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DEADLINE: How did you find the role for this film?
KYANNA SIMONE:My reps told me about a meeting with Tina [Mabry].
To which I thought, Oh my gosh.
Tati Gabrielle, Kyanna Simone and Abigail Achiri in The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-EatHulu
Straight to the director.
And it was actually for another role, which I was really excited about.
And I was like, Man, I dont know.
Sanaa Lathan, Aunjanue Ellis, Uzo Aduba inThe Supremes At Earl’s All-You-Can-EatHulu
I went into the audition room with Tina and I read the other role as if she was Odette.
DEADLINE: What kind of prep work went into playing Odette?
So, it has to be interpreted by the person thats delivering it and receiving it.
I mean, talk about a lioness, a powerhouse.
Every time she spoke, it seemed like she was an old soul.
DEADLINE: Odette is so fearless.
I love the scene where she threatens to fight Barbara Jeans stepdad.
What are some things you relate to when it comes to Odette?
SIMONE:I definitely relate to Odettes confidence.
This is something Odettes gone through her entire life.
People have told her that shes too much, shes too bold, shes too out there.
And thats something that I embrace as well.
Its like one day, it clicked, I was like, You know what?
Now, was I born fearless like Odette?
No, not totally.
At least, thats what were told.
Yes, were strong.
Yes, we can take on things.
And I just think thats beautiful.
DEADLINE: Going back a bit to your portrayal of Odette.
Youre collecting the cinematic youths of these outstanding Black actresses.
Who else would you still like to portray or work with?
SIMONE:Oh my gosh, I have so many people I would love to work with.
Were talking about Emmy nominees, Oscar nominees.
She directed me in one of my first TV shows.
I was in high school.
Its calledBeing Mary Jane.
It was such an experience.
I was 18 at the time, and I was mind-blown.
So, I hope for that one day.
Viola Davis would be another one.
DEADLINE: This film takes place from the 50s to 60s to the 90s.
What other outside research went into your role for the film?
I actually have done a few period pieces.
Like what were trends?
What were the dance moves?
How did guys court girls?
How did girls court guys?
And different mannerisms and things like that.
Also, I talked to my mom; she was a young girl in the 60s in the South.
SIMONE:Well, Tati and Abby are my girls.
They are my forever Supremes, and Im very lucky to have been able to work with them.
I learned so much from them.
Especially Abigail and her ad-libs when it came to scenes.
Shes just so great at that.
I mean, I cant wait until the day that we get to work together again.
And then, when it comes to Aunjanue, I genuinely wanted to do her proud.
This is a veteran who is getting the flowers she deserves.
It encouraged me even more, and I found that we share a lot of personal aspects in life.
So, having her as a new friend and mentor is one of the best things Ive leftThe Supremeswith.
DEADLINE: Im curious since this movie is about chosen family and friends.
Have you had any piece of advice that has stayed with you?
Specifically, do you continuously say anything to keep yourself encouraged in this industry?
SIMONE:I actually have two.
One is my hashtag on every post: I hope you dance.
My mom has always said that to me.
I actually knew the quote before the song.
Since I was a young child, I was told to be a lot less of myself.
And I being in fifth grade I was obviously like, OK?
I dont know what youre saying.
But that encouraged me to be in the talent show that year.
I literally ended up dancing that year with my friend.
Being up on that stage, performing freely, and letting myself fly was the absolute best.
And with all the flashing lights, the best part is to keepyouin the equation.
And thats what I always hope to do.
I never want to look in the mirror and not recognize me.
DEADLINE: Where can people catch you next?
That was really fun to do.
I have Sanaa [Lathan] to thank for that.
She encouraged me to look more into voiceover, and I did, and then I got that.
Then I just finished a Hulu film calledEenie Meanie, I play a character named Baby Girl.
DEADLINE: What projects would you like to be considered for in the future?
SIMONE:I like projects that make people think and feel a new sense of strength within themselves.
A lot of times, I feel that the most in sports films.
I want to play a boxer one day.
