When I was younger, I wanted to become a nun. I always feel like there’s some higher power guiding my productivity—my will ebbs and flows, and I try to listen to what it’s telling me. In terms of my work, if I’m acting, I don’t think of a part I’m playing as a role. I think of it as a world. With every project, I read the scripts and I see the world and talk to the directors and the writers and hear their vision. And if it’s a little scary or off-center, I like that. I get familiar with the people I’m working with, like the cast and crew. I try to start off with great camaraderie because you’ll be spending a lot of time together and sharing a lot of energy with each other. But every project is different. I just make sure I’m showered. I like wearing a big T-shirt and sweats. They’re easy to get in and out of to change for wardrobe. It’s a matter of comfort. On the Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul. set, my costar Sterling [K. Brown] was like, “Wait, who is this little boy?” We just wrapped The Best Man: The Final Chapters. It’s a limited series with all the characters from the 1999 movie I made my debut in. It’s been nice to spend time with the cast again, and play a character who has gone from being single to married to being a parent. I’m also working on projects for my production company, Rh Negative. Three are in development at Showtime, and there’s a film we’re shopping around. When I’m between projects, girl, I’m doing nothing. Relaxing with my friends and family, chill stuff. And when I need to de-stress, I love pulling out weeds. —As told to Yannise Jean
Time she wakes up
7 a.m.
First thing she does in the morning
I usually say hi to my mommy, since she passed away. I used to call her every morning when I woke up, but now I say hello to her spirit.
What she does with 15 minutes of free time
Call a family member or friend.
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