We’re going into the NYOTA archives to find some of our favorite interviews that weren’t originally shared on the site.

“Instead of having a number of friends, all you really need is one really great friend who supports you.”

Marsai Martin

In 2014, Marsai Martin became the breakout star of ABC’s Black-ish. Now, after completing four successful seasons, the thirteen-year-old tour de force can add movie star to her resume. Martin is working with Universal to executive produce and star in the original comedy Little. Yes, you read that correctly. While most of us were attending our first middle school dances at 13, learning algebra, or finally getting permission to go to the mall without our parents, she is producing a feature film. With Little under her belt. Martin is set to continue to create more opportunities for actors of color, and we can’t wait to see how she continues to shake up the industry.

What sparked your interest in acting?

I’ve always loved movies as far back as I can remember. As a baby, my parents noticed that I would mimic what I saw on screen, and that’s how it all started. 

What made you gravitate towards a comedic role like Diane in Black-ish as opposed to a more dramatic role?

I enjoy making people laugh, and love playing the role of Diane because it allows me to do both drama and comedy.

What was the audition process for Black-ish like? 

The audition process for Black-ish consisted of three rounds: a general audition, a producers’ session, and then the screen test. The last two were the most fun because they were with Miles Brown. 

Black-ish has truly become a modern-day Cosby Show. What is it like on set? What is one of your favorite on-set memories?

We are one big family on and off set. I didn’t have any siblings when I first started doing the show, so Yara Shahidi, Marcus Scribner, and Miles Brown became my sisters and brothers. 

Your character, Diane, always delivers the best one-liners. Do you relate to your character at all?  

Diane is extremely intelligent, headstrong, and always says what’s on her mind. I definitely can relate to her and love how fearless she is.

Your TV mom and sister are two of the most stylish women in the industry. What is your personal style? Casual, trendy, a mix? 

My personal style is constantly evolving. My stylist, Apuje Kalu, and I like to experiment with different styles and colors depending on the event that I attend and bounce our ideas off each other.

What is it like working with Laurence Fishburne and Jenifer Lewis? Have they given you any good advice?

Jenifer once told me that instead of having a number of friends, all you really need is one really great friend who supports you. Working with Jenifer and Laurence is equivalent to taking a master class for acting and allows me to study under two of the greatest performers in the industry.

Are most of your friends in the industry or out? Has it been hard to maintain old friendships?

I like to have a mixture of friends in and out of the entertainment industry. Because I spend a lot of my time working, I try to see my friends as much as I can by planning trips and inviting them to events that I attend.

Who are some of your favorite comedians?

I admire Tiffany Haddish, Kristen Wiig, Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, and Kevin Hart. They are all so different, but I respect each of them for their unique abilities to share their comedy with the world.

What are your current career goals?

I aspire to create and produce film and television projects.

How would you describe yourself in three words?

Determined, creative, and blessed.

What was going through your head when you won the NAACP award for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series?

I was in complete shock the first time I won, and I was also surprised when I won this year. I deeply admire all the women who were nominated in my category, and it is such an honor to be in their company, especially at my age. I am grateful to the NAACP Image Awards for recognizing my work.

It was recently revealed that you are executive producing and starring in the movie Little. How did that project come to life?

During my first hiatus from Black-ish, I was contemplating which project I would like to do; however, there weren’t very many projects being made that included roles for kids, especially kids of color. This prompted me to come up with my own opportunities and create roles that I wanted to play. Fortunately, Kenya Barris, Will Packer, and Universal were all open to hearing my ideas and were instrumental in bringing the project, Little, to fruition. Currently, I am working on developing projects in order to create even more opportunities for artists like myself.

What advice do you have for aspiring actors?

My advice for aspiring actors is to never stop learning your craft.

This story first ran in Star Power Volume 2. Read more from the Issue here.