With a slew of different film and TV projects in the works right now, the 16-year-old actress talks career ambitions, what it’s like having Tiffany Haddish as her mother, plus the one beauty product she’s recently fallen for.
By Rachel Jacoby Zoldan
What’s your hometown like?
I grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and I actually still visit home pretty often. My hometown is really peaceful and my favorite thing to do is go on bike rides through the neighborhood and barbecue with my family.
And have you always wanted to be an actress?
Yes, I’ve wanted to be an actress since I was seven years old. I would always watch the credits of TV shows and look up the names because I knew that those were the people who could help me achieve my dream.
Tell me about your hit TBS show, The Last OG.
The Last OG is a unique show that shows life after incarceration in a hilarious way [and shows] the ups and downs of getting back on your feet after fifteen years and dealing with a family you didn’t even know you had. It’s a funny show to watch, but has lots of meaningful messages—everyone can enjoy it.
What's it like working with stars like Tiffany Haddish, who plays your mom?
Ms. Tiffany is so much fun to work with—she has become like a second mom to me! We’re always making jokes together, and in between takes, she likes to take time to teach me little things about the industry and life in general.
Is she like your mom IRL?
They’re actually pretty similar: They are both funny, love to travel and try new things. It makes it easier for me to relate to Tiffany as my mom on set because she is so much like my real mom. They get along really well, too- Tiffany even took my mom out on the town for her birthday!
What other projects are you loving right now?
Breakthrough was one of my favorite projects to film. It was actually my first movie, and it was my first time filming in Canada. The energy on set was amazing.
When you’re not on set, what are some of your hobbies?
I’m actually into good skincare and natural makeup, and sometimes no makeup at all. However, I’ve definitely been practicing my makeup skills. At BeautyCon, I learned a lot about the different makeup lines and how to blend products so don’t be surprised if I spice up my eyeshadow every now and then!
What are some of your favorite beauty products? Why?
Philosophy and Neutrogena are definitely my go-to brands for anything skin. As for my favorite makeup products, mascara and lipgloss will always be tops to me.
Anything else you do on your spare time?
I volunteer at different youth foundations such as Saving Our Daughters, which is a program for young girls that helps them form a positive community, stay focused in school, and helps them reach career and college goals they want to reach! I feel like sometimes we take little things for granted that other people may not have access to. So, I always try to contribute as much as I can when it comes to guiding the younger generation because you never know how much of an impact that one moment may have on their life.
Love that! Any more advice for young women—this time, for those who are looking to break into film and TV like you have?
I know everyone says it, but don’t give up on your goal. Sometimes things don’t work out the way you planned, or maybe the process is taking longer than you thought it would. That’s okay. It seems like dreams come true overnight, and that’s typically not accurate. It’s definitely a marathon and not a sprint. When you work hard and stay focused on your goal, you will find the perfect role for you. You may even surprise yourself when you find out what you’re capable of! Stay strong, pray, and believe in yourself and you can only go up from there.
Follow Taylor on instagram: @officialtaylormosby