Connect with us

Celebrity Coverage

Nafessa Williams in Disney+’s Rivals [Interview] – Essence

Published

3 months ago

on

Photo credit: Cécile BOKO

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement
Nafessa Williams on the boldness and elegance of her performance on Disney+'s 'Rivals'
Photo credit: Cécile BOKO

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.

Advertisement

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?

Advertisement

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.

Nafessa Williams on the boldness and elegance of her performance on Disney+'s 'Rivals'
Photo credit: Cécile BOKO

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?

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
Advertisement
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Celebrity Coverage

Cosmetic school: Expert for additional long nails – essence

Published

18 hours ago

on

March 3, 2025

By

“At that time we only had acrylic,” Angie Aguirre says Essence, who puts ESPY-Jones in the primary episode. “We didn’t have a number of things we have today.” Starting the series, in honor of the Black History of the month, Aguirre, nail artist Sha’carri Richardson, resembles a black story for extremely long nails-at the identical time spreading techniques from the past.

Advertisement

From memories of curved acrylics on Flo Jo of the Eighties to the red manicure in Donn Summer, and even the nail of Stiletto from the Nineteen Thirties about Queen Nenzim from the Democratic Republic of Congo, manicure for construction has a wealthy history hidden behind every decorating extension.

Using the attention shadows as a substitute of the airbrush machine (which within the Nineteen Nineties was a big, loud pedal machine), she recreated one of the vital popular styles that has since appeared today as a preferred look.

Often appropriated in popular culture long, loud nails are historically called “ghetto” as an offensive statement after they wear black women. Meanwhile, they are sometimes seen as fashionable after they wear white celebrities.

“We usually set up trends [and] People kick, “says Aguirre within the film while painting about traditional nail art visible within the Nineteen Nineties.” When pop culture gets it, they change what they want to be like that. ” However, “black women wore these nails long before social media.”

Advertisement

Now that the nail industry is to succeed in USD 36.27 billion until 2032Aguirre explains the influence that black women have on beauty and what the longer term of those historical manicures will seem like. “Nail game has become very innovative,” he says, with latest products reminiscent of Gel-X. “[It’s] It is very different from what was during the day. “

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
Advertisement
Continue Reading

Celebrity Coverage

ICEM: Black Love was all over the blue carpet during ABFF HONORS

Published

2 days ago

on

March 1, 2025

By

ICEM: Black Love was all over the blue carpet during ABFF HONORS

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images

Advertisement

On Monday, at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills A Who’s Who of New Stars, Hot Talent and Legends was at hand to honor the best in black talent on the screen for the American Black Film Festival awards. Honores for the Night to Aaron Pierre, who received the Rising Star award (while the crowd sang: “Aaron Pierre, to Mufasaaaa”), Essence Black Women in Hollywood Honree Marla Gibbs, who received the Hollywood Legacy award, Keke Palmer caught the Renaissan prize. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor received the same honor for girls.

Many people got here out to have fun, including presenters Ava DuverNay, Anthony Mackie, Boots Riley, Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Regina King. But in Hollywood there have been many stars and massive names, which also got here out with their partners to enjoy the annual event. They began a blue rug with sweet PDA and good vibrations, able to enjoy an important night.

From Larenz Tate and Tomasina’s wife to Dondre Whitfield and Salla Richardson Whitfield, Loretta Devine and husband Glenn Marshall, Lance and Rebecca Gross, and newlyweds Yvette Nicole Brown and Anthony Davis, Love was in the air. (Another essence of black women in Hollywood Honore, Teyana Taylor, was a supporting Aaron Pierre there, and there are rumors that these two enjoy their company, which, for which we’re here.) More couples appeared to this event than since the prize season. Scroll to see and feel all love.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
Continue Reading

Celebrity Coverage

Lead with the goal: Laysha Ward about walking in your power – essence

Published

3 days ago

on

February 28, 2025

By

(Photo Marla Aufmuth/Getty Images)

Advertisement

In a world that always tests our confidence and beliefs, Laysha Ward reminds that real leadership begins from the inside. As a former executive vp and director of external involvement in Target, she spent many years of supporting diversity, equality and integration, while helping leaders to adapt their goal with their influence. This summer, Ward was honored as a black woman in business at the Essence Culture Festival, recognizing her trailblazing work in the field of corporate leadership and strengthening the position of the community. Now with her recent book, Drops the jewels About navigate the goal, Imposter Silence team and constructing an appropriate support system to develop. From honoring the lessons of our ancestors to the authenticity of navigating the corporate spaces, Ward shares the strategies that shaped her journey – and the way it helps others in doing the same.

