DEMI SINGLETON IS SETTING HOLLYWOOD ON FIRE WHILE STILL BEING IN HIGH SCHOOL
You heard that right, 17-year-old Demi Singleton has done it all, from Broadway to the big screens – and she’s just getting started. The young actress sat down with us to talk about what it takes to be young and hot, in Hollywood. If you want to learn more about how she makes time for tv shows, movies and homework, keep reading below!
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
At only 10 years old you hit the Broadway scene when you joined the cast of School of Rock. Take us back to this time and talk about what that experience was like. What did you learn from this experience as an actor?
That time was such an intense and exciting part of my life. It was my first time performing as a professional actress, but it never actually felt like work; every day, I woke up, went to school, then got to do the thing I loved most in front of an audience. From those experiences, I learned so much about developing a great work ethic. Being expected to work as a professional at only 10 years old taught me a lot about the importance of hard work and dedication, and I think those lessons really stuck with me and are lessons that I’ll always remember and value.
After the School of Rock Broadway show you joined The Lion King on Broadway! What was your character and which Broadway show was your favorite to play in and why?
When I was in the Lion King, I played Young Nala, who we know as Simba’s childhood best friend and, eventually, his wife. If I had to choose between the two shows, I’d say that The Lion King was my favorite, mostly because I grew up admiring the original animated film, especially the character of Nala. It’s such a classic, so having the opportunity to be part of the Broadway production was like a dream come true.
After your Broadway era you joined your first tv series, “The Godfather of Harlem” starring alongside the legendary Forest Whitacker, as his granddaughter. Tell us about being a part of such a critically acclaimed show and how much this experience differed from your time on Broadway.
Being in the cast of Godfather of Harlem is an experience I’ll forever be grateful for. I met so many incredible performers, like Mr. Whitaker, who inspired and taught me so many lessons as a young actress. It was my very first professional project outside of Broadway, and it really opened my eyes and started my love for TV and film.
For those who didn’t know, your family has Honduran and West Indian ancestry, and you were born in New Orleans but raised in New York. Coming from a family with such rich ancestry, what are a few things you love about your cultures? Have you ever visited Dominica and Honduras, or do you plan to?
What I love most about my ancestrally rich background is that I have been exposed to and brought up around several different cultures. This part of my identity has taught me to walk through life with an open mind and to always acknowledge the difference in cultures around the world. I’ve visited Honduras several times and hope to visit Dominica soon!
You starred in the award-winning film King Richard alongside Will Smith as the young Serena Williams in 2021. When you met her what was that moment like and when you think back to that time, what is your favorite memory of spending a little time with Serena?
One memory that stands out to me from filming King Richard is when Serena and Venus surprised us on set. I remember walking past the producer’s tent and seeing Serena sitting inside from the corner of my eye. I was with Saniyya, and we both saw her at the same time; then we looked at each other and started freaking out.
I started crying! I was excited, but it was super nerve-racking because they were watching us on the monitor as we were filming a scene. After that scene, we danced with Olympia and spoke with them. They were so kind and super easy to talk to. My favorite memory of spending time with Serena is probably the time we spent together at the King Richard premiere and afterparty. It felt so great to be able to celebrate such an inspiring film about herself and her family.
You started your own book club “Black Girl Covers” in partnership with Fable, where you offer a space for young readers to discover black authors and read new unique stories. How did this partnership come about and how often does your book club e-meet?
“Black Girl Covers” discusses books that I wish I had more access to as a little girl. It was always difficult for me to discover literature with characters that may have looked like me or even had stories and experiences that resembled mine. The issue was never that they didn’t exist; it was that no one took the time to highlight them.
With this book club, my goal is to do just that: bring light to books written by Black authors about Black lead characters. I want to make it known that the Black female experience is valuable and deserves to be shared. As of now, my club follows a one-book-per-month schedule, and our meetings are asynchronous, other than the one or two author Q+A session we have per book.
