Ayden Mayeri on Reviving Her Band X-Cetra, Working with John Cena and Improv-ing Her Way Through Life.

Words: Sihaam Naik | Photographer: Sandy Honig | Production Design: Elaine Carey | Styling: Andria Bush | Hair: Nikki Providence | Makeup: Cedric Jolivet | Videographer: Pavan Moondi

Make it stand out

Ayden Mayeri has had a charismatic presence on our screens throughout the 2010s, bringing her fresh and eclectic lens to each role she lands. Whether she's playing the quirky Leslie in New Girl, stealing scenes in Cora Bora, or charming audiences in I Love That For You, Mayeri’s versatility shines through. In 2024 she’s stepping into the forefront with roles in Paul Feig’s dystopian comedy Jackpot and TV series Mr. Throwback, starring Stephen Curry. This month, Mayeri sat down with Polyester to chat about taking the lead,

During our chat, I couldn't help but marvel at how Ayden Mayeri brings such depth to her characters. When asked if she believed her characters belonged in the same universe (the AMCU if you will), Mayeri chuckled.  "I imagine multiverses. Characters like Sam from Mr. Throwback and Riley from Cora Bora are grounded, real people doing their best. Meanwhile, Shadi in Jackpot, Leslie from New Girl, and my character from I Love That For You live in a wackier, full-glam universe, totally unhinged." This specific blend of realism and whimsy is what makes Mayeri's work so compelling.

Mayeri tells me her love for acting traces back to her childhood when she would create movies with friends using a Sony Handycam. "We made full feature films, sketches, and music videos," she reminisces. This early exposure to storytelling planted the seeds for her future as a creative, though she admits that puberty brought a wave of self-consciousness that temporarily stifled her artistic leanings. It wasn’t until age 21 that Mayeri decided to fully embrace her passion for acting, switching her university major from Political Science to Theatre and following the typical training that any young actor undertakes - improv lessons.

Top: Another Tomorrow | Pants: Argent

One of Mayeri's standout roles was in the much beloved New Girl in which she portrayed Leslie, the sister of Aly Nelson and Winston's romantic interest. Originally only cast for a single episode, her role expanded after her improvisational skills and comedic timing impressed the show runner. "That was a big deal for me because I had done a few lines on other shows, but this felt like a substantial break," she notes. This role, along with her 2024 performance in Jackpot — a dark comedy where she portrays the eccentric Shadi, an aspiring actor, terrible Airbnb host with a gaudy sense of style and opts for a garish vision board as a form of decoration - highlights her trademark over-the-top sense of humour.

Dress: COS | Shoes: Zegna

Shadi, she explains, is "a dystopian, upside-down version of me... very driven, but also unhinged." Shadi is skilled in martial arts and has many scenes battling against comedic heavyweights Awkwafina and John Cena. “The stunt team are all geniuses,” Mayeri told me, noting that this was her first-time fight-training. “Thinking about comedy, movement, and my body in a new way opened up a lot of things for me.”

Mayeri details how stunts added a new layer to her comedy, laughing as she details how different characters would react to being shoved down differently. While watching Jackpot, Shadi is particularly enthralling in fight scenes, with her signature mane of hair and colourful athleisure outfits clashing against her opponents.

"John was so lovely and funny. How can you be a decorated WWE fighter and a master comedian? It’s not fair!” she jokes. The chemistry between the cast members extended off-screen, with the group spending many nights exploring Atlanta, where the film was shot. 

On her role in Cora Bora, Mayeri describes the experience as one of the highlights of her career, not just for the professional opportunity but for the personal connections she made on set. Mayeri notes how all the department heads were female and celebrates how the predominantly female and diverse crew created a markedly different atmosphere than typical, where everyone felt heard. "You notice when you step on a set that isn’t predominantly male and white," she reflected on how this intentional diversity fostered better communication and a more inclusive environment. 

“Thinking about comedy, movement, and my body in a new way opened up a lot of things for me.”

Dress: Another Tomorrow | Sweater: XuXu

Shirt and Silver Pants: Alersundi

Recently, Mayeri has been revisiting her past in a rather unconventional way. A collection of home-recorded songs she made with childhood friends named X-Cetra found an unexpected cult following online. Initially recorded in the summer of 2000, these tracks featured the girls singing over music provided by a German musician, resulting in a unique sound that was both vintage and hauntingly different from the pop styles they admired at the time, like the Spice Girls or Britney Spears. Although they were initially embarrassed by the unconventional sound, it has since gained an underground following.

X-Cetra’s rediscovery by a new generation led to a re-release of their album on vinyl by the Numero Group record label. It inspired Mayeri to document the journey in a documentary. As the director and documentarian of the project, she has been sourcing old footage and bringing the band back together to write a new song. "It’s been a beautiful experience," she reflects, appreciating the opportunity to blend her love for storytelling with her passion for music. The album is set for release in January, and the documentary is expected to be completed in the coming months.

When she's not on set, Mayeri enjoys the simple pleasures of life, like long walks with friends, thrifting, “gardening” (her slang for getting stoned), and her favourite pasttime—being in water. "I’m a water baby," she laughs, explaining how water helps her relax and recharge between increasingly lively roles. Ayden Mayeri finishes our conversation emphasising her role as a storyteller. Whether crafting narratives through her performances, revisiting her musical past, or exploring new creative avenues as a director, Mayeri remains focused on the joy of creating rather than the trappings of fame. "The best advice I’ve gotten is to enjoy the process," she smiles, surmising the philosophy that has served her well.