5 Questions With Kylie Fisher of Acorn TV’s ‘Recipes for Love and Murder’

© 2022 Acorn TV

Filmed in South Africa and Scotland, the colorful and quirky mystery drama Recipes for Love and Murder (premieres with two episodes Monday, Sept. 5, on Acorn TV) is based on Sally Andrews’ bestselling A Tannie Maria Mystery book series.

Maria Doyle Kennedy plays Tannie Maria (“Auntie Maria” in the Afrikaans language), who lobbies to take on the role of advice columnist when the local newspaper cuts her recipe column. Things take an unexpected turn when a correspondent who writes to Maria about her abusive husband is found dead. Maria’s worlds collide as she begins working through her own mysterious past trying to solve the case. She joins forces with risk-taking rookie journalist — and sometimes rival — Jessie September (Kylie Fisher) to investigate the murder and catch the killer before the police find more victims.

Fisher (HBO Max’s Raised by Wolves) is enjoying some of her first exposure to a global TV audience. She solved a few mysteries for us in this edition of our “5 Questions”:

1. What’s been your strangest or most interesting fan encounter?
All of the fan encounters I’ve had since the South African release of Recipes for Love and Murder have been so delightful and sweet. I am extremely flattered whenever people come up to me and share their thoughts on the show. Earlier this year, I was at a DSTV event and a young fan ran up to me to share how much he enjoyed the series and the characters. His excitement for the unfolding of the mystery was so heartwarming. And I am really looking forward to the premiere on Acorn TV to see the responses from an international viewership.

2. Can you tell us about a time you were starstruck?
To let you in on a little secret, I was starstruck throughout the shooting of Recipes for Love and Murder. I was extremely fortunate to be working alongside a lot of heavyweights in my industry and I never took that for granted. I was a sponge on set because all I wanted to do was learn from such magnificent performers. As a part of preproduction, we had various table reads and I remember vividly walking in and seeing Jennifer Steyn (who plays Hattie Wilson). Jennifer Steyn is a theatrical and cinematic genius. One of the first essays I wrote at university was based on a play she was in. I tried my best to hide my excitement throughout the meeting but later shared it with her on set. It felt like a full-circle moment.

3. What’s a movie that you can watch over and over again?
I adore watching early 2000s romantic comedies! Therefore, my answer would definitely be 13 Going on 30. It ticks all the boxes of what makes a great rom-com. The movie is a beautiful combination of romance, nostalgia, and fashion. Plus, the casting is *chef’s kiss*. Jennifer Garner is so charismatic on screen and Mark Ruffalo is so charming. Whether I am having a bad day or a great one, this movie has the ability to make me smile and swoon. It may be wishful thinking but I hope there is a sequel coming soon, fingers crossed.

4. What’s your favorite sports team?
My Dad is a HUGE Liverpool FC fan and naturally, that is the team I’ve supported my entire life. And I have no complaints. They are a brilliant team with incredible talent and heart. I also grew up watching tennis with my family. It was a tradition to attend the Dubai Open Tennis with my Mum and Sister. The Williams sisters are icons in my sister’s and my eyes. They will forever be pillars of excellence in sports for me.

5. What’s a job you had before or outside of your career in showbiz?
While studying at The University of Cape Town, I took up waitressing to support myself. I was fortunate enough to work part-time at a popular coffee shop in the city while studying. However, due to COVID-19, I was let go. Recently I’ve had the privilege to teach young students Drama and English. It’s been a real joy to teach students about creative expression through acting and writing.