IN CONVERSATION WITH CRYSTLE STEWART
interview JANA LETONJA
Crystle Stewart’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless ambition. From being crowned Miss USA in 2008 to building a multifaceted career as an actress, educator, and advocate, she has continually evolved while staying true to her purpose. She stars as Mallory in Netflix’s breakout hit ‘Beauty in Black’, which is premiering its second season on 11th September. Her powerful performance in the 16-episode drama, which dives deep into power, ambition, and betrayal in the world of a cosmetics empire, marks a defining moment in her acting career. Known for standout roles in ‘For Better or Worse’, ‘Too Close to Home’, and films like ‘Acrimony’ and ‘Good Deeds’, Crystle continues to prove her versatility and staying power.
Congratulations on the success of ‘Beauty in Black’. How does it feel to be part of the #1 most-watched English-language show on Netflix?
It’s a dream I’ve carried since the very beginning, and now it feels like I’m living inside that dream. To know that millions of people around the world are connecting with this story, and with Mallory, fills me with so much gratitude. It’s humbling, thrilling, and honestly, a little surreal to wake up and see those numbers.
What drew you to the role of Mallory, and what did you find most challenging or rewarding about portraying her?
Mallory is magnetic. She’s a woman who can walk into a room and command it without saying a word, yet she’s layered with complexities and contradictions. I was fascinated by the challenge of showing her steel and her portrayal of kindness, sometimes in the same breath. The most rewarding part has been hearing from viewers who say “I see myself in her”, but hopefully they are referring to the assertive, business savvy side of Mallory and not the bitchiness.
The show dives deep into themes of power, ambition, and betrayal. How did you prepare emotionally and mentally to bring those dynamics to life?
I prepared by really studying Mallory’s motivations, understanding not just what she does, but why she does it. I looked at her relationships, her ambitions, and the pressures she faces, and then layered in my own life experiences, moments when I’ve had to navigate ambition, loyalty, and high-stakes choices. That blend of imagination and personal truth made her decisions feel authentic, even when they’re complicated.
What can fans expect from Season 2, releasing on 11th September? Are there any major shifts or developments in Mallory’s journey?
Season 2 is like stepping onto a rollercoaster and realizing the track goes higher, faster, and darker than you imagined. Mallory will face choices that push her to the brink morally, emotionally, and professionally. And just when you think you know her, she’ll surprise you. Expect twists that will have you talking long after the credits roll.
You’ve been in the public eye since winning Miss USA in 2008. How have you navigated such a dynamic career path—pageantry, acting, education, advocacy?
By embracing the art of reinvention. Each chapter of my career has built on the last, but I’ve never been afraid to pivot when my passions or goals evolved. The common thread has always been purpose. Whether I’m competing, acting, teaching, or advocating, I’m committed to inspiring and empowering others.
Resilience is a recurring theme in your life. Can you share a moment in your career where you had to reinvent yourself or take a bold risk?
One of my boldest moves was stepping away from the security of what I knew to dive headfirst into acting. It meant starting over, proving myself all over again, and hearing some “nos” before the “yes” that changed everything. That leap taught me that fear is often just an invitation to grow.
How do you stay grounded and focused in an industry that’s constantly evolving and often unpredictable?
Faith keeps me centered, family keeps me real, and self-care keeps me strong. I start my days with prayer, I protect my energy with healthy boundaries, and I stay surrounded by people who remind me who I am when the noise gets loud.
What does success mean to you now, compared to when you first entered the entertainment industry?
In the beginning, success was setting a goal and achieving it. Now, it’s about alignment. Am I telling stories that matter? Am I growing as an artist and as a woman? Am I leaving something meaningful behind? If the answer is yes, that’s my definition of success.
You’ve also been a mentor and educator in the arts. How does that experience inform your work on set?
Mentoring taught me the value of patience, empathy, and preparation. It also showed me that leadership isn’t about being the loudest in the room, it’s about elevating everyone in it. On set, I carry that with me, respecting every person’s role in bringing a story to life.
What’s next for you, both professionally and personally? Any new projects or initiatives on the horizon?
I’m stepping into a new chapter, producing. I have a couple of TV shows in development that I’m beyond excited about, each with fresh, bold storytelling at its core. I want to bring narratives to the screen that reflect diverse voices, unexpected perspectives, and stories we haven’t seen yet. Personally, I’m creating more space for joy, meaningful connections, and the kind of growth that comes when you dare to dream bigger.
CREDITS
photography CHRISEAN ROSE
