Crystle Stewart Wants Women To Embrace Who They Are
When it comes to being beautiful, hardworking and talented af – no one’s doing it like Crystle Stewart. With her roots in pageantry Crystle has created a career for herself that shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. In her latest interview we dive into her southern roots, her current role on one of Netflix’s most popular shows and everything in between. Keep reading to dive all the way into Crystle Stewart’s world.
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
When you reminisce on your childhood in Houston, Texas, what is your fondest memory?
My fondest memories are really centered around family. I grew up in a home where we spent a lot of time together, whether it was gathering for meals, going to church, celebrating holidays, or just laughing around the house. Houston has always felt like home to me because it’s where my foundation was built. Looking back, those simple moments taught me the importance of faith, resilience, and staying grounded no matter where life takes you.
At 25 years old you won the Miss Texas USA 2008 pageant followed by competing at Miss Universe 2008 where you reached the Top 10. When you think back to that time, what are a few insider lessons you learned about the beauty industry that have always stayed with you?
One of the biggest lessons I learned is that beauty can open a door, but it’s your character that determines how long you stay in the room. Pageantry taught me discipline, preparation, professionalism, and how to handle both criticism and praise with grace. I also learned that comparison is one of the quickest ways to lose your confidence. The women who stood out weren’t trying to be someone else, they fully embraced who they were. That lesson has carried with me far beyond pageantry and into every part of my career.
Over the years you began dipping your toes into Hollywood and have created a successful career as an actress. Take us back to when you decided to take acting seriously and how your journey was during that time.
My acting journey began after my reign as Miss USA, when professional acting training was included as part of my title. That experience sparked a genuine love for the craft, and I realized it was something I wanted to pursue wholeheartedly. Since graduating from acting school, I’ve been fortunate to work consistently, with each role building on the last. Looking back, I’m grateful my career has been built on growth, discipline, and perseverance because every step prepared me for opportunities like Beauty in Black.
You did so well in Tyler Perry’s House of Payne that it led to you becoming a series lead in For Better or Worse as Leslie Morris. What challenges did you overcome stepping into such a huge role for the first time?
Stepping into a series regular role was both exciting and intimidating. Suddenly there was a much bigger responsibility; not just learning lines, but maintaining a character over multiple seasons while working at an incredibly fast pace. Tyler Perry’s sets move quickly, so you have to trust your preparation and make strong choices. Early on I had to let go of perfectionism and trust myself as an actress. That experience gave me confidence and taught me that growth comes from being willing to be uncomfortable.
Let’s talk about your current role as Mallory Bellarie in the hit Netflix series Beauty in Black. Describe her to us and how you prepared to step into this role.
Mallory is intelligent, ambitious, and fiercely driven. She grew up in a powerful family where status and influence shaped everything, so she’s constantly fighting to protect what she believes is hers. What interested me most was looking beyond her tough exterior to understand the pressure, expectations, and emotional wounds driving her choices. My preparation was all about finding her humanity because even when her decisions are morally complicated, they make sense from her perspective.
How does Mallory differ from Crystle, and what was most fun about making Mallory your own character?
Mallory and I are very different. While we’re both driven women, I naturally lead with empathy and collaboration, whereas Mallory leads with strategy and believes power should be protected at all costs. The most rewarding part of playing her was embracing that fearlessness and unpredictability without trying to make her more likable. I wanted to honor her complexity, and I think that’s what makes her such a compelling character.
How does Mallory rise to the top of her industry despite not being born into wealth?
Mallory understands the value of determination. She knows she doesn’t have the advantages that some people do, so she relies on her intelligence, her work ethic, and her ability to seize opportunities. While I don’t agree with every choice she makes, I think a lot of people connect with her because they understand what it feels like to have to work twice as hard to earn a seat at the table. That hunger is something many viewers can relate to.
We have two seasons of Beauty in Black so far with one more to go. Without saying too much, what are your hopes for Mallory in the upcoming final season?
I hope audiences continue to see new layers of her. Great characters evolve, and I think viewers enjoy watching someone who constantly keeps them guessing. Without giving anything away, I’d love for people to walk away understanding Mallory on a deeper level, even if they don’t always agree with her decisions.
For anyone struggling to balance a career and a marriage like Mallory, what advice do you have for them?
Success isn’t just measured by what you accomplish professionally. It’s also about the quality of your relationships and the life you’re building outside of work. Communication, honesty, and making intentional time for each other are essential. Careers will always demand more, but if you don’t protect the people you love, success can start to feel empty. Balance isn’t about perfection, it’s about continually choosing what matters most.
Despite doing bad things, many people feel like Mallory is the underdog and are constantly rooting for her. How do you embody being such a complex character?
I never approach Mallory as someone who’s “good” or “bad.” I approach her as someone who’s human. Every person has strengths, flaws, fears, and blind spots. My job is to understand her perspective so that every decision feels truthful, even when it’s messy. I think audiences respond to authenticity, and that’s why they sometimes find themselves rooting for characters they never expected to.
We see Mallory’s personality expressed through her wardrobe and love for fashion. What have been some of your favorite looks so far on the show?
Mallory’s wardrobe is one of my favorite parts of playing her because fashion becomes another form of storytelling. I especially love her tailored power suits, structured dresses, and monochromatic looks. Every outfit communicates confidence, ambition, and control before she even says a word. The costume team did an incredible job making fashion an extension of her personality.
When you think of where you’d like to take your career next, what roles are you aiming for or have a dream of playing?
I’m drawn to layered, emotionally complex characters that challenge both me and the audience. I’d also love to step into the superhero world and portray a strong, dynamic female hero because those roles combine action with emotional depth and resilience. Beyond acting, I’m passionate about producing and developing projects that tell meaningful stories from fresh perspectives. At this stage in my career, creating great stories is just as exciting to me as acting in them.
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Writer & Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Photographer: Kearny Rivero (@kearnyrivero)
Assistant & Lighting: Gato Rivero (@gatoriverop)
Wardrobe Stylist: Lex (@lookslikelexx)
