7th Heaven
Season 1 SABC2 (*192) 14:00 Drama
Mackenzie Rosman spent 243 episodes and 11 years playing youngest Camden child Ruthie in family drama 7th Heaven (1996-2007) and that was seemingly all the acting that she needed. “It was the best time of my life,” says the 31-yearold, “but I grew out of acting. There was only so much that I wanted to do in my career.” While she walked away officially from showbiz in 2013, she is open to reprising her role “only if there was a proper script and everyone was available to come back. I refuse to play Ruthie again without her family”.
She’d been acting for four years before 7th Heaven – Mackenzie started in TV ads for sports giant Nike. For her audition, the pint-sized star greeted everyone in the room with a handshake. “They thought I was being cute but my mom told me to do it – it paid off,” says the former actress. Mackenzie is an animal activist and she owns stables on the outskirts of Los Angeles. “I have loads of horses across the country. I keep Mentos Junior and Odysseus in LA because I ride them for my showjumping contests,” she says. She is a supporter of the US Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – her late stepsister Katelyn suffered from the condition that led to her death in 2008. She also works with Childhelp Inc, a charity that helps abused children.
Unlike her co-stars, Mackenzie isn’t opposed to alleged sexual abuser Stephen Collins
(Philippe in dramedy
Devious Maids, 2013-2016) returning as dad Eric. “I’d include him, but not everyone else agrees with me,” she says.