Adriyan Rae

What is your background and how did you get involved in the entertainment industry?

My background is actually in science, so I was a scientist before I became an actor. While I was in the entertainment industry in Atlanta, I was on set for a video when they asked me to act in it. My first reaction was that I didn’t know how to act, but they encouraged me to do it anyway. After that encounter, I started taking acting classes and booked my first gig. Looking back on it, that day on set showed me what I wanted to do for a living, and here I am today.

You currently portray Elida in “Vagrant Queen.” What can you tell us about your character and the show?

The show is fun and different. It has characteristics from many different shows, but it is unique in its own way. I like to describe it as a light show in the sense that when you watch it, you forget about the horrible things on the news and get completely immersed in the story. Elida is my favorite character that I have ever played. She has a very hard exterior, but is actually a very warm and sweet person on the inside. She does what she has to do, and throughout the course of the show, she starts getting over her past trauma, which I really admire about her.

What first drew you to this project?

The first thing that drew me to this project was definitely the writing in the pilot because it genuinely made me laugh out loud. Jem Garrard is a great writer, so when I read her work, I instantly connected with the main character, Elida. When I saw that the project was female-driven, it just made me want to do it even more.

What was the audition process like and how did you react when you got the role?

The audition process was different because Jem was already in Cape Town, South Africa. Because of this, I auditioned via self-tape, sent it in, and got notes back pretty quickly, which I didn’t expect. After that, I sent in my second self-tape, and when I got the role, my manager called me and said, “Can I speak to Queen Elida?” Obviously, I freaked out because I was so happy. The funny thing is, I was actually in the grocery store when I got the call, and I was trying so hard to keep my cool even though I was screaming on the inside.

Elida is my favorite character that I have ever played. She has a very hard exterior, but is actually a very warm and sweet person on the inside.

Was there any kind of training involved in the preparation for this role?

Honestly, I didn’t really get a chance to prepare prior to filming as much as I would have liked because everything happened so fast. I went to the gym and did cardio so I could be prepared for my upcoming role. When I got to the location where we were filming, the stunt coordinators were very patient and helped me perfect my kicks, punches, stunts, and the general choreography for the fight scenes. We prepped really hard, three to four days per week.

Who are some artists that inspire you and your work as an actor?

My favorite actor is Benedict Cumberbatch, hands down. Debbie Allen is an inspiration to me because she’s such a strong and independent person who plays characters from such a unique point of view. We don’t see as many women of color in this industry as we should, so her career, along with that of Viola Davis, is an inspiration to me and to my work. She’s just phenomenal, and seeing her on-screen makes me want to bring as much authenticity as I can to my characters and do them justice.

What are some movies and TV shows everyone should watch?

“Succession” is an amazing show that, in my opinion, everyone should watch. I am really loving “The Outsider” at the moment. “Killing Eve” is another great choice, and the new season just started, which makes it perfect for watching at home right now.

How do you deal with the stress of the entertainment industry?

I meditate daily and do a lot of self-love practices. I also try to make sure that when I wake up every day, I actually wake up and am present in the moment, rather than just scrolling through my phone first thing in the morning. I think that my morning regimen is a big factor in helping me deal with the stress of the industry.

What are some things you hope to cross off your bucket list?

I would love to visit Greece, and I would also like to be in a studio film. Lastly, I want to get my scholarship off the ground. I want to give away scholarships to students in need who struggle financially, hopefully helping them achieve their dreams. Whenever you have an opportunity to give back to your community, go for it, because being able to do that is a blessing that not many people get.

What values are most important to you?

I find it really important for a person to be respectful and open-minded. These are two of the most important character traits someone can have because I don’t think you can actually have a meaningful conversation with someone who is not open to new ideas or who is not respectful of your ideas or beliefs. Lastly, a value that I appreciate is the ability to be compassionate. I feel like the world would be a better place if people were more compassionate and kind to one another.

What is your best memory from set?

The best memory from “Vagrant Queen” would have to be from our last day of shooting. We were doing the last scene of the season, and we knew we had finished it, but Jem wouldn’t yell, “Cut!” because she wasn’t ready for us to be finished. We were trying not to cry, and you could hear the director of photography in the background telling her to wrap the scene up because it was done. It was such an emotional day, and it just goes to show how close we got during filming and how much of a family we are.

What do you hope to achieve through your art?

I hope to positively impact as many people as I can. I hope that I can spread love, help others to be their best selves, and encourage them to strive for their dreams.