Who Plays Aqua In ‘Missing You’ On Netflix? Meet Mary Malone

Following the success of Fool Me Once, bestselling author Harlan Coben returns with another gripping mystery-thriller climbing Netflix’s charts. Missing You, adapted from his 2014 novel, follows Detective Kat Donovan as she unravels the disappearance of her ex-fiancé and the mystery surrounding her father’s death a decade prior.

The limited series boasts a mix of new and familiar English talent, including Rosalind Eleazar, Ashley Walters, Jessica Plummer, Richard Armitage, and more. However, one cast member, in particular, has caught viewers' attention—the actress portraying Aqua, one of Kat’s closest friends.

Aqua, a yoga instructor, is the reason why Kat and Josh first met, having been Josh’s roommate. But when Josh suddenly disappears, Kat’s relentless pursuit of answers forces Aqua to confront her own hidden truths, pulling her into a tangled web of secrets—including a heartbreaking scene in Episode 5.

Who Plays Aqua In Missing You?

Aqua in Netflix’s Missing You is portrayed by Mary Malone, a rising trans actress from the UK, currently in her mid-20s. Malone recently appeared in the 2023 Doctor Who Christmas Special, where she portrayed Trudy, a friend of Ruby.

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According to her Spotlight profile, Malone began her acting career in 2020, the same year she graduated from the University of Essex. Her television debut came with a guest role in STARZ's The Girlfriend Experience. Since then, she has appeared in short films and TV series such as Chivalry, Octopus, and Vera.

In addition to her screen work, Malone is a theater performer. She has graced stages across the UK, including the West End production of As You Like It, the play The Prince, and the musical Fangirls. According to Marie Claire, she is also skilled in singing, dancing, piano, puppetry, and fine art.

What Has Mary Malone Said About Playing Aqua In Missing You?

In a recent interview with Country & Town House, Mary Malone described her character Aqua in Missing You as a “perky yoga teacher” who’s into chakras, crystals, and all things like that. However, as the series progresses, “we meet a complex and surprising Aqua who is forced to face her haunting past. She is fiercely protective to the people she loves, even to her own detriment. So with Josh’s reappearance, her relationship with Kat is tested as they grapple with their shared history and heartache.”

For the role, Malone performed some of her own stunts, though she had a stunt double to support her. “I wanted to immerse myself in it completely,” she said of her preparation process. While Malone read parts of Harlan Coben’s book, she noted that there were some changes made for the adaptation, particularly for Aqua. (For example, the book refers to Aqua as a “transvestite,” a term now considered outdated and offensive.)

“I found it was more useful for me to focus on the sides, the new Aqua, and how we wanted to recreate her for this series,” she told C&TH. “I think this has been a great opportunity to show people you can turn things around and make changes to better represent trans characters. I was really impressed with Harlan and Victoria for making this turn around possible.”

What Future Projects Will Mary Malone Be In?

Although Malone couldn’t disclose details about her upcoming projects, she hinted at exciting things ahead, encouraging fans to “watch this space.” “I’m hoping Missing You will show people they can cast trans people in more interesting and fulfilling roles. I’m hoping for more opportunities at this level,” she said in her interview with C&TH.

When asked about her dream role, the UK actress revealed a lifelong fascination with mermaids. “I love films like Splash, Lady in the Water, The Lure. I’ve been drawn to mermaids and the ocean since I was little. So I’m waiting to be AV checked for a badass queer mermaid film… Anytime now…,” she said.