Celebrity Coverage
Deborah Ayorinde combines horror and history in ‘Them: The Scare’
Photo credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Deborah Ayorinde returns because the star of Prime Video, the horror anthology series created by Little Marvin. The talented actress currently stars as Dawn Reeve, a homicide detective in Los Angeles in 1991. Last season was set in Compton in the early Fifties and highlighted a period when racism was rampant. The terror continues in the brand new installment of the series, titled .
This season, viewers will receive a first-hand account of Reeve’s experiences along with her personal and skilled struggles, in addition to the investigation right into a series of gruesome murders in Los Angeles. Ayorinde shines again in the lead role, showing off her range and versatility on screen. More essential, nevertheless, is her position among the many growing list of black women in the horror genre.
“I’m so grateful that I’m doing this at a time like this because, yes, a lot of people were running so that I could walk,” Ayorinde explains to ESSENCE during a candid conversation. “In many cases, I stand on their shoulders and I don’t take it lightly.”
Starring alongside a solid that features Luke James, Joshua Williams and the long-lasting Pam Grier, the film goals to remain true to its roots while still striking fear into viewers. “By doing this show, I learned how dedicated and appreciative horror fans are to this genre,” she says.
Ayorinde’s attention to detail and the cinematic genius of Little Marvin created the proper balance between history and horror. Whether one is a fan of the genre or not, this season of Them will keep viewers on their toes while exploring thought-provoking topics.
ESSENCE: Going back to the primary season, what was it about Livia’s role that intrigued you adequate to wish to proceed her?
Deborah Ayorinde: Going back to where I used to be in my profession at the moment, I instinctively knew I used to be on the verge of something great in my profession, but I just didn’t know what. I used to be really in search of a job that may really stretch me as an actor and allow me to point out what I could do, in addition to something that felt personal to me. And it was very near my heart. And once I got the script, I felt it was so big and so great and so beautiful that I truthfully didn’t think I might get it.
It’s that imposter syndrome thing, you already know what I mean? I literally read it and they said there have been a number of other people in the combo and I used to be like, “Okay, I’ll read it.” As I began to get further into the method, I just began to appreciate, “Oh shit, am I going to get this role?” But it was literally the role of a lifetime and I knew it once I read it. There are roles that you just just know are going to be big and wonderful and beautiful and impact loads of people.
You have appeared in projects similar to AND , but this might be essentially the most immersed role in the horror genre you’ve got ever seen. As you ready to enter ?
With the primary season, in case you remember, it was throughout the pandemic. So we’re almost done shooting. We literally had probably five days and needed to take a break. So that is who I’m as an actor and the way in which I used to be rocking with Lucky, I didn’t allow myself to completely come out of it and completely release it until we were done. So through all these months, I believe it ended up being six months off, I stayed along with her with one foot.
But for me, with all my roles, especially these, music has been an enormous preparation tool for me. I mainly create playlists for all of my characters. In season one, I created a playlist for Lucky of songs that I felt like she would hear on daily basis, songs that she may not have heard but that spoke to the moment she was going through, spoke to her emotions. I also made one for Dawn. There are loads of songs on this playlist that I consider bops. You know what I mean? But for me, it was only a throwback to a time in the ’90s once I was like, “Oh, music was just so…” Not that it’s like that now, nevertheless it was just so good. And also songs that talked about where she was emotionally, about loneliness, about this type of attempting to be a superwoman and so on.
I need to remain there because that is the primary time I’ve heard an actor use this method. How did you prepare the playlist?
Basically, I used to be born in London and as a family we moved to the Bay Area. For me, once I was in London, I remember being more into American music and then more into East Coast music, New York rap, Bad Boy and all that stuff. But it wasn’t until I moved to California that I began listening to songs that were very specific to California and very specific to the Bay Area. I picked a few of these songs from the playlist to remind me of the primary time I saw this completely different place, the primary time I drove across the bay from the San Francisco airport and my uncle played the soundtrack as he drove us. And literally from top to bottom, I can sing each lyric in this soundtrack due to it. It just brings you back.
I listened to loads of Tupac. Of course, Tupac is known everywhere in the world, but at the moment I listened to him rather a lot. I put it on a playlist. I put Too Short on the playlist and E-40 on the playlist. I say, God, so many individuals. I really like 90’s music so Brandy, Monica and all of them put it on the playlist. And again, I included some songs that appealed to more emotions. And interestingly enough, I managed to take heed to a number of songs from my Lucky and Dawn playlist. For me, it related to among the moments she goes through, the identical emotions.
