Taryn Manning has opened up on her role as Michelle Knight in the Lifetime film Cleveland Abduction based on a frightening and heartbreaking true story.

Cleveland Kidnapping Victims' Story Chatter

On Friday, People shared an interview with the actress who will be playing the oldest of three victims who were abducted by Ariel Castro in his home for approximately a decade before finding freedom. Manning mentioned that her mother knew a lot about this story and it was challenging for her to accept that her daughter would be playing this role.

"She was horrified," the actress said. "She's like, 'Taryn, you don't need to be playing these types of roles.'"

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"My mom followed this story very closely, and she couldn't wrap her head around me playing a role that had such negativity," she added. "She gets concerned. My mom knows I go there."

Manning ended up meeting the real kidnapped victim, which made her feel anxious at first.

"Of everything I've ever done in my life, that was the most nervous, hands down, I've ever been," the actress said. "It was just like, what am I going to say? Sorry? What are the right words to say?"

After interacting with each other, Manning and Knight are now good pals.

"You would think that this girl was never out of society for a decade. She's up to date on everything," the "Orange is the New Black" star revealed. "She's an awesome person, probably one of the most positive people that I've ever met."

Cleveland Abduction airs on Saturday, May 2 at 8 p.m. ET on Lifetime.

Tags: Cleveland Kidnapping Taryn Manning Lifetime Network