IN CONVERSATION WITH DEMI SINGLETON

interview by JANA LETONJA

Actress, singer, and dancer Demi Singleton is best known for her roles in the MGM+ crime TV series 'Godfather of Harlem', as the young Serena Williams in the biographical film 'King Richard', and for her role in Paramount+ western series 'Lawmen: Bass Reeves'. She will next star in the supernatural horror thriller 'The Deliverance', which will be released in theaters on 16th August, before being available on Netflix from 30th August.

Demi, we'll be seeing you in 'The Deliverance'. Tell us more about the story of the film and your role in it.

‘The Deliverance’ is a film based on an insane true story about a woman, Ebony Jackson, who moves herself and her children to a new home after separating from her husband, and she eventually realizes that their home is haunted. Throughout the story, we see her struggle to heal not only from her romantic relationship but also the toxic relationships she has with her family, trying to end her generational trauma. 

 My character is Shante Jackson, the middle of Ebony’s children and the only girl. She has two brothers. I think what Shante wants most is for her family to be back together again and has a hard time adjusting to her new life. She’s also very aware that there’s something wrong with their new house and that something is possessing her spirit, even before anyone else really realizes it. For her, this is an incredibly scary time. In addition to battling her own demons, her insecurities in herself and her family, she is falling victim to evil spirits. 

What excited you the most about working on this supernatural horror thriller film?

For me, the most exciting part about working on this supernatural horror film was getting to test my abilities as an actress. This was my first time acting in a horror film and the things that were asked of me to do as an actress was something I hadn’t experienced before, ever. I think what challenged me even more was that my character wasn’t possessed the whole movie. Those times where she wasn’t, she was very aware that something was happening to her. I definitely felt myself switching between ‘regular Shante’ and ‘possessed Shante’, which was in some ways a strange thing, but also allowed for me to test my limits as a performer. 

Fans know you from your role in 'Yellowstone' spin-off 'Lawmen: Bass Reeves. What do you like the most about this series and how it ties into the critically acclaimed original, which garnered huge success?

What I love most about Bass Reeves is that it’s a story of Black success. It follows Bass and his family as he becomes the first Black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River. At the time, Black success was almost unheard of, so I think it’s important that this story be shared with the world because it further proves that people of color have always been able to persevere against all odds against them. Also, by earning his job title of deputy U.S. marshal, he made history, and I feel his heroic efforts should be highlighted and shared.

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You've also starred on the biographical film 'King Richard', where you portrayed the young Serena Williams. How did you prepare for this role? Did you have to undergo any special preparations?

Preparing for this role wasn’t too difficult for me. I watched so much footage of Serena. I studied how she walked, talked, smiled and laughed. Also, The Williams-Price family was very involved in the production of ‘King Richard’, so if I was unsure about something, I would ask them. But, even with the resources I had, there were times where I still felt a little nervous. My character isn’t fictional. She is a living legend and it was my job to tell her story accurately. This family’s story has been told so many times and it hasn’t always been authentic, so I wanted my performance to be as real as possible. I wanted Serena and her family to watch the movie and almost see herself on the screen. 

Before your acting career, you studied classical ballet since the early age of 3. What has ballet taught you about life?

I think the greatest lesson I learned as a ballerina was how to be resilient, no matter what. Dancing is a sport, period point blank. It is both mentally and physically tolling and if you aren’t moving with a healthy mindset, it can be really exhausting, discouraging and even dangerous. I’m especially grateful to have had amazing mentors in the dance world. Of course they were tough, but it was tough love. They taught me how to achieve any goal that I set, no matter how big or small, and that hard work goes a long way. 

How did you develop your passion for acting, and how did your career then take off?

I’d always loved to perform. I started dancing when I was three, I started playing the cello when I was four and I joined a children’s choir when I was seven. So, I was always certain that, before anything else, I was going to be an entertainer. My love for acting didn’t begin until I was nine years old, when my mom took me to see ‘Matilda’ on Broadway. Seeing those children perform really inspired me to become an actress. I wanted to make others feel the way that those actors made me feel.

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You are also a Miu Miu ambassador. What is your favorite part about this ambassadorship, and what is your favorite thing about fashion in general?

As a brand, Miu Miu gives off a very sophisticated, yet youthful and free aesthetic. The overall feel of the brand gives me empowerment. For me, presenting myself with those qualities is so important, so that’s a major reason as to why I admire the brand so much. I love fashion in general because it gives me another medium in which I can express myself as an artist. I think that we all have our own special style, another way to display our uniqueness. 

Besides acting and fashion endeavors, you launched your own book club. What inspired you to launch it and what is its focus and goal?

Black Girl Covers, my book club, holds a special place in my heart. My intention with the club was not just about reading stories, it's about amplifying the voices of Black female authors and sharing their narratives with the world. Growing up, it was always a struggle finding books that told the stories of characters similar to me. My ultimate goal is to bring light to books written by Black authors about Black lead characters. I want to make it known that the Black female experience is valuable and deserves to be shared. Representation matters and being part of a community that celebrates and uplifts these stories has been incredibly empowering.

After 'The Deliverance', what other projects do you have in the works?

As of now, there are a few projects that I have in the works for 2025. Some are projects that I am producing, and one is what I have been looking forward to filming for a while. I’m excited for what’s to come.

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TEAM CREDITS

talent DEMI SINGLETON
photographer WILLIAM FERCHICHI
stylist GIANLUCA COCOCCIA
makeup NADIA TAYEH at A-FRAME using DANESSA MYRICKS
hair URSULA STEPHEN at A-FRAME using FENTY
styling assistants AISYA WASHINGTON & SIBELIS TAVERAS
photography assistant OMKAR HUUDE
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director JANA LETONJA