What was it like working alongside Pam Grier during ?
It’s hard for me to even put it into words. It’s such an honor. And I do know she was like, “Just call me Aunt Pam.” It’s just the way in which she paved the way in which for therefore lots of us to exist in this industry, in case you just sit at her feet, she is going to literally inform you stories that can make you say, “Are you kidding? Me?” And just normal. She’ll say, “Oh yeah. Oh yeah, I sang in that. Oh yeah, once I did this and that… She tells you stories all day long and you simply sit there and say, “This woman is amazing and amazing. And I feel honored that she said yes. I feel honored that she blessed the universe with her legend. She really is. And she feels so safe, too.” Aunt.
So I felt very, superb working along with her. I felt very protected working along with her. I felt very seen working along with her. I do know she’s been through a lot in this industry and it makes me feel empowered to see her now and see her still working, still creating amazing art and just having fun. This is just amazing. That’s the easiest way I can put it, truthfully, because there are really no words to explain it.
Is there anything in particular that you just learned or took away from her, directly or not directly, as an actress?
I might say that the foremost, foremost, most significant thing is to enjoy what you do, because in case you don’t enjoy it, then why the hell are you doing it? She still enjoys it. He still tells jokes. He’s still fidgeting with this thing. And I feel like I’ve just seen loads of actors who only do it a fraction of the time that she does it, and I’ve probably only been through a fraction of the things that she’s been through each personally and professionally, and they’re already jaded . They don’t really like the method anymore. But she’s not like that. She still enjoys it.
And yet one more thing that I took from her, and that is the acting thing, nevertheless it’s a extremely personal thing to be honest with you. It was as if she was herself unapologetically. It just makes me feel, I do not know, it just gives me permission to take space and just be myself. Yes, she is amazing. Honestly, I could rave about her all day.
The role you play this season; you might be in a extremely essential position. I believe of ladies like Lupita Nyong’o, Betty Gabriel and the work that Angela Bassett worked on “Having Black people because the lead in these horror movies is basically culturally essential. What do you consider the representation of black women in the horror genre?
I believe it’s amazing. I just like the indisputable fact that we will make horror movies because often after we’re put on the forefront of horror movies and TV shows, we’re really capable of, like I said before, show what we will do, show our range, play complex characters, sometimes be the hero , and sometimes a villain.
I support us and proceed to do my best to represent us well in order that next time can be easier. But I believe that is exciting, not only in horror but in all genres. This really shows that we aren’t a monolith, that we don’t should be lumped into one or two bags. This excites me and I’m blissful to be a component of it. And the actual fact that you could say my name in the identical sentence as people like Pam, Angela, Lupita is an honor for me. I’m really excited concerning the work we have done and plan to proceed doing.
Celebrity Coverage
ICYMI: Lupita Nyong’o’s festive red lips and more – the essence
Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images
Just before Thanksgiving, stars give a taste of the cosmetic makeup looks from their holiday palette. Peachy shades of cobbler lipstick (with matching pink), jagged red bobs, and embellished nail plates are the height of fall beauty. Meanwhile, versatile styles like glazed lips and festive tresses can transcend any season.
Cynthia Erivo gave her character Elphaba a set of unique French suggestions paired with holiday-approved glitter makeup. Keke Palmer and Chloe Bailey’s peach lipstick and blush are must-have shades for next week’s family gatherings. Meanwhile, Fantasia served up a chocolate reality with brown shades on the lips and nails.
Broad beans are never in season. See: Bailey’s loc bob, Teyana Taylor’s curled ends, and Mary J. Blige’s ginger hairstyle. Lupita Nyong’o, meanwhile, paired her festive red lips with a micro-braided, finger-wavy bun.
What about Doechii? She participated Camp Flog Bite in swamp claws (which resembled alligator skin and teeth) and green contacts.
In case you missed it, take a take a look at our favourite celebrity beauty moments from the week below.