Lead with the target: Laysha Ward about walking in your power
The recent book Laysha Ward “Lead Like You Man”,

We met Ward to speak about the power of management based on the goal, the relationships that shaped her success and the advice that the younger Self would give.

Essence: What inspired you to put in writing?

Laysha Ward: I wrote this book to serve on a big scale-to assist more people live a living. I desired to help readers depend on their purpose and direct the meaning-the world really needs passionate, based on the goals of leaders who act with honesty, intention and humanity.

Advertisement

How do you retain authentic as a frontrunner in corporate spaces?

LW: I offer three steps that serve me well: 1) Stay faithful to your goal and values, irrespective of what the work environment throws you at you. 2) holistically manage your life and profession; You are just one person. Breake the wall between personal development and skilled growth so which you can make deliberate selections which are in line with your profession and life goals. You are the general director of your life and profession – you call what is true for you. 3) Care relationships – provide your kitchen cabinet, personal and skilled advice of directors, with many trusted advisers, from cheerleaders who create your noise team after pretenders who provide you with heavy love and push you to development.

Lead with the target: Laysha Ward about walking in your power
The recent book Laysha Ward “Lead Like You Man”,

What is the most influential relationship in your profession?

LW: Because I’m in favor of watching my life and profession, my answer is dual: first, Mr. Bill Kiffmeyer, my husband and driving on a die, who enabled me to live and lead in a way that’s in line with my goal to serve. A life partner isn’t required, but in the event you determine to have it, your selection is incredibly necessary. It will help or make your ability to conduct meaning and goals. The second is Mrs. Coretta Scott King, the wife of the deceased Martin Luther King, Jr., a member of my kitchen cabinet, who pushed me towards my purpose in key moments in my journey. Both are necessary parts of my history.

How can young professionals defeat the Imposter team?

Advertisement

LW: Always keep in mind that you might be worthy of space you enter. Put on and invest in you. Know which you can and you’ll learn to simply accept and succeed in situations that cause fear and anxiety. Once you undergo fear and doubts, you’ll gain confidence to maneuver through it. Still. This tingling of fear will grow to be an old friend, and a way of conquer fear will grow to be equally familiar, if no more familiar than fear itself. A goal to progress in perfection. To sum up? Believe in yourself, and others will imagine in you too. Even if not, stand in your purpose and power.

How can leaders increase the importance of Dei’s efforts?

LW: With an entire change in pressure, noise and politics, one thing that leaders can do is remain steadfast and assured knowledge that diversity, justice and integration are good for business, team, community, and ultimately for shareholders. Don’t quit. The best firms and organizations in various sectors use their goal and values ​​to administer their strategy and decision making. And I still imagine that organizations and bands that create an actual sense of belonging – with cultures that value diversity, equality and integration – provide much stronger results and performance over time, serve their clients and construct the best teams.

What leadership lesson remained timeless for you?

Advertisement

LW: Many lessons I even have learned over the years got stuck with me. But at this point two stand out: first, listen and be interesting. True curiosity opens the door, and listening creates a path for higher solutions. Secondly, be open to the possibility that even those that are very different from you have an interest and interesting – and may even be people with whom you might have common things. Don’t just surround yourself with individuals who appear to be you, behave such as you, think such as you or talk such as you. Don’t live in the echo chamber. To listen. Be interesting.

What advice would you give to the younger?

LW: I’d say Little Laysha to always remember what mother and pa taught her to do the best, helping others and show gratitude. I’d tell her: It won’t at all times be easy. You will meet with many obstacles that could make you’re feeling like throwing, but not, because now we’ve got come too far to offer up. As great -grandfather at all times says: “We are not where we want to be, but we are not where we were.” This is what they call immunity and progress. Always keep in mind that you might be the wildest dreams of our ancestors. We are all pleased with you and we’re looking forward to seeing the amazing things you’re going to do.

What next after this book?

Advertisement

LW: I’m working on people to be prepared to effectively lead at the moment and all moments ahead of us. To expand the impact on readers who need to deeper, I even have established cooperation with global experts in the development of leadership in the room to create No online tool costsDesigned to get to know you where you might be. No quizzes, results or long exercises, without pressure to be perfect – only a commitment to make progress.


This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe Us To Receive Our Latest News Directly In Your Inbox!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Trending