IN CONVERSATION WITH TENIKA DAVIS
interview by JANA LETONJA
Tenika Davis is stepping into history and breaking barriers as the first female gladiator in STARZ’s highly anticipated ‘Spartacus: House of Ashur’, premiering on 5th December. Portraying the fierce and fearless Achillia, she brings both physical strength and emotional depth to a role that reimagines power and womanhood in ancient Rome. Known for her dynamic presence and undeniable charisma, the Canadian actress first rose to fame as a finalist on ‘Canada’s Next Top Model’ before signing with Ford Models and transitioning seamlessly into acting. With standout roles in ‘Jumping the Broom’, ‘Jupiter’s Legacy’, ‘Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities’, and ‘Wrong Turn 4’, Tenika continues to defy expectations on screen. Off set, she’s passionate about beauty, travel, wellness, and self-development, a balance of grit and grace that makes her one of television’s most magnetic new leads.
‘Spartacus: House of Ashur’ introduces the franchise’s first female gladiator, which is a huge milestone. How did it feel stepping into such a groundbreaking role?
It was an absolute honor and a dream come true. All the years of training, discipline, and dedication I’d poured into my craft, often in the dark and unseen, felt like they were finally being rewarded in this moment. Portraying Achillia, the first female gladiator in the ‘Spartacus’ franchise, is truly the role of a lifetime. She embodies strength, resilience, and courage, and stepping into her life was both empowering and transformative.
The ‘Spartacus’ universe is known for its intensity and physicality. What kind of training or preparation did you go through to embody a gladiator?
I’ve trained in Taekwondo for many years, often competing alongside both men and women. That foundation gave me the strength, precision, and discipline I needed to step into the world of ‘Spartacus’. But beyond the physical preparation, there’s also life’s training, the inner work. Every day, no matter how difficult things get, I remind myself that I am a gladiator. I may take hits, but I always get back up. I defy odds. I’m unstoppable. I’ve learned to trust that the strength I cultivate within will always manifest in my reality, both on screen and in life.
How did you balance the physical demands of the role with the emotional depth Achillia brings to the series?
With deep gratitude. There were days I was in pain, days I was utterly exhausted, but I welcomed it. Every ache, every bruise, every scream was in service of telling Achillia’s truth. I didn’t run from the pain, I used it. It became her strength, her rage, her resilience. My lifestyle has always been rooted in training and discipline, so in many ways, life prepared me for this role. Art has a beautiful way of reflecting life, and I found that my own battles helped me tap into the depth of Achillia’s, her hunger, her heart, her fight to survive.
What can fans expect from ‘Spartacus: House of Ashur’ that feels new compared to previous ‘Spartacus’ installments?
‘Spartacus: House of Ashur’ doesn’t just raise the stakes, it rewrites the rules. This telling shakes the foundations of the House with a fierce female Gladiatrix who proves she can go sword-to-sword with any of her male counterparts. It’s bold, bloody, and unapologetically powerful. Fans are in for an epic ride that’s as thrilling as it is heart-wrenching, and trust me, Achillia will leave her mark long after the battle ends.
The show explores themes of power, survival, and identity. Did any of those themes resonate with you personally?
Absolutely. The themes of power, survival, and identity run deep in ‘Spartacus: House of Ashur’, and they resonate with me on a very personal level. This series doesn’t just showcase gladiators in the arena, it highlights the strength and spirit of those society often overlooks. We meet a powerful Black Gladiatrix, a trio of formidable little persons, and a spectrum of queer characters and other underdogs, all defying expectation, all fighting for their place in the world. It’s a powerful reminder that greatness isn’t defined by appearance, class, or background. It’s defined by the size of the fight within you.
You’ve built such a dynamic career, from ‘Canada’s Next Top Model’ to acting alongside legends like Angela Bassett and Paula Patton. How do you look back on that evolution?
Angela Bassett was on my vision board. Years later, standing beside her reminded me dreams don’t just come true, they prepare you for what’s next. It felt like divine alignment.Working with Angela and Paula Patton was a masterclass in artistry and grace, a reminder of why I fell in love with storytelling. They are powerhouse talents and extraordinary human beings, and to learn from them, both on and off the screen, was an incredible gift. It reminded me that storytelling isn’t about fame, it’s about legacy.
What has been your most defining “pinch-me” moment in your career so far?
I’ve always been a huge sci-fi and fantasy nerd, so going to San Diego Comic-Con was a lifelong dream. When Starz unveiled ‘Spartacus: House of Ashur’ there, it was beyond anything I could’ve imagined. My face as Achillia was everywhere, towering over buildings, splashed across posters, and draped on banners throughout the streets. It completely blew my mind. I actually cried. It was one of those surreal, full-circle moments where I thought “Wow, this is really happening”. To see Achillia brought to life in such an epic way, and to feel the love and energy from the fans, it was pure magic. I truly believe the world is going to fall in love with her, and with this show, just as much as I have.
You’ve always had a strong connection to beauty and self-expression. How does that play into your daily life and your preparation for roles?
For me, beauty begins within. I meditate and pray every day that my soul and heart will shine through in everything I do, especially in the characters I bring to life. I see acting as a form of service, a way to reflect light and truth back into the world. I refuse to let anything dim that light. When I’m fully connected — heart, mind, and spirit — that’s when I feel most aligned, most alive, and most beautiful.
Playing a gladiator is the ultimate power role. What makes you feel powerful and confident off-camera?
Off-camera, what makes me feel powerful is love. Plain and simple. I love people, and I truly believe love is the greatest power we have and can give. When I’m grounded in that energy, connected and aligned with my higher power, everything else flows. And of course, a great pair of combat boots never hurts. There’s something about putting them on that reminds me I can handle whatever the day throws my way.
Do you have any rituals for staying grounded, whether through wellness, fitness, or spirituality?
Every morning, I sit in stillness, speak my gratitude out loud, and thank God I’m alive. That’s how I create my day, with grace and intention. It keeps my spirit anchored and my heart open.
As someone who came from the modeling world, how has your relationship with beauty and body image evolved over time?
When I first entered modeling, my idea of beauty was external. I sought validation from casting rooms, cameras, and the world. Growing up, I thought my dark skin was something to overcome because that’s what the images around me implied. But that struggle became a gift. It lit a fire in me to redefine what beauty truly means.
Now, I know beauty isn’t one shade or standard. It comes from self-acceptance, compassion, and the courage to be seen exactly as you are. Achillia and I share that truth. What the world once called a flaw, we turned into our greatest power.
Looking ahead, what kinds of stories or collaborations are you most excited to explore after ‘Spartacus: House of Ashur’?
Everything I’ve lived, every battle I’ve faced, has prepared me for this moment, to stand in my truth and tell stories that awaken strength in others. Whether goddess or gladiator, I’m drawn to characters who bend reality and learn to own their power.
TEAM CREDITS:
photography JESSE VOLK
styling LUCA KINGSTON
makeup AARON PAUL
hair RANDY STODGHILL
