10 Things about Ciera Payton
You grew up in New Orleans where inspiration is on the streets and lines the decor of the city. How did that translate in developing an acting career and how did you initially get your start?
New Orleans is such a dynamic city. Its a city full of culture, decadence, history and yet there’s an underbelly of poverty and struggle, at least from my experience and how I grew up. I remember the Mardi Gras parades, the good food, and yet, I remember witnessing drug use and visiting my father in prison. So, there was a huge dichotomy going on there. And, I think it all impacted me in deeper ways, because I so desired the world around me to be that magical place where everyone thrived and lived in full good health.
When I discovered acting at the age of, I’d say 8 years old, it was like entering into a magical place where I can use my voice, channel my emotions into characters, and inspire and spark hope in people, just by entertaining them. I saw how my Nana (my paternal grandmother) would light up when I sang Disney songs on the karaoke machine that my Aunt Peanut bought me. Nana was battling cancer at that time and just loved pulling up a chair and being my only audience member. It seemed to make things better, if only for that moment.
I remember when I joined the band in 4th grade, to play clarinet, my band teacher Mr. McGowen would tell us, “Now, you’re either gonna pick up a horn or a gun while living in this city. It’d be best if you pick up a horn.” And, that stuck with me. So for me, seeing creative expression all over New Orleans not only inspired me, but it gave me the fuel to use that inspiration to juxtapose the pain that was so present in the New Orleans I grew up in. That’s why New Orleans is so special and can serve as the defining city of soul and undeniable talent, because we know how to transform pain into poetry.
As you were coming up in the business, which actors and actresses inspired your career path and what were some of those reasons?
I remember watching Natalie Portman in The Professional and thought, “Wow, she made that role so real,” and I just wanted to be on screen like her, at her age doing that. Now, I didn’t get my start until later, but her performance lit something in me.
Then, watching Angelina Jolie in Gia, Girl Interrupted and of course Mr. & Mrs. Smith. She made me value strong, tough female characters who perfectly balances and embraces their femininity without exploiting it and/or being hyper sexualized.
And, of course, Halle Berry. The night she won her Oscar has been embedded in my brain like it was yesterday. She has such a beautiful quality to her work with yet an underbelly of raw emotion, (hello, have you seen Losing Isiah?!)
Denzel Washington is truly a master in my book. He’s THE master. His work and presence is so grounded, so real and so authentic. The minute he appears on screen, I’m drawn into his nuanced performances and just overall fearlessness. He knows how to just be. And, it’s simply beautiful to watch.
And lastly, JLo. She puts a big smile on my face. She’s someone who came from nothing and worked her butt off to get to where she is. She inspires me so much because she has weathered the storms of all the naysayers and has basically told us, especially women, that you can do it all, follow you heart, and have so much fun doing it. That’s what I try my best to keep in mind while I navigate this business; have fun!
Currently, you’re on BET’s “The Oval”. Tell us about that first meeting with Tyler Perry and discussing your role on the show.
I actually first met Tyler Perry through a chance meeting set up by Dr. Maya Angelou. I was a student of her’s at Wake Forest University. And, she became like a surrogate grandmother to me. I sat with her a few times at her house and told her how I was setting out to pursue a career in acting. Eventually, she did something that I thought no one in my life would ever do, she looked out for me and decided to call Tyler Perry and encouraged him to meet with me.
Yes, my mouth was agape, jaw to floor, eyes wide open. I was speechless and extremely grateful. A few weeks later, I flew out to Atlanta, while they were filming Madea Goes To Jail. I briefly met Tyler in the hallway of his first studio. I remember the feeling of my heart pounding out of my chest. Our hallway meeting maybe lasted five minutes. During those five minutes, he welcomed me to the studio and mentioned that there was something like an extra role that had yet to been cast and offered it to me. No lines but if I was interested I could do it. I jumped at the opportunity and said YES! We shook hands and next thing I knew, I was ushered into hair and makeup, next to Viola Davis and Keisha Knight Pulliam.
