Photographer: Jonny Marlow Wardrobe stylist: Oliver Vaughn MUA: QuiNeshia Graham
Actress Artrece Johnson delivers a standout performance in the star-studded series Fight Night: Million Dollar Heist, based on the true story and podcast of the same name, now streaming on Peacock.
Fight Night: Million Dollar Heist stars industry heavyweights Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, Don Cheadle, Terrence Howard, and Samuel L. Jackson.
"Fight Night: Million Dollar Heist" has a stellar cast. What was it like working alongside such industry heavyweights like Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, and Samuel L. Jackson? Any memorable moments from the set?
It was a dream that I could have never dreamt up myself. Working with this many legends on one project is a blessing to any actor. And they were all so kind and willing to share their wisdom. I honestly learned so much just watching them work, that was a masterclass. Some of my most memorable moments were with Don and Kevin. They are so funny, they kept us laughing on set.
Your role in 'Fight Night: Million Dollar Heist' is getting a lot of buzz. Can you share a bit about the character you portray and what drew you to this role?
I play Faye Williams, Chicken man’s Devout Christian wife and mother of three. She is the glue that keeps her family together. She's also the person that keeps Chicken grounded. I like to describe her a quiet storm, you don't know what you're gonna get from her. She plays her cards close to her chest and I'm kind of like that.
Your journey to this point has been marked by resilience and faith. Can you tell us about a particularly challenging moment in your career and how you overcame it?
I think one of the most challenging moments was when I first moved to NY. I had only planned to stay a month but somehow that turned into five years. I have my mother to thank for that. There were so many times I called her crying, tired from juggling a million jobs and ready to come home and she would respond “Come home to do what? Stay where you are, you will figure it out.” She is a Godsend, I would have quit a long time ago if it wasn’t for her. She's a very resilient woman. I definitely get that trait from her.
Balancing survival jobs with auditions must have been incredibly demanding. How did you manage to keep your focus and maintain your passion during those tough times?
I think that when it's your everyday life and you don't know any better it's not as hard. It definitely took a lot of time managing which I'm not the best at. I find that I manage my time so much better when my schedule is jam packed than when it's open. But I think that was really what kept me focused, just knowing I don't have the time to play around, I have to do this task and efficiently because right after I needed to go to work. Some job that barely paid my bills, which I don't regret because it fueled me to make my dreams come true. No one wants to work a million jobs to pay the bills but sometimes it's the most flexible option. I remember telling a few of my bosses, “No disrespect but I'm an actress first. If ever I get called for a gig I'm choosing the gig over this job.” Things like that, you know. I never wanted to move up in any of the companies I worked at because I didn't want to loose sight of my purpose. I would just do my job and go home. It's wild to tell a manager that but I think they respected me for it, that or God allowed them to give me grace because that was my life the last couple of years.
Your story is inspiring to many. How do you stay motivated and maintain self-belief, especially when facing setbacks or moments of doubt?
God, family, and my upbringing are my biggest motivations. I somehow can generate self motivation when needed even when I'm down. I tent to take a delusional route and it allows me to pull through no matter what the circumstances. And when you really think about it, life is filled with millions of things that someone once said couldn't be done. So when you have this sort of thought process its hard to be swayed by others self doubt or even your own temporary self doubt. Im also very careful not to move when my emotions are high, they don't always allow me to have a clear POV of myself or my situation.
What was your initial reaction when you learned you’d be working with such a prestigious cast on this project? Did you have any moments of imposter syndrome?
When I first got the job it didn't hit me. After the table read I feel like I was little more aware of what was happening but it wasn't until I showed up for my first day on set that it really set in. I cried for two weeks after that, just happy that God granted me such an amazing opportunity. I definitely had a moment of imposter syndrome anyone working along side such an amazing cast would. And it was so bad, I was stressed out, wasn’t sure if I was delivering, it was not a fun time. But I stayed in prayer about it. And my mom reminded me of my worth and how I deserved this job. That’s essentially how I got through it.
Can you share any insights into how you prepared for your role in 'Fight Night: Million Dollar Heist’? Did you have any specific methods or techniques you used?
I really just did an extensive backstory on my character, one that connected to where we are when we meet her in the script. That and what was true based on time period, race, and geographic location. Those things really helped me formulate Faye.
You’ve built a remarkable legacy both personally and professionally. What values or principles do you believe have been key to your success, and how do you hope to pass them on to others?
Have I? I don't think Ive built much of anything at the moment. I do believe I will one day but cant say I've done anything remarkable yet except make it out of an environment that was set to destroy me. If you're referring to that then I would say, I'm lead by God and prayer thats my number one key. I believe in self motivation because sometimes no one is backing you and if you believe it then no one can stop you. Another thing is strive to always do your best, people notice. Give yourself an equal amount of grace and tough love. And lastly try to see everything as a lesson that you needed to learn, it makes life easier.
How has your approach to acting evolved since your early days in the industry? Are there any particular skills or experiences that have shaped your craft?
I think the biggest change has been the amount of time that I take to prepare. It really allows me to relax into the character. The more prepared I am the more I trust myself in the role. And then just having the experience of life, something that only happens with time and curiosity, has really shaped me as a person and fortunately as an artist. Im able to pull from my own life experience a lot of times.
Looking ahead, are there any specific roles or projects you’re eager to explore next? What’s on the horizon for Artrece Johnson?
I have a few projects brewing that cant be talked about at the moment but honestly Im a character actor so Im open to it all. I love acting and I never want to limit myself to something specific, I want to do it all. Maybe sci-fi next.