know much about?

A: Well, I think one of the most torturous situations in life is when you want to help someone and feel like you can’t or don’t know how, but June is not someone who gives up easily, so she continues to try, no matter what.

Q: June had so much hope for finding a new home. How hard does it hit her when the group arrives at Gulch only to find it’s overrun by walkers?

A: I think it triggers the guilt even worse! It’s an awful burden, but growth never comes without a struggle, so we’ll see. Plus, she’s persistent! So maybe all the hard work will pay off somehow, one day.

Q: Is the group giving up their autonomy by calling Virginia for help?

A: Probably, yes. Though, they did do every single possible action to avoid it. Ultimately, there just wasn’t another choice, but they are a tight and strong group who are very competent and have proven themselves to each other. So, mighty as they are, I have hope that they will be clever and do incredible things despite this setback!

Fear the Walking Dead airs Sundays at 9/8c on AMC. Available 48 hours early, ad-free, for AMC Premiere subscribers.

Read an interview with Colby Minifie, who plays Virginia.

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