Interview by Carol Wright | Photographer: Dean Foreman
When did you initially get bit with the acting bug?
Ever since I could remember, I’ve always wanted to be an entertainer. I remember being a little girl in Joliet, Illinois- in my bedroom acting out scenes from my imagination for an imaginary audience. It was just in my blood from the very beginning, I guess. I began a modeling career as a teenager. Immediately after graduating high school, it afforded me the opportunity to relocate to New York City where I began taking acting classes. Modeling was how I made a living so acting took a back seat. It was just a passion; something that I was studying, but not pursuing. My modeling journey transformed into an international high fashion career landing me in Europe and around the globe. After a few years abroad, I had the choice to go back to New York City or move to Europe full-time. I decided I wanted neither. I wanted to go after what my heart has always ached for-which is acting. I made the move to Los Angeles instead, and acting became my number one focus.
You can be seen in Coming 2 America. What was it like being a part of a project with such a legacy?
I am still reveling at the experience of being a part of such an incredible film. Coming 2 America snatched the top streaming spot during the pandemic. It made Nielsen weekly U.S. streaming chart with 1.4 billion minutes of viewing during the first week of its release. Incredible! And talk about the cast! So many talented actors- many I grew up watching. To share the screen with artists whom I admire and respect is really a blessing. I’m honored and grateful to be a part of such a legendary project.
In the BET+ series Ruthless you play Lacey. What do you do to step into her shoes and get into the character’s headspace?
Playing Lacey on Ruthless is by far one of the most fun roles I’ve ever played, but also the most challenging. I love Lacey because she is a strong woman. Even though she has the circumstances of the cult fighting against her, she’s not a victim to it. She’s a fighter, she’s brave and very driven. Playing a character who has the trauma of living within a cult is obviously something I have never experienced. I wanted to make sure I honored her story. There’s a huge responsibility to bring truth and rawness to her life. A responsibility in which I take great pride in. I sometimes have days where I study nonstop prior to shooting, up to 8 hours. I get so involved and connected to the character and script it doesn’t feel like work (remember me being a little girl in my room). I start by breaking down the scenes- beat by beat. I use a few different techniques (exercises within those techniques) to help me bring life to Lacey. I find it helpful the more that I carry Lacey around with me throughout the days prior to shooting, the more available she is to me when I’m on set. I work with my coach- digging deeper into the character and script. Ruthless is on my mind 24/7, so much so, I sometimes dream about it. This is my first time as a series regular on a show. It is a heavy workload so putting in the time needed is a given for me. I absolutely love what I do. For me it’s not work, it’s creating. It’s living!
During the pandemic have you found yourself focusing even more on your craft and harnessing your skills?
During the pandemic I 100% focused more on my craft and found myself harnessing my skills. For one, It took my mind off what was going on around me. I was able to let my imagination take me to better places. I’m quite determined and I’m a hard worker so it was second nature to use that time to dig into myself, my craft, my passion, and my faith.
What advice do you have for aspiring actors?
If I could give a piece of advice to aspiring actors It would be to believe in yourself. You have to be your biggest cheerleader most times. Knowing that you are worthy, talented, and deserving of accomplishing your dreams. Confidence and faith are essential. Isn’t there a saying “doubt has killed more dreams than failure ever would?” There has to be a knowing deep on the inside of you that you will accomplish all that you set your mind and heart to achieve. If you don’t believe in yourself you can’t expect others to believe in you. Another tip I’d give is to get in class, explore different acting techniques, participate in workshops. Whatever it takes to keep that creative muscle working. There are always opportunities to grow. I’ve been studying acting for almost a decade and I’m still coaching regularly, reading various acting books, and in-class when I’m not on set. We can never arrive at a destination where we feel like we’ve learned all we can. In life, we never graduate from being a student.