I tailed behind Viola Davis in the scene and once they yelled “cut”, I was shuttled off back to the airport. I didn’t get a change to tell Tyler “bye”. But, I knew deep down, that wouldn’t be the last time I’d work with him. And it wasn’t. Over the years I had auditioned for him for numerous projects. I kept getting close on some projects but just didn’t book them. Then, finally in 2017, I booked Madea’s Family Funeral, which would be almost 10 years later after meeting him on set of Madea Goes To Jail. Then, 2 years later, I booked Lilly Winthrop on The Oval. There wasn’t much discussion about the role. I felt that by this time, Tyler knew and trusted my work and that I had a good grasp on the role, given what I had presented throughout the audition process. However, he was always available and willing to answer questions that I had throughout the filming process. So, that’s how I met Tyler Perry and eventually landed the role of Lilly Winthrop.
As you already mentioned, on “The Oval”, you play the role of Lilly Winthrop. For those who have not tuned in just yet, what can you tell us about her personality and what you enjoyed most about bringing her character to life?
Lilly is an outsider to this world she naively signed up for. And, so she’s having to learn how to deal and work with a tyrannical First Lady, co-exist with her closeted husband, and work with a mysterious ex-ranger to guarantee her safety. So with that, her personality, I would say, under normal circumstances, is independent, reserved, and confident. But with all of the drama, she’s had to boss up and bring out her Watts background a few times. And, that’s where the fun lies for me. Coming from the 3rd ward of New Orleans and usually being the only one of my kind in some spaces, I’ve always kept it classy and diplomatic. So, I’ve never put myself in a position to let that girl from the 3rd ward out, but Lilly can and it’s fierce, honey!
What can fans and viewers alike expect to see from Lilly and the rest of the cast in the upcoming season?
More drama! More drama!
Another exciting project that you’re on is Lifetime’s “Wendy Williams”‘ biopic. Besides getting to play a well-known personality, what was it about the script that made you excited to be a part of this film?
I’ve always loved Wendy. I used to watch her show when I was living in New York. And I remember she gave some of the best advice to the young single girls asking dating questions in her Ask Wendy segment. And, I used to follow those sentiments as if they were coming from my Aunt Kathy.
So, fast forward years later to summer 2019, I kept getting tweets from some Wendy Williams Watchers (her fan base) suggesting that I play her if they do a biopic. I immediately thought, “Wow that would be super cool! Wendy is funny, opinionated, and yet, there’s something else there, something more beneath the surface. How cool would it be to play her?” And so, when I finally got cast and then read the script, I just knew that this was going to be something special. Wendy’s life is the great makings of an inspirational story. The script showed her resilience, her gusto and how she always got back up, no matter how hard she fell. And that spoke volumes to me. And so, I was thrilled to be hopping in her shoes! And what an amazing ride it was!
Without giving too much away, what are we in for when we watch the “Wendy Williams” biopic?
You’re going to see so much that you didn’t know about Wendy. You’re gonna laugh, cry, and be in total awe. Mainly, you’re going to fall in love with Wendy and have a renewed sense of adoration and respect for her.
If you weren’t working on your career in entertainment, what other career could you see yourself getting into?
I’d be a spy/CIA agent who moonlights as a pediatrician or veterinarian.
When it comes to fashion, which designers and styles are your favorites and fit your personality the most?
I love Ralph Lauren. It’s timeless, soft, and has that right amount of allure to be sensual and yet free. Ralph Lauren is by far one of my favorite luxury brands. I also have been on an Adidas kick since the quarantine began. I love working out in their dry fit and COLD.RDY leggings and then, getting comfortable and cozy in their sweatshirts. I’d say, they’re my go to quarantine apparel. Lastly, I adore Everlane. I love how they value sustainability and price transparency. They’re styles are comfortable, good quality and just feel so good on my skin. These three brands really describe and define my personality because they are a great representation of my all many moods and vibes.
We look forward to seeing your work on Lifetime’s “Wendy Williams” as well as BET’s “The Oval”. What other projects do you have coming up in the near future?
Well thank you very much for having me! What’s next, later this year my movie The Manor, which is a thriller/horror produced by Blumhouse will screen on Amazon. So please stay tuned!
Instagram: @CieraPayton
Twitter: @CieraPayton
Facebook: Actress Ciera Payton
Photographer: Emily Sandifer
Stylist: Jessica Paster
Hair: Mathilde Campos
Makeup: Carissa Ferreri