Your latest project is the American Western anthology mini-series Lawmen: Bass Reeves, where you work alongside British actor and director David Oyelowo as his daughter Sally. At only 17 years old your catalog is not only becoming long, but your work is also very diverse. Talk to us about being a part of an American Western and what you learned from this project about Black American history that isn’t talked about enough.
Acting in a Western was a unique and special experience, especially as someone who loves history and historical figures. I’ve gone back in time with characters before but going back to the era of Bass Reeves was the farthest I’ve gone. Usually, when I’m preparing for a role, I’ll listen to music or watch and read other media from the era to get a feel of what the character may have been listening to or reading.
It was challenging to do that with this role because of how long ago the story took place; the material was very limited. I would say that I got to learn many new things about this period by portraying Sally Reeves.
It’s amazing to me that you’re still in school while you balance your career. Are you home schooled? What is it like and do you plan on attending college? What’s your dream school and what fields are you thinking about studying in?
I’m not homeschooled; I go to a really academic focused girls’ school in LA. Despite how competitive my school is, I love it so much. It is the perfect size; there are not too many people to the point that it feels like you don’t know anyone, but it’s also not too small. I love going to school with other people my age. I tried to do homeschooling, and it just didn’t work for me mostly because I thrive off human interaction.
As for college, I really see myself at Julliard. I would love to go back to my home, NYC, and hone my craft more.
Your next project is an American supernatural horror thriller film directed by Lee Daniels. This star-studded cast features so many fire actors like Omar Epps, Mo’Nique and many others. Tell us about your character and what it was like to be a part of a scary movie!
I loved getting to work on The Deliverance for so many reasons. Firstly, it was the first horror film I’ve ever starred in, so it was interesting to see what goes into bringing a story like that to life. I also loved and created a bond with every cast and crew member.
I became close with the actors who play my family: Andra Day, Glenn Close, Caleb McLaughlin, and Anthony Jenkins, which helped me prepare for the role. I am also incredibly lucky to have worked with Lee Daniels, someone who I, and many others, consider a legend. I learned a lot from him and am fortunate to have him in my life as a mentor.
Outside of everything you have on your plate, you’re passionate about helping others less fortunate than yourself. What type of philanthropy have you done in the past and why is this so important to you? What are a few ways the everyday person can give back to their local community?
My philanthropic efforts include partnering up with non-profit organizations that work towards bettering the lives and academic experiences of girls around the world. As a young girl, there is nothing more inspiring than learning from others who may have experiences like mine, so I’m hoping to be that person for others!
Aside from modeling, acting and philanthropy, you have a desire to one day produce your own content. What type of stories would you like to bring to life and are there any producers you hope to one day work with and learn from?
As a producer, I aim to highlight stories focusing on Black identities and experiences. I wish to amplify Black voices or those that have historically been overlooked.
Your love for fashion shows through your brand partnership with Miu Miu and many more to come. Who are some of your fashion inspirations and what do you really enjoy about the fashion industry?
I love to study the work of people like Adut Akech, Naomi Campbell, Rihanna, Anok Yai, and Zendaya – they all have amazing senses of style. They’re beautiful black women who constantly break barriers and have inspired me to take up some space in the fashion world. I love how you can discover a person’s personality or mood through their styling choices!
Hardcopy or kindle books?
Hardcopy!
LA or NYC?
NYC, all the way!
Ballet or Hip-hop dancing?
Hip-hop!
Spa Day or Shopping?
Shopping!
Silk Press or Protective Style?
Silk press!
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor in Chief: Prince Chenoa (@princechenoastudio)
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Cover Art Design: Carlos Graciano (@sadpapi666)
Photographer: Kirt Barnett (@Wavykirt)
Photographer Assistant: Marley Flynn (@marley.dunk)
Hair Stylist: Miles Jeffries (@milesjeffrieshair)
Makeup Artist: Bobbie Riley (@bobbierileybeauty)
Stylist: Jason Bolden (@jasonbolden)
Florals: Kelly Jean Ross (@kellyjross)
PR: The LEDE Company (@theledecompany)
