SSP STAFF WRITER: ENTERTAINMENT ZONE: June 12, 2020
Today, we got to catch up with a dear friend. It has been a pleasure watching her achieve her acting dreams on both the big screen (Save the Last Dance, The Rum Diary and Suburbicon) and the small screen (Moesha, Girlfriends and now the CW’s All American). Navigating the waters of Hollywood is no easy feat and to do it successfully is nearly impossible for many. So, it puts a great big smile on our face when someone we know takes on the Hollywood machine and wins.
Thank you for joining us Karimah Westbrook.
SSP: Tell our followers a little bit about yourself.
KW: I was born and raised in Chicago. I’m the youngest of two. I moved to Los Angeles to pursue my career as an actress. In later years, I’ve implemented writing and producing. I love spending time in nature.
SSP: What attracted you to begin a career as an actor?
KW: It was a lot of fun for me as a kid. I didn’t know it was actually a career until I was a teenager. Actress Whoopi Goldberg was my inspiration.
SSP: Was it harder to get started or to keep going? What was the particular thing that you had to conquer to do either?
KW: My excitement about it all never made it feel hard in the very beginning. As time went on, it became more frustrating because I wasn’t where I wanted to be and you get told no a lot in this business. The challenge of working a survival job as well as getting to auditions made it frustrating as well. The thing I had to conquer was my negative thinking. I had to always remind myself that my dream was possible but it’s a process of getting to that place or obtaining those types of opportunities you desire.
SSP: When was your first major role as an actor?
KW: To me my first major role as an actor was in the film Save the Last Dance. I only had two lines but it was major to me,
SSP: How did you land the role of Grace James on All American?
KW: My talent agent got me an audition for the role of Grace James. After several auditions, I ended up getting cast in the role.
SSP: What do you love about this character?
KW: I love that Grace James is a mom raising two young black boys in America. I love that one’s a teenager. Every mother wants to protect their children, guide them and ensure that they will do well in life. I think it adds additional layers to my work as an actress when I consider the reality that a lot of young black children in certain neighborhoods face. My character is aware of that so she fights, she’s a fighter on so many levels for so many reasons.
SSP: What’s the biggest challenge about taking on this role?
KW: My biggest challenge was getting past the fact that I’m not actually a mom. I didn’t think I would be believable.
SSP: What’s been your favorite Grace James moment?
KW: I have so many favorite Grace James moments but I think my favorite Grace James moment was when Corey James returns after abandoning the family for eight years and she finally gets a chance to tell him how she feels about it. It was really satisfying.
SSP: Have you progressed in your acting career as you have expected?
KW: I had a dream, I never knew how it would all play out but I believed that it would happen. I definitely expected to progress in my career and being a series regular on a drama television series was one of my biggest dreams. There’s so much more I look forward to doing as well though.
SSP: What was the most important lesson you had to learn that has had a positive effect on your career? How did that lesson happen?
KW: If the role is meant for you, you will book it. I think acting is a very spiritual craft and there are other life elements at play when you book a role. There’s something deeper at play when you book a role. You are truly the one meant to play it because of something inside of you. I don’t remember how that understanding happened but it’s just what I believe from observation over the years.
SSP: How do you seek out roles?
KW: I like to look at the overall story that’s being told and I’m open to portray many types of characters. I did a lot of character work when I first started and I like those because they’re typically very fun to play and require a lot of research. I feel like I’m completely transforming.
SSP: Who are your biggest influences?
KW: I have so many but here’s a few…Whoopi Goldberg, Alfre Woodard, Regina King, Issa Rae, Mara Brock Akil.
SSP: What are personal attributes that make for a good actor, and what do you do to foster them?
KW: A good actor knows who they are. I also think a good actor continues to study their craft. If I’m not in an actual class, I do read books on acting or watch videos online. I go to plays. I research the different approaches to acting and I’ve watched actual classes online. Just stay creative and practice being in the moment and authentic.
SSP: When you suffer a setback, how does that emotionally affect you and your work?
KW: I’m not for sure. Sometimes I shut down emotionally. I know that’s not helpful because you need to be open and vunerable to access your emotions in acting.
SSP: Of all the roles you have played in the past, which is your favorite?
KW: My favorite role was a character named LaShon from an indie film entitled Truth Hall.
SSP: What has been your greatest accomplishment as an actor?
KW: I think believing in myself and pursuing my dreams to become and actor and achieving it is my greatest accomplishment as an actor.
SSP: In which area would you like to improve as an actor?
KW: I don’t know if there’s a specific area but I definitely want to continue to grow within my craft as an actor.
SSP: What sort of acting roles will you be seeking in the future?
KW: I would like to tell real life stories or portray some historical figures. I will never put myself in a box in regards to types of acting roles I want to play, overall I just want to tell good stories.
SSP: Are you on social media and do you use it in your work? Why or why not?
KW: I am on social media and I do use it for work. Everyone typically goes online to research people, social media platforms are a good way to showcase who you are and what you do. It’s a great addition to having a website.
SSP: What is your favorite movie?
KW: The Color Purple and The Best Man
SSP: What celebrity would you rate as a perfect 10?
KW: Alfre Woodard
SSP: If someone was going to make your life into a movie, who would play you?
KW: Shirley Chisholm
Thanks for your time today Karimah! We are so proud of all your success!
If you have not checked out “ALL AMERICAN,” you can binge watch Season 1 and Season 2 on NETFLIX! Don’t miss this great show! Thank you CW!!
You can also see Ms. Westbrook in our indie short film “CAGED” on Revry TV July 24, 2020! Or on YouTube by Clicking here!
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Until next time, live your passion and chase your dreams!
SSP