Celebrity Coverage
Nafessa Williams in Disney+’s Rivals [Interview] – Essence
Photo credit: Cécile BOKO
Nafessa Williams attracts attention with a role that combines strength, complexity and uncompromising self-confidence. Set in the vibrant media world of 1980s London, the Disney+ series immerses viewers in a world of passion, betrayal and ambition. At the heart of this Jilly Cooper adaptation is Cameron Cook, an ambitious American television producer brought to London by Lord Tony Baddingham to shake up his Corinium company. Cook navigates a predominantly white, male-dominated industry with poise, charm and her signature red lips – an expression of the boldness and confidence of black women that Williams set out to authentically portray.
Known for her breakout role as Anissa Pierce in , Williams has gained a reputation for bringing depth and dynamism to her characters. In the series, she takes on a role that uniquely reflects her own experiences. As the only Black character on the series, Williams brings her Philadelphia roots and personal journey to Cameron’s story, highlighting the dual challenges and triumphs of standing out in an exclusive space.
Through meticulous research, collaboration with the show’s stylists, and a curated playlist featuring icons such as Whitney Houston and Vanity 6, Williams brought Cameron’s ambitious and uncompromising personality to life. In this interview, she talks about putting on her character’s power suit to represent black women on screen, and how she made the character her own. With the film, this talented actress proves once again that she is a force to be reckoned with.
ESSENCE: First of all, congratulations you gave an amazing performance. How did you land the role of Cameron Cook?
Nafessa Williams: Yes, so I auditioned. It was an audition that passed and I actually decided not to work that year. Last year I had just finished filming the 2021 film and I thought: I knew that whatever I did after that, it just had to be elite and next level. I got the scripts, I had all this stuff throughout 2022 and it just didn’t feel right. And I just told God I’ll hang on until I find this job for me.
As soon as I read the script, I thought, “OK, God, you just helped me with this. This is what I’ve been waiting for all year.” So I read it and immediately recognized the way they wrote the script. The text was amazing. Cameron, I thought, “I have to voice this character.” How strong and commanding she was, and how beautiful she was. The only black cast member, the only black character in the series. Plus, just for fun, the fact that she came from America and was recruited from New York to London to become a powerhouse producer was something I had to weigh in on. So that’s how it happened. And so, from that point on.
So you said she was the only black character on the show. In terms of portraying this situation, how did you bring this perspective to life in this predominantly white, male environment?
You know what, I just stayed true to the writing and the character. I’m from Philadelphia, the character is from New York, so it’s almost the same thing. So I just wanted to make sure that I brought the authenticity of a black woman, a black woman from New York, a black woman who is ambitious and confident and secure in who she is. So I wanted to make sure that I brought all those elements to it and just be true to who black women were at the time in the ’80s, how we wore our hair, what our clothes looked like, and I just wanted to make sure it was authentic down to that moment.
I’m actually glad you mentioned the ’80s and everything, because for me one of the coolest things about this show is the ’80s fashion. How did the fashion and style of the time help you get into Cameron’s character and how did it influence how did you portray her on screen?
Yeah, I think a lot of 80s fashion was about confidence and making sure she was on her own, whether she was clothed or not, she was just a very confident woman. But I think fashion helped us situate and tell her story. I also love 80s fashion and I make sure I stay true to what I saw as a little girl in the late 80s and 90s, seeing my mom, grandma, aunts and their friends all dressed up, red lips and red nails, making sure that the hair is also authentic. Since I’m the only black character on the show, representation means everything to me. And also, like other black women, when they watched this show, whether they lived in the ’80s or not, it’s a true representation of what we really looked like, from French rolls to slicked ponytails to pumps and curls and beyond. we just make sure that when we tune in, we see ourselves.
The show’s stylist was very open to my ideas because I know what it looked like, right? And I know what it was like in America. So I just made sure she brought that American flavor, that New York flavor. He was very open to my ideas and collaborative. And if there is no such moment, you will see Cameron unless he wakes up in the morning without red lips. I think this also shows her boldness and self-confidence. Red lips and red nails are her trademark, but they are also a signature of the 80s. So again, making sure we put those elements into it to make it feel as real and nostalgic as possible.
I also think it’s interesting because I think Cameron’s journey and where she’s at is also reflective of black women in the entertainment industry. What similarities do you see between yourself and Cameron’s character? How did it work out?
Yes, there was a time that I found myself in that situation where we were talking about whether I was the only black cast member or the only black woman on set. And I think what I exuded and what I’ve always carried within me is confidence and knowing that I’ve worked and I have a right to be in the room and my talent is just as amazing and just as important and my story is just as important to tell.
