Interview by Carol Wright | Photos Courtesy of Mychal-Bella Bowman
We got to chat with actress Mychal-Bella Bowman about her role as Grace in the hit-show Underground Railroad and navigating awards season.
Before you started acting professionally were you always putting on performances for family and friends?
I don’t have many memories of me putting on performances for friends and family before I actually started but I recall doing pageants, which helped me develop confidence, communication skills, and stage presence.
What did you do to get into character for Underground Railroad?
At first I couldn’t get into the character of Grace because she was not in the book. It wasn’t until later when I got the script and read it, I saw commonalities between Grace and me. I would describe her as an intelligent-self-taught girl that is confident in her skin and I am as well. After realizing this, I was able to connect with grace and bring her to the screen.
Was it ever difficult to leave the headspace you had to be in to play Grace once shooting was over?
It was never difficult to get out of the character of Grace because I embody so much of her naturally. At times, I felt like I was being myself during filming but I feel being one with Grace helped so much in my delivery.
Underground Railroad was a smash-hit and was nominated for seven Emmys. How did it feel to navigate through awards season?
It was surreal for it to be nominated for seven Emmy’s and going to the Pre-Emmy Party was even cooler! I was fortunate enough to see many other celebrities who were also a part of hit shows.
Are there other projects on the horizon that you can share with our readers?
I collaborated with Nike and Hibbett Sports on the Support Her Sole campaign and I am very excited about that. I’m happy to be involved in anything that involves humanity and inspiring my peers. It feels great to make a global impact and establish a carbon footprint that will create change for the common good.
What advice do you have for aspiring actors?
The advice that I would give aspiring actors is to always stay confident and keep your head up. Never taking rejection personally, has kept me going and in great spirits.