IN CONVERSATION WITH TAYLOR POLIDORE WILLIAMS

interview by JANA LETONJA

Actress Taylor Polidore Williams will be starring in Netflix’s and Tyler Perry’s series ‘Beauty in Black’, which will debut on 24th October. Earlier this summer, Taylor starred in Amazon Prime’s ‘Divorce in the Black’, and previously starred in FX’s critically acclaimed ‘Snowfall’ and The CW’s ‘All American: Homecoming’.

Taylor, you’ll be starring in Tyler Perry’s ‘Beauty in Black’ on Netflix. What can you share with us about the series, its story and your character?

I can’t wait until it’s out. ‘Beauty In Black’ is centered around two women, my character Kimmie, and Mallory, whose lives become entangled in the messiest, most dangerous way possible. There’s family drama, murders, betrayal, unexpected plot twists, all the things. Kimmie has been unbreakable her entire life despite her circumstances and now she’s out to show the world how powerful she really is. She’s felt out of control and the victim for a very long time, and the show finds her as she nears her breaking point.

What did you find most compelling about your character Kimmie and her journey in the series?

So many women have been in the same point in life that Kimmie is at, where you realize that no one is coming to save you and you’re going to have to do it yourself. I love transformation stories. As soon as you underestimate the character, they shock you. They shock everyone. You truly never know what a woman is capable of.

How did you prepare for this role, and what aspects of the character or series are you most excited for viewers to experience?

I journaled Kimmie’s life up until this point, answering all of the questions and filling in all of the blanks I had about her. I make a playlist for each character I play. One of Kimmie’s favorites was ‘16 Carriages’ by Beyonce. I also extensively researched the stories of people who had been trafficked and how they survived and made it out. It was really difficult and gut wrenching to learn about, but I wanted to understand as much as possible from their perspectives. I needed to learn as much as I could about the environment Kimmie is in. I also took pole dancing lessons. Now that was hard. I’m really excited for the audience to see the juxtaposition of the two worlds,  mine and Mallory’s. Our sets were so authentic, even locations we shot at just transported us into that world and I know it’s going to be just as enchanting on screen. 

You recently starred in Amazon Prime’s ‘Divorce in the Black’, another project by Tyler Perry. How was it working with him twice in such a short time?

Working with Mr. Perry and all of the wonderful people at Tyler Perry Studios was a dream, and to come back in such a short period of time makes me feel very grateful. I did ‘Divorce in the Black’ right before the strike and ‘Beauty in Black’ was the first role I was offered after. It’s been a very difficult time for us in this industry to get the wheels back turning completely after the pandemic and strike, so being able to work on projects that I loved in the midst of that has been a blessing.

Your previous roles involve FX’s ‘Snowfall’ and ‘The CW’s ‘All American: Homecoming’. How have these recurring roles shaped your career, and what did you enjoy most about working on these projects?

‘Snowfall’ was a masterclass on nuance and authenticity in storytelling for me. Sometimes when you join a show that has received so much love, you want to push and really prove to yourself that you deserve to be there. But the most impactful work isn’t necessarily in the push, it’s just in being, and I learned that in my three seasons there. I strive for that level of authenticity in every project I touch. I actually shot both ‘Snowfall’ and ‘All American: Homecoming’ at the same time. Sometimes even on the same day. Yes, it was hectic, but I was so fulfilled. In that time, I felt blessed to be doing what I love. 

As an accomplished voice-over artist for Nickelodeon, Disney, and Peacock, how do you balance your voice work with your on-screen roles, and what unique skills do you bring to each medium?

The pandemic completely changed the way in which we’re able to work. It became much easier to do multiple jobs at once. I can record a voice over job at home with my own equipment and call in to be directed. I’m grateful to be able to do both on screen and voice over work. I balance both by doing what my schedule and commitments allow, but if it were up to me, I’d do everything. I revel in creating characters and voices, so working is my greatest joy and easy to do. 

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career so far, and how do you continue to challenge yourself as an actress and voice-over artist?

Being able to dive into a script, create and flesh out a character, collaborating with other artists, and just being in our own little bubble playing pretend is the best to me. I'm still a theatre kid at heart. If what we created inspires someone in any way or makes someone feel seen, then we’ve done our job. My challenge is and always has been to portray a real and fully actualized person with each character, respecting the story I’ve been trusted with, and showing that we humans are all more alike than different.

You’re also passionate about the rights and welfare of young people and serve as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for youth in foster care. Why are these causes so dear to you, and how do you advocate on them?

My grandmother was a foster parent and child advocate, so I've been exposed to the child welfare system majority of my life. I believe children are the most valuable people on the planet because they are the future. They should be respected, protected, and loved. Young people who are in the child welfare system are especially in need of support. As an advocate for youth in care, I listen and amplify. I speak to young people about how they feel, what they want, we discuss options, and I bring my recommendations to the court. A perfect world to me would be one where all children are safe, physically and emotionally, cared for, and poured into. I would know the world would be okay then. 

What can you share with us about your upcoming projects, and goals for the future of your career?

‘Beauty In Black’ will be released on Netflix on 24th October. Part Two will come soon after. I’m very excited about that. After ‘Beauty In Black’, all I can say is that I have barely scratched the surface. I’m looking forward to exploring roles in different genres, creating more projects and opportunities, and telling stories that I believe in. Basically, and God willing, I am here to stay.

TEAM CREDITS:
photography JONNY MARLOW
styling JENNIFER AUSTIN
hair RYAN BURRELL
makeup MARQUIS WARD