A Second ‘Haunting of Hill House’ Star Appeared on Hulu’s ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’
The Haunting of Hill House featured actors like Julian Hilliard, Violet McGraw, and McKenna Grace, portraying the younger versions of the Crain family. Later, Grace appeared in the Hulu original series, The Handmaid’s Tale, even finding a mother figure in the main character, June.
Here’s what we know about this actor and her role in both productions.
McKenna Grace appeared on ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ as young Theo
Grace appeared in movies like I, Tonya, and Amityville: The Awakening. She also starred in the Netflix original comedy series, Fuller House. This actor also had a starring role in the original horror series, The Haunting of Hill House.
This horror series told the story of one family plagued by their experience at one mysterious house. Grace acted as young Theo, the middle child in the Crain family who, thanks to her experience, has “powers” that continued throughout her adult life.
McKenna Grace had a role in season 4 of Hulu’s ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’
Aside from her work with Netflix, this character appeared on a Hulu original series. That was The Handmaid’s Tale, the story of a totalitarian society that treats women as property of the state. This actor portrayed the very young commander’s wife named Esther Keyes. She became an ally to the main character, June.
“I know that my parents both really liked Handmaid’s Tale, but they would never let me watch it because they were like, ‘Oh goodness, I don’t think you can watch this show,'” Grace said during a phone interview with Refinery29.
Esther Keyes was a Commander’s wife. However, fans learned that life wasn’t easy for this character. In addition to the state-mandated rape by her husband, this character endured assault by other men whom the commander regularly brought to their home.
She finds somewhat of a mother figure in June. It’s with this rebel’s OK that Mrs. Keyes inadvertently poisons dozens of people. She even kills one of the men who would assault her. After her home was raided, fans did not see this character again.
McKenna Grace isn’t the first ‘Haunting of Hill House’ star to appear on ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’
Grace isn’t the first actor who made the switch from The Haunting of Hill House to The Handmaid’s Tale. Elizabeth Reaser, who acted as adult Shirley in Netflix’s original series, appeared in season 3 of The Handmaid’s Tale.
She portrayed another Commander’s wife, Olivia Winslow — this one even more ruthless with her handmaids. Her husband held a position of power in Washington D.C. and inspired other commanders in this original series.
Seasons 1-3 of The Handmaid’s Tale are available for streaming on Hulu. Netflix’s The Haunting of Hill House and The Haunting of Bly Manor are available on the rival streaming platform.
