IN CONVERSATION WITH LYRIC ROSS

interview by JANA LETONJA

Actress Lyric Ross stars in the highly anticipated Marvel series’Ironheart’, which premiered on Disney+ on 24th June. Her powerful performance as ‘Deja Pearson’ on NBC’s ‘This is Us’ cemented her as one of the most emotionally resonant young actors of her generation. Previously, Lyric also lent her voice to the character ‘Kat Koniqua Elliot’ in the Netflix stop-motion film ‘Wendell & Wild’. 

You captured hearts as Deja Pearson on ‘This Is Us’. What did playing such a deeply emotional character at a young age teach you, both as an actor and as a person?

Along with Deja, I slowly but surely learned the importance of vulnerability and communication. I was once told that I was having a hard time with crying scenes because I don’t give myself permission to cry in my personal time. That was true. There was also this fear I had in letting go, but in those times I found that there was a great deal of freedom and beauty in that release in lack of complete control. You start trusting where the moment takes you when you just let yourself be.

What was the biggest challenge stepping into a show with such a seasoned ensemble cast, and how did you rise to meet it?

Maybe acting like I was seasoned along with everyone else. Like I could hang and meet these folks at their level somehow, with my little to no experience. Convince them I can be a rookie as well as a vet.

You bring a unique vulnerability and strength to your roles. How do you prepare emotionally for characters dealing with themes like trauma, identity, or resilience?

Taking time to strictly focus on my breathing. I tend to get anxious before heavy scenes and I have a hard time being still. Whether it be physically, emotionally, mentally, or all the above. A couple of minutes of breath work can help relax or loosen you up a bit.

When you’re choosing a role, what draws you in? Is it the story, the character, the challenge, or something else?

It usually starts with the feeling I get from the overall story and if it completely takes me in. Then, if my potential part in it will stretch me as an artist. I tend to look for something drastically different from what I’ve done prior. I want to see how much range I have in me. I would like some type of substance within the character or story whether it be direct or not.

You’ve seamlessly transitioned between dramatic television and voice acting for animation. How do you approach those mediums differently?

I remember I had just gotten accustomed to the power of using your eyes or body language for everything the character is not saying. Now, all of your choices are projected through your voice alone. It was a great learning experience for me. I would like another chance at it to really get it down. Projection apparently is a major key and something I wasn’t very good at yet. It opened me up and forced me to be less timid.

 Next up, we’ll be seeing you in ‘Ironheart’. Without giving too much away, what can you tell us about Natalie Washington and what she brings to the series?

Natalie is an AI with human like tendencies created by RiRi Williams in the very image of her deceased best friend Natalie Washington. She is convinced that she is the Natalie who is no longer with us and she desires RiRi to receive her the same way she embraced her old friend. She is a protector, a confidant, a supporter. She is there to be whatever RiRi cannot be for herself. She is of service far more than a computer system. 

Marvel productions are known for their scale and secrecy. How was this experience different from your past roles, especially in terms of preparation and on-set energy?

Everything about ‘Ironheart’ was hush-hush while filming. The littlest things. Which was interesting, because of how huge production seemed while on set. It was impressive witnessing how they maintain keeping things under wraps. With ‘This Is Us’, the days weren’t as long and compacted. But then again, I also was ranked a little lower on the call sheet than I was with ‘Ironheart’. 

Do you feel a sense of responsibility as a rising voice of your generation?

Sometimes you get that feeling. It’s quite a delicate responsibility. If it’s being put on anyone, I hope people remember that we are all human and will allow that person to make mistakes. Imagine how scary it is to make them as a “public figure”. It’s important to give grace.

How do you stay grounded and connected to yourself amid such a fast-moving career in Hollywood?

Christ is my source for strength and real peace. I have to keep Him close. I also have some really solid people around me. Family, friends, even a couple in the business. I desire accountability in my relationships. I believe the right kind can keep you levelheaded.

What kind of roles or stories are you most excited to explore next?

There are so many worlds I have yet to step foot in. I’m just excited to explore original stories. Something that’s not necessarily on trend. Projects that captivate and never let go. I know it’s kind of a broad answer, but I do feel like I have a lot of ground to cover.

CREDITS

photography JJ GEIGER

styling ENRIQUE MELENDEZ

hair RANDY STODGHILL

makeup HENDRA NASRIL