IN CONVERSATION WITH KYANNA SIMONE

interview JANA LETONJA
photography SAVANNA RUEDY

Actress Kyanna Simone will soon star in Searchlight's ‘The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat’, which will premiere on Hulu on 23rd August. Kyanna’s previous roles include Netflix's ‘Project Power’, Netflix’s series ‘Chambers’, and Blumhouse/Universal’s ‘MA’, as a younger version of Octavia Spencer’s character.

Kyanna, we’ll be seeing you in ‘The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat’. How did you get cast on this film and what did you find the most exciting about booking this role?

This was one of those projects that I jumped at when my team brought it to me. I sat down and read the script, and felt a little spark. I really felt an immediate connection and  I just had to be a part of it. I even bought the book that same day. Tina was so inviting and supportive in the Zoom room that the whole audition process was more fun than any one I’ve been through before. And of course, the coolest thing about booking this role is that I was able to work alongside powerhouses like Sanaa Lathan, Uzo Aduba, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Russell Hornsby. It’s every actor’s dream to share the screen with your role models.

The film chronicles the enduring friendship of three women known as The Supremes. Tell us more about the story of the film and what can we expect from it.

You can expect a true rollercoaster ride of emotions. You’ll cry, you’ll laugh, you’ll get sad, and you might even get mad, but overall, you should expect to finish the film with a beautiful reminder that friendship surely does reign supreme and there’s nothing like having your girls, or your guys, right there to have your back.

You are playing a younger version of Ellis’ character. What can we expect from your role in the film, in her younger years?

What a dynamic experience it was sharing a role with Aunjanue. Those are big shoes to fill. I love the character so much. Ever had a friend that would tell you like it is no matter what? Well, that’s Odette, a firecracker and a true protector not only of her friends, but of her heart. Oh, and we can’t forget that she is always ready for a fight, and she will ’square up’ if need be. But there’s a soft side to Odette too, it just takes the right person or people for her to open up.

The film is an adaptation of the bestselling novel. Have you read the book before filming, or at any other time? How does the film follow the book and how it differs?

I did read the book and let me tell you, I couldn’t put it down. Edward Kelsey Moore wrote such complex and heartfelt characters that I feel touch the hearts of the readers in more ways than one. It’s so cool to retell the story in a visual way all thanks to Tina Mabry’s adaptation ,which is absolutely brilliant. Readers and new viewers alike will be in for some great surprises and treats.  I can’t wait for everyone to watch.

Before ‘The Supremes’, we’ve been able to get to know you through many TV projects. How would you sum up your career so far, and what was the most exciting moment in it until now?

Well, It’s been an amazing ride full of so many once in a lifetime experiences. I would sum it up as it’s only just beginning. It’s so cool to me that I’ve been on this exhilarating journey since I was a pre-teen. Every time I walk onto a movie or TV set, I feel that same wave of joy that I had the day I got my first audition in 6th grade. I pray that childlike excitement never goes away. One of the most exciting moments was when I had booked my first tv show, HBO’s ‘Show Me A Hero’. I was 17 and had to miss my AP calculus class for weeks, but that is where I met my mentor, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, and to this day she has been a beacon of light and encouragement in my life.  She also gave me some of the best advice and support as I went through the audition process for HBO’s ‘Henrietta Lacks’. I believe mentors in this business are so imperative to one’s growth, and I really feel myself growing closer and closer to all of my dreams.

How did your passion and interest in acting develop?

Career day was always such an exciting school event for me.  All of the occupations fascinated me. Fireman,  teacher, astronaut, I wanted to do them all.  I even went to space camp. And since my imagination has always been so colorful and vast, I didn’t see why I couldn’t step into the world of all these jobs. When I finally was asked how I could grow up to have all these careers, I thought for a moment then responded  “I’m going to act them all!”.

So in addition to competitive cheerleading, band, Beta Club, Science Fair, and all of my other extracurricular activities, I begged my mom to put me in acting classes as well. I was always a drama queen, and that was the beginning of it all. I have my mom to thank for believing in her little 11 year old who just knew she was going to be on TV. And who knows, maybe I’ll play that astronaut one day.

How does acting stimulate you creatively the most?

The fact that no two people will ever interpret a script the same exact way is fascinating to me. And when I find little nooks and crannies in a scene that I can visualize and personalize, I feel that creative jolt. The character becomes an extension of me and I, oddly enough, feel like Im talking to them. My goal is to always be able to get that characters thoughts to translate to the audience, to make sure their voice is heard. And that’s what creativity is all about, sharing a message through forms of art that is unique to you.

Is there a genre that you enjoy the most, and is there a genre you really want to explore next?

I’m ready to play a fierce athlete. There’s something about telling the story of the physical and mental strength that athletes must have to achieve their goals. We’ve seen it in GOATS like Simone Biles, Claressa Shields, and Angel Reese. Those kind of stories really inspire me. What a cool opportunity it would be to portray someone like them.  I haven’t trained for a role yet, and that would be so fun to do too.

Tell us more about yourself and your hobbies in your free time.

I am a go-getter. Point blank, period. When I have a goal or passion, nothing can stand in my way. I believe that you have to have that type of attitude in order to excel. One of my favorite  hobbies  is boxing. I’m extremely passionate about it because it makes me feel strong and confident.

For my creative side, I’ve been writing screenplays in my free time. It’s the best feeling  to create a world in your head and then translate it into words. It’s like an escape. I’m working towards becoming a producer and filmmaker in the future, so hopefully this hobby turns into something more.

After the release of ‘The Supremes’, what is coming up next for you?

I just finished filming Shawn Simmons’ ‘Eenie Meanie’ It’s a fun one and I’m so excited for everyone to watch it.