10 Things with Danielle Moné Truitt
Like a true, “triple threat” artist, you began your career in theater. Did you grow up performing? What then ultimately drew you to TV and Film?
Yes! I started singing when I was 8 years old. Singing in church was a huge part of my life. I also started Drill Team/Stepping, around 8 years old and then was a cheerleader in high school. I performed in several talent shows growing up as well.
In College, I took a theatre class as an elective. My professor encouraged me to think about theatre as a major, even though I was already a psychology major. I auditioned for a Susie Lori Parks play entitled THE AMERICA PLAY and booked the lead role. I fell in love with the process of acting and theatre. Once I graduated, I started doing professional theatre and made the transition to Los Angeles to pursue TV and film. To answer honestly, there is more money and sometimes exposure in TV and Film, so that was one reason. But, I’ve also wanted to see more people on TV that look like me. So, why not try to become one of those people. A career in TV and Film can also open up opportunities to produce and direct, which are also things I would love to do.
Your breakout role on TV was Rebecca ‘Rebel’ Knight, of which we know you were specifically, hand picked by the late John Singleton. What an honor. Walk us through getting that call.
Well, I got the audition. Got a callback with John Singleton. It was one of the most memorable moments of my entire career. It’s not often you actually feel seen in an audition room. 4 months passed, so I assumed I didn’t get the role. I was performing in The Mountaintop at Matrix Theatre and Dreamgirls at La Miranda Theatre. My manager called and said that John wanted to do a 12 hour test shoot with me. I was in utter and complete shock. John spent 12 hours with me shooting footage to put a trailer together to convince BET that I was the woman for the role of Rebel. These are lengths he would go when he believed in you.
As we know, you have an impressive resume, from stage, to TV, film, and even voice over! What’s the transition like between the different entertainment avenues?
The transition is exciting. All in all, I think they all require the same thing. Vulnerability and Honesty. And you have to be willing to fail. That’s the only way you grow and learn. Theatre will always be the most exhilarating form of performance for me. But I’ve come to love the nuisance of TV and film acting.
Congratulations on joining the Law & Order family as Sergeant Ayanna Bell. Tell us more about your role and what it’s like being in the highly sought after from the show.
Thank you! This has all been a wild ride that I’m so grateful for. I love our cast, crew, writers, producers, directors! It’s just a dope group of people coming together to create this show. I’m so proud to be apart of it.
I play Ayanna Bell and she is fierce, loyal, compassionate, and bad ass. She is a black lesbian woman who is very much comfortable in her own skin. She is aware of the obstacles before her and the mountains she has had to climb to get where she is. She knows what she is capable of and she shows that daily as she leads The Organized Crime Task Force.
What other projects do you have going on, if you’re able to share?
I’ll be performing my One Woman Show 3:Black Girl Blues at B Street Theatre in Sacramento California June 2022. I’m really excited to get back on stage and share work that is close to my heart!
Would you consider yourself more of a beauty girl, fashion girl or both?
I would consider myself both!
How would you describe your personal style?
I’m definitely a person that dresses according to how I feel. I wouldn’t even say that I have one style in particular. You may see me one day in a cute sweatsuit and some sneakers. Then you may see me looking more glamorous. I just love to wear what makes me feel good!
How much does your Bay Area roots play into your personal style if at all?
I think being cute while comfortable is definitely a Northern Cali thing. Or it could just be that I’m 40 and I’m over my feet hurting and being cold to be cute. LOL.
When it comes to Red Carpets/Appearances, do you normally have an idea of how you’d like to look? Or are you open minded with your creative team?
I’m very open minded! It’s actually exciting to me to try different looks. Playing dress up has always been one of my favorite things to do!
On a normal day, how’re you walking out of the house – from hair and makeup, all the way down to your shoes.
Natural hair twist out, edges laid. Light make up. Maybe some lashes, mascara, light blush, bronzer, with a neutral or color lip. My outfit depends on where I’m going and how I feel that day. From Sweats, to Jeans, to a dress. I’m not much of a skirt girl. Shoes range from Sneakers, to flats, to doc Martin’s, to boots to stilletos. I am quick to wear some designer sneakers with a cute dress!
Instagram: @DanielleMoneTruitt
Twitter: @DaniMoneTruitt
Photos: Allen Zaki & Lorene Janae
Story by Janaé C. Long