Interview by Carol Wright | Photographer: Jorge Macias
Moriah Brown has been passionate about performing for as long as she can remember. Now, she can showcase that passion for audiences worldwide in projects like Power Book II: Ghost and the upcoming The Six Triple Eight. Brown talked to NYOTA about modeling as a kid, her influencer community Tribe, and giving the women of the U.S. Army’s 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion their flowers.
Have you had a passion for performing and entertaining others since you were a kid?
Passion is the right word! I can remember, as a three-year-old, being the leader of every performance, choreography, and play just to showcase in front of my parents or grandparents. I have the VHS tapes for proof! It was too funny.
You used to model for popular brands like ModCloth and ColourPop. Did gaining the confidence to be in front of the camera as a model help prepare you for your acting career?
I’ve also been modeling since I can remember. I have a photo of myself at three years old, modeling with a beautiful Asian top model with a red gown on. It was a beautiful sight and so intriguing to me at such a young age. I remember it till this day. And I truly think it became second nature for me when modeling became more consistent in my life.
One of the most popular projects you’ve been in is Power Book II: Ghost. The show has great writing and a talented cast, did you grow as an actress while working on it?
I absolutely grew as an actress on that show. How I overcame my nerves going to set every day? I don’t know, but thank God for the crew and the actors because, without their dynamic and chemistry, I would have been in constant utter shock that my first series regular role was happening on a show that I watched myself and completely loved! It was so surreal! I learned so much on the show and truly grew as an individual and an actor as well.
In December, you’ll be seen starring alongside Kerry Washington in The Six Triple Eight. Not many people know about the U.S. Army’s 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. Was it important for you to be part of this cast and help bring the story to life?
It was very important for me to bring the story to life. The story is so special, unique, and inspiring. To not have learned this crucial part of history in school meant that we are finally able to give the women of 6888 a platform to receive their flowers for all that they have accomplished under terrible working conditions and tell their true story of serving their country with honor and conviction.
How did you prepare for the role and step into Inez’s shoes?
Preparing for the role of Inez was and is my favorite part. The second I read the breakdown of the role. I was happy to know she was one of the few from California with the background and working in the garment district, which is now known to be called the fashion district in downtown LA. This was very special to me because I resonated with her background. I proceeded to look up her name and it derived from a Latin root word so in that moment, I knew I wanted to create a rich background for her. Being an Afro Latina myself, I knew I wanted to highlight her as an Afro Latina, and shine light on biracial women of color who were soldiers of the 6888. Offering her skills in knowing where fabrics were sourced Inez was able to be crucial in helping organize and process mail to be delivered to the service men fighting in combat.
What do you hope sticks with viewers the most after they watch the film?
I just pray that people find a sense of pride and respect in these women, and I hope people realize how strong women can be when they stick together. I believe that it not only shows the resilience women carry, it also highlights the will, strength and determination. That a woman can do anything she sets her mind to do.
Tell our readers about Tribe. What is the group’s mission?
Yes Tribe is my baby! I created the space and community of artists and influencers in 2019. I truly felt like there was a void that needed to be filled when it came to sisterhood in the industry I’m in and living in Los Angeles. Everything always felt so competitive and I really wanted to be around like-minded women who knew, what is meant for you will never pass you up —so I decided to create an engagement group, whenever I went to auditions and I felt the true support and love of women who were like-minded I asked if they wanted to be apart of it. The engagement grew from six to 10 to 30 women and onward and upward, and the women all wanted to meet each other. So I realized I had to create an event to bring them all together and 2019 was the genesis of that first annual Tribe Soirée. It continues to grow to this day. We are in our sixth year and looking forward to it growing every year, cross marketing with brands and like minded women who want to be in a safe space.
What advice do you have for aspiring actors?
I’d say keep going, and NETWORK. You have to go outside and be around the people you aspire to work with. If you aspire to act, just know that acting is just 10 percent of the job! There is so much more that goes into it that was hard for me to accept at first but once you start building your confidence and your courage, you realize you can do anything and all of the extra stuff that comes with acting will become second nature. It just takes practice. The industry isn’t something you get a lesson on I think you kind of learn as you go, but it is apart of the world of acting so please be aware of that and second I just say truly, Connect and take slices of life with you and have it in your back pocket for when you are on set so that you can truly connect with your castmates. Acting doesn’t come easy but it’s so much fun and it’s worth it. Also don’t think you’re too big to get a side job, acting comes with a lot of downtime and if you can find something that keeps you busy in between auditions that’s perfect for your sanity lol.