The lovely Teyana Taylor is set to make her big screen debut in Tyler Perry’s “Madea’s Big Happy Family.” The young actress sat down with GlobalGrind for an exclusive interview about her new role, how it was working with Tyler Perry and how he told her not to sweat the small stuff. Check out our interview and be sure to go see Madea’s Big Happy Family.
GlobalGrind: This is a very well known cast and you also have Tyler Perry at the helm. What was your preparation like for this role and did you feel any pressure working with so many talented people?
Teyana Taylor: Oh my God no I actually I didn’t. You know how when people do movies they go on set and they do their job and that’s that. We were really like one big happy family. We emotionally, mentally and physically got into our characters, so it made it really, really fun. The chemistry was there between everybody. It was just amazing to work with so many talented people. It was just like ‘Wow!’ The whole time I just felt so blessed and I thanked God every single day that I even had this opportunity to work with such a cast like that.
This is your second film and your first big screen release. What was it like seeing yourself on the big screen for the first time?
It felt so awkward! I went to the premiere and was watching the film and I kept closing my eyes. It felt weird but I liked it. Seeing myself on the big screen was pretty good! I was super nervous to see myself. Even though I had a lot of funny parts I didn’t even laugh at myself… But it turned out really good.
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How are you expecting to be received by the audience?
Well I already know. As soon as everybody leaves that theater I’m not gonna stop hearing (my funniest line). At the premiere at end of the movie so many people were walking around saying (it). That’s one of the major highlights in the movie. Once it comes out on Friday I won’t stop hearing that.
Working with Tyler Perry, what did you learn on set and how can you apply it to your everyday life?
One thing I’ve learned is to be grateful, which I’ve always been. But me and Tyler have had plenty of heart-to-hearts and I learned that there are many people, the right people, who really, really believe in me. I’m always on blogs and people have their different comments, but when someone legendary tells you they got you and they believe in you and how talented you are, it really gives you that confidence. Also, live life like it’s your last. You might be here today and gone tomorrow, so just appreciate life. Don’t argue and get upset about the small things. People who are less fortunate don’t really have as much as you do that are going through way worse but they ain’t complaining you know? So why complain over the smallest things. Like this man’s story is so powerful. Living out of his car, to being a legend. I feel like young people get mad at the smallest things but don’t turn around and think about how blessed they are. Just treat everybody with respect and treat everybody like they have a story.
Over the past year you’ve been on the blogs a lot. There have been a lot of rumors about you in the media.
Over the past six years! (laughs)
Was it a distraction while you were filming this movie?
Definitely, definitely. There was a lot going on, you know? It was very hurtful. I was very sensitive about it because of the fact that I DO work so hard and sometimes I feel like I don’t get the credit I deserve. I’m at a point where I have to let my talent, or let my work, speak for itself. I have a movie coming out nationwide and it’s just like at this point there’s nothing you can tell me to bring me down, you know? It’s a big year for me and I have a lot going on so, it is what it is. Blogs are gonna be blogs and I guess all press is good press like they say. Honestly if I really wasn’t a factor or I really wasn’t important or irrelevant, blogs wouldn’t have time to talk about me 365 days of the year. It’s not like you only see me on blogs once in awhile. I’m on every single blog every single day.
At the same time it can be a curse AND a blessing. Sometimes I’m very hurt by the things they say. Sometimes I really sit back and think about it like, ‘Dang I must really be climbing to the top a little bit’ because I’m constantly talked about, whether it’s good or bad. If I didn’t matter they wouldn’t write about me at all. So I feel like if they stop talking then that’s when I need to be like ‘Ummm okay… what’s going on?’ That’s when you got a major problem – when they stop talking.
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Tyler was on the blogs lately too. He has a little issue with Spike Lee. Did you hear about that and if so, what did you think of it?
Honestly, I don’t ever want to do anything that I wouldn’t want done to me. When I saw the headlines and all the blogs, I skipped right by it. I’m not that kind of person who’s gonna read and be like ‘Oh my God, this is what happened!?’ I feel like it’s a bunch of trivial stuff. Whatever. Being young and being an African-American I feel like we all need to come together and really support each other. We’re doing really good and I love both Spike Lee and Tyler Perry. I think they’re both two amazing directors and hopefully they’ll get past it and live happily ever after. I think everybody has their moments when they’re going through what they’re going through, but you just got to stay strong as young black people that are really coming up in this industry.
You are in position in the front of the new class of Black Hollywood, especially with this role. How do you feel? Are you ready to take the torch and to be in the front of the people who are leading the way in Black Hollywood?
Yes! Definitely, definitely. I’ve been ready for that since I was 16. Over the past six years I’ve felt like I could lead the way and change the world even when it comes to fashion. You know my style… I’ve always felt like I was ready to lead the way and my turn will come and I feel like it’s my turn now and it’s my job to pick up the torch and lead the way for all those young people.
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Who is your favorite Hollywood family?
Dang that’s a good question! I would definitely have to say Will Smith, Jada, Willow and Jaden. That family is just so powerful and so talented. To see that many talented people in one family and do their own thing. Even with Jaden and Willow they’re not just saying ‘Oh God my parents are Will and Jada. I’m gonna walk around and live off that.’ They’re doing their own thing and working hard, very talented, style of their own. I just think that’s one inspiring family. I would definitely put them at the top of my list of favorite Hollywood families.
Who’s your favorite person to follow on Twitter?
Uhhhhh… I have so many followers and am so busy responding back. I follow all my supporters, all my Team Teyana pages, Teyana blog, all of them. They’re so supportive. I follow my biggest fans and I love following them… Big shout out to Team Teyana. They’re amazing because sometimes they post stuff that I didn’t even know about. They’ll post a cute new picture of me and I’ll save it to my desktop. I just love following them because they keep me updated on the latest things that are going on with me. They’re very supportive and they’re very overprotective of me. I definitely have to say #1 is Team Teyana.