It’s just walking in with so much confidence, like I knew I was supposed to be there. Another thing that reflects both her and me is ambition. When Cameron wants something like me, I don’t take “no” easily. If I set my mind to something, it will be achieved, and she has the same quality in her. So yeah, it’s just going in knowing that you’ve earned this place and you’ve worked hard to be here, and you walk in with your head held high knowing that your ancestors sent you. Go do it. Go do your job. So I wanted to make sure he exuded that too, and that was very important to me to show that.
When people portray a character or make a movie in a “different era,” did you do any preparation beyond understanding what life was like back then? Did you do a lot of research into the history of your character?
Yes, I always go back and check if I am serving that era well. For me it was just going back and observing women that I had seen, maybe glimpses of, that I didn’t know very well as a child but who were popular in the 80s. Lots of Diahanna Carroll and Pam Grier. I also watch a little bit of Phylicia Rashad and make sure I bring that cool, sassy, sexy but intelligent approach to the character.
Besides, music helps me empathize with a given character. I always create a playlist for each character. It really helps me get into that time and understand the character’s mind, what they’re thinking: “How do they party? How do they dance? What is their wardrobe like?” So I studied it a lot and told everyone because I always got to the heart of the Cameron thing. “Nasty Girl” by Vanity City. Remember Prince’s group?
Absolutely. 1000%.
Yes. Yes. So “Nasty Girl” helped me get inside Cameron’s mind and get to know her boldness, confidence and attitude about who she is. So yeah, I just go back and watch it again, get Diane Carroll, and she was very strong, Dominique Deveraux, she was very strong in who she was. When she appeared on screen, there was no denying her energy and essence as a black woman. This was part of the research I did.
It’s interesting because I definitely want to know that now when I think about the ’80s, I think about Whitney Houston, I think about Cyndi Lauper. Tell me, who was on your playlist when you were putting together the music list for this particular character?
Surely. Lots of Whitney Houston, lots of Teddy Pendergrass. I’m from Philadelphia. So I come from a huge musical culture. A lot of Teddy P., a lot of Barry White, a lot of Sadé. Sadé was also on the playlist, getting into this just sexy vibe, kind of laid back, at home, relaxed. There was a lot of Madonna on the playlist. Prince was on the Jackson Five playlist. I also thought about this: “Who was Cameron when she was a child? Who was she listening to? Not even as an adult, but I like to think that when she was an adult in the ’80s, in her teenage life, in her earlier life, she listened to a lot of Stevie Wonder and a lot of the Jackson Five, a lot of Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson.
So these were some of the songs, or rather artists, that were on my playlist that I just listened to all day, played in my trailer before I went to set, and just walked out and was ready to have it.
Celebrity Coverage
Sony Music has settled a lawsuit regarding the Whitney Houston biography
Sony Music has reached a settlement with the producers of the biopic.
The lawsuit, filed in February, alleged that 4 production firms – Anthem Films, NYBO Productions and Black Label Media – didn’t pay for licenses to 24 of Houston’s songs.
The request seen by Reuters shows that Sony Music has agreed to this to reject case last month. The parties informed the court that that they had agreed to the settlement but requested an extension to finalize the details.
The lawsuit claimed that the labels signed a sync licensing agreement that allowed them to make use of audio recordings of nearly 30 Houston classics, including “How Will I Know,” “I Wanna Dance With Somebody, Will Always Love You” and her 1991 version “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Sony Music claims that under the agreement, royalties were to be paid in July 2023, but as of August 2023, it has still not received payment. Sony Music claims that Anthem was awaiting a tax break from the state of Massachusetts. According to the plaintiff, payment was never made.
“As a result of Anthem’s failure to pay fees to SME, it is clear that no license or authorization existed to use the SME recordings used in the film,” the lawsuit states.
Sony Music claimed that the film’s producers, Anthem Films, entered into a licensing agreement with the record label on December 5, 2022, two weeks before the film’s release.
“Unlike other types of films, musical biopics by their nature require the use of a musician’s music because it is almost impossible to explain the significance of a musician’s creative genius or his unique style and talent without using that musician’s music,” the record company’s lawyers wrote.
The original lawsuit sought damages of not less than $3.6 million. Details of the settlement aren’t yet known.
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