Xex Chats With The Rising Star About Her Personal Style, Charity Work, Horror Flicks And Breakout Roles On Battlestar Galactica & Hemlock Grove Surrounded By Luxury In The Andaz Hotel.
Photography GAVIN THOMAS
Styling CHAD GROOM AND LLEWELLYN JENKINS FOR THE STYLEMONSTERS
Hair & Makeup LEO ELEY
FASHION DIRECTOR SEAN M. GRIFFITH
Production Assistant(s) NASSOR BARKSDALE
Location ANDAZ HOTEL, WALL STREET NYC
You are best known for your portrayal of ‘Dee Dualla,’on the Sci-Fi Channel’s critically acclaimed smash hit “Battlestar Galactica”. What are some of your most memorable moments on set?
Playing a scene opposite Edward James Olmos was definitely a milestone for a young actor. Waking up next to Jaime Bamber in a scene wasn’t so bad either. Most of my memorable moments happened off screen though. The entire cast sitting on a beach at sunset at what we thought was the end of the series during the writers strike. All of us close and laughing, telling stories – like family. I’ll never forget that.
You recently returned to the small screen in Netflix’s goth-horror original series “Hemlock Grove”. What was your experience like playing Dr. Clementine Chasseur?
I felt I knew Chasseur the moment I read the script. She was a study in the more shadow aspects of myself and the lone wolf in all of us. It was a place I hadn’t had the chance to explore before. Challenging but very rewarding
We just wrapped our editorial here at The Andaz Hotel, any highlights or favorite wardrobe looks?
It was all pretty magical. The style team really spoiled me. The very first look was a favourite – kind of power geisha. That red Ports 1961 skirt was like wearing butter. Guerilla shooting in elevator of the hotel was intense. We had only seconds before the doors closed each time to get the shot. In between we rode the elevator with hotel guests moments of normalcy interrupted by frenzied shooting.
What influences your fashion choices, do you have any favorite designers?
I have to confess, even though I have friends in fashion and love clothing – I need to brush up on my fashion literacy. My early years were quite humble so I’ve learned to mix second hand and vintage finds with more lux pieces. Like the floor length Missioni dress I found in Cape Town or a black and white tuxedo jacket by Sandro I picked up in a Paris Vintage store with a pair of great jeans or a piece from Gsus – one of my top street wear brands.
We have heard you don’t watch a lot of Horror films. Has working on Hemlock Grove opened you up to the genre?
I do try! My friends love horror films. I get it – its an adrenaline rush. I love that humans want to experience the entire spectrum of emotion. Even fear. That we seek that out, is fascinating. But I guess I have too vivid an imagination. I’d be up for days.
You recently attended Wondercon in (California). How did the fans react?
The fans are, as always, lovely and so warm. It was a bit last minute so it was nice to see the looks of surprise. People share such touching stories with me about their experiences with watching Battlestar and sharing it with loved ones. Its a great reminder of why we do what we do.
We understand you work with CARE Canada, a non-profit organization committed to fighting poverty. Tell us about your involvement.
My mother and I have been long time sponsors with Care. We’ve had foster children from all over the world. I’d love to work more closely with them particularly concerning Subsaharan Africa and women with in diaspora specifically. We’re working on being even more involved with them.
We hear you will next be seen in the upcoming drama Careful What You Wish For, opposite Dermot Mulroney & Nick Jonas. Can you tell us a little bit about this project?
I can’t really say too much other than its a sexy psychological thriller, a kind of whodunnit with an unexpected twist. My character Angie is another lone wolf type. She gets under everyone’s skin in her pursuit of the truth.
What else can our readers expect from you in the next year?
More modeling absolutely. There are projects in South Africa in the pipeline that I hope to be able to talk about soon. Also, I’ve recently been focusing on healthier eating and lifestyle choices. I’ve been madly obsessed with alternative foods and ways of preparing them. Having moved to the Caribbean and exploring the food culture there has been very inspiring as well. Not sure what exactly the future holds but it’s guaranteed to require a leap of faith.
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