IN CONVERSATION WITH BRANDEE EVANS

interview by JANA LETONJA
photography KELVIN BULLUCK

Brandee Evans has made a name for herself as one of television’s most compelling performers, first captivating audiences with her layered, emotionally raw portrayal of Mercedes on the hit Starz series ‘P-Valley’. Now, she’s stepping into a sharp new role on Hulu’s legal drama ‘Reasonable Doubt’, where she plays Monica, the quick-witted agent of a former child star caught in a swirl of scandal. With the series’ highly anticipated new season premiering on 18th September, Brandee is ready to showcase another side of her artistry—one that continues her tradition of bringing depth, grit, and nuance to every character she inhabits.

You are joining ‘Reasonable Doubt’. What drew you to the role of Monica?

What pulled me in was how sharp Monica is. She’s quick on her feet, knows how to handle herself, and there’s so much more going on underneath that polished exterior. Monica plays the game, but she’s not playing with anybody. I love when a character makes you lean in and go “Wait, who is she really?” That kind of depth excites me as an actor.

Monica has such a complex dynamic with Ozzie. How did you approach building that relationship on screen 

There’s definitely some history between Monica and Ozzie, and we really wanted that to feel authentic. I always try to find the heart in every relationship, even when it’s messy. Fun fact, Kyle Bary, who plays Ozzie, and I hung out a lot off set. We’re both super active, so we’d go biking or hit the gym, and that helped build a real connection. He’s such a good person and so talented, which made the chemistry on screen feel easy.

What excites you most about being part of this show’s third season?

First of all, this is one of my favorite shows. I was literally praying for the opportunity to be a part of it. Walking onto that set was a full circle moment for me. Season three goes deeper. Everything’s more layered, more intense, and the characters really have to face the parts of themselves they’ve been avoiding. For Monica, you’ll see some cracks in the armor, and that is where things get really interesting. I can’t wait for people to see that unfold 

‘Reasonable Doubt’ blends legal drama with personal stakes. How do you see Monica fitting into that world?

Monica may not be in the courtroom, but let me tell you, she knows how to work a room. She’s the one behind the scenes making those power moves, controlling the narrative, and deciding how the public sees things. That is a whole different kind of influence. She’s not loud about it, but she knows what she’s doing, and people don’t even realize she’s steering the ship until it is already docked.

The show is executive-produced by Kerry Washington. What was it like collaborating under her leadership?

This is actually my second time working with Kerry. We did ‘UnPrisoned’ together, and now we’re back at it. Every show she is part of has this beautiful balance of professionalism and fun. She leads with so much grace, power, and intention. You feel supported, seen, and challenged all at once. For a Black woman in this industry, that kind of environment is everything. I am just really grateful

How do you prepare to embody characters who are strong on the surface but carry deeper complexities underneath?

I always ask myself what is behind her strength. Because strength does not just show up, it comes from experience, from pain, from surviving. I will journal as the character and really think about what she has been through, what she is still carrying, what she is trying to protect. It is not just about showing confidence, it is about revealing what it took to build that strength and what it costs her to hold onto it.

How important is it for you to take on projects that expand representation of multifaceted Black women on screen?

That is the mission, period. I want little Black girls and grown Black women too to look at the screen and feel seen. We are not just one thing. We can be bold and soft, fierce and vulnerable, put together and still healing. I want to play characters that show that full range because that is what real life looks like. That is the truth I am always chasing in my work.

What did you find most refreshing about stepping into a legal drama after working in a series like ‘P-Valley’?

I was so excited to step into someone completely different. Having played Mercedes, I really wanted to challenge myself with something that felt like a new world. ‘P-Valley’ and ‘Reasonable Doubt’ both deal with truth and survival, but they live in very different worlds. Monica’s power is quiet and calculated. She does not need to say much, she just is. That shift was so refreshing for me as an artist.

Off screen, how do you decompress after portraying such emotionally demanding characters?

Off screen, I am a caregiver first. Spending time with my mom, who is living with Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer’s, is something that keeps me grounded and gives me purpose. That is my heart. But I also make sure to take care of myself. Self care is non negotiable. I love going to the movies, checking out plays, hiking, working out, anything that gives me peace and joy. That is how I recharge.

How does your background as a dancer and choreographer inform your acting process?

My background as a dancer and choreographer is something I cherish, but that part of my life is in the past now. What stayed with me most is the patience, the grace, and the deep connection to my body and emotions. Those lessons still gently guide me in how I move, how I listen, and how I bring truth to each character. I’m really grateful for that foundation because it helps me show up fully and with heart every time.

With ‘Reasonable Doubt’ streaming weekly, what are you most excited for audiences to see unfold this season?

I think fans are really going to be surprised by Monica. She is not just the agent, she is involved in way more than people realize. As the season unfolds, you will start to see how connected she really is to everything. And as for the show in general, the drama is real, the stakes are high, and everybody is walking a tightrope. No one is making it out clean, and that is what makes it so good

Looking ahead, what kinds of stories or roles do you hope to explore next in your career? 

I want to keep stretching myself. I have done some heavy roles, and I have loved that, but I am also ready to show my funny side. I want to do more comedy and dive into some juicy movie roles. At the end of the day, I just want to keep telling the truth through my work. Whether it is a dramatic moment or something lighthearted, if it is honest and full of heart, that is where I want to be.