You look up to your parents and you want them to accept you, and you don't want them to look at you in a negative light. So you do things to make them proud and accept you.

I would come to L.A. for a job, but I love New York.

It's a surreal experience. During the first show, I was like, "Wow, I'm onstage with Ms. Tyson!" Everybody has been amazing, and the energy is really beautiful. I'm replacing my friend Condola, so everyone making sure that I'm OK has turned what could've been a very scary, nerve-racking and lonely experience into a supportive environment.

My intention is to do more films.

I took acting classes in my senior year in college and I loved it.

That's what you want art to do, to open people up and start conversations.

My first audition was an open call and I had no picture and no resume - that's how clueless I was. I just thought I could show up.