Photographer: Katie Parker
Stylist : Brooklyn Wilson
Groomer: Magen Grays
interview by Rhonda @ouchmagazine
Woman in the Yard" marks your second collaboration with Blumhouse. How did this experience compare to your role in American Refugee, and what did you take from that first project that you applied to this one?
Both films gave me unique challenges, but with Woman in the Yard, I had to dig even deeper emotionally. American Refugee involved me staying grounded even in intense moments, so I took that and applied it here. I came into this project already understanding how to navigate tension, but this time, I focused even more on letting the fear and grief come through in a real way. Every scene needed to be believable because if I didn’t believe it, the audience wouldn’t either.
You play Taylor, who is forced to step up and become the "man of the house" after the death of his father. What drew you to this role, and how did you prepare for the emotional complexity of playing a character coping with grief while also stepping into a parental role?
What drew me to Taylor was how real his struggle felt. I related to him deeply, especially having had to step into a similar role in my own life when my father left. Preparing for this role, I didn’t have to look too far I tapped into my own truth mixed with the reality of what Taylor was going through.
This film is your first full-fledged horror project. What were some of the challenges you faced transitioning into a horror setting, and what was the most surprising aspect of working in this genre?
The biggest challenge was learning how to deliver just the right level of intensity enough to keep people on edge, but not so much that it felt overdone. Horror is a genre where less fear can be more, and that was new for me. What surprised me was how much fun it was reacting to things that weren’t actually there during filming. You're running from something imaginary, but you have to sell it like your life depends on it.
You filmed Woman in the Yard on location in Athens, Georgia. How did the environment and location impact your performance, and did you draw inspiration from the setting for your character?
Absolutely. The area we filmed in almost felt abandoned, which added to the isolation and suspense we needed to portray. The stillness of that environment helped me internalize Taylor’s fear and loneliness. Just being in that space naturally influenced how I delivered my performance. It felt eerie like something was always lurking just beyond the frame.
Working closely with Danielle Deadwyler must have been a unique experience. What were some of the key lessons you learned from her, both in terms of acting and the overall filmmaking process?
Working with Ms. Danielle was an incredible experience. She helped me refine how I approached high intensity fear scenes. It was about control. She’d tell me, “Let the moment breathe.” That stuck with me.
Horror films often require a different approach to acting, especially in suspenseful or frightening scenes. How did you adjust your technique for playing Taylor in such intense and emotionally charged moments?
I had to really trust my instincts and the character work I did. In horror, timing and emotion have to hit at just the right moment. So I leaned into stillness, breathing, and subtle expressions that built the suspense. It was about making the fear believable because if I felt it, the audience would feel it too.
What was it like working with the special effects team on this film? Did you find yourself learning new techniques or gaining insights into how these effects contribute to storytelling?
It was wild! A lot of times, we were acting like something was chasing us or happening but it was just air. That taught me how to react realistically to nothing, which was both funny, fun, and a great learning experience.
In addition to Woman in the Yard, you have a lead role in the upcoming mystery-adventure film Pet Investigators and a recurring role on Nickelodeon’s Young Dylan. How do you juggle such varied roles across different genres, and how do you approach each character differently?
Each genre has its own rhythm, and I try to match my energy to that. For comedy, it’s about timing and presence. For mystery or horror, it’s about being grounded in the moment. I build each character from scratch understanding how they think, how they move, and what their world feels like. I also pay close attention to the vibe on set, so my performance complements the overall tone.
You’re also balancing your acting career with a dedication to your education. How has being a high school student and taking college courses through dual enrollment shaped your approach to acting and creativity? What inspired you to pursue 2D animation and voice acting?
It definitely takes discipline, but I’ve always been driven by passion. Education helps me stay sharp it’s like working out a different muscle. 2D animation and voice acting came naturally to me because I’ve always loved creating characters and bringing them to life. Whether it’s on screen or through a drawing, I’m always building stories, and both mediums let me do that in different ways.
Outside of acting, you have a strong interest in music, playing both the piano and ukulele. How do these musical pursuits influence your acting, and do you see yourself incorporating these talents into future projects, perhaps through music composition or voice work?
Music helps me understand emotion and timing. It’s like having an extra layer of expression. I’ve definitely used it for animation projects and I love composing. I’m a storyteller at heart, so anything that helps me tell a story better music, voice work, drawing I want to incorporate it. I’d love to score something I act in or create my own animated series with original music.
You’re an advocate for the American Cancer Society, a cause that holds personal significance to you. Can you share how your involvement with this cause has influenced your work or your outlook on your career?
Cancer has taken so many people from my family, and that pain never really leaves you. That’s why I support the American Cancer Society. I want to use my platform to keep the focus on finding a cure. It reminds me why I do what I do because life is short, and if I can make people feel something, or use my voice to bring attention to something real, I will. I’m also very passionate about mental health awareness. Both causes push me to keep growing and showing up in ways that matter.
Looking ahead, with projects like Woman in the Yard, Pet Investigators, and your ongoing work on Young Dylan, what’s next for you as a multi-talented artist? How do you envision balancing acting with your other creative endeavors in the future?
Right now, I’m focused on growing as an actor, but I want to create. Whether it’s through film, animation, or music, I see myself writing, directing, and building worlds. I want to lead projects that are fresh, impactful, and represent a new wave of creativity. It’s about blending all the things I love into one: acting, storytelling, sound, visuals… the whole package. That’s the future I’m working toward.
