Daniele Lawson is the next big thing and you heard it here first! Based in Los Angeles, Daniele Lawson is an actress taking the world by storm! You can look forward to spotting her in the recently released “King Richard”: the inspirational tale of Richard Williams, a dedicated father who aided his daughters Venus and Serena Williams on the road to athletic domination. Daniele plays their supportive older sister, Isha Price, and WOWs us all on the big screen with her incredible performance. With more than a decade of experience, Daniele raises above and beyond all expectations as a teen in the entertainment industry.

It is not a surprise that Daniele values the importance of being a master in her craft and acknowledges the challenges that come with being truly dedicated to her field of work. She does this all while finishing high school, which attests to her unrelenting ability to excel in adversity. Not only is she an up-and-coming actress, but she also values humanitarianism. Daniele’s advocacy for organizations like the “Looking Ahead Program”, which gives young actors like herself resources to share with their community, reinforces her drive for leadership and success. Jejune is ecstatic to interview a girl as complex as Daniele! This editorial feature touches on Daniele’s experience as Isha Price, her ways of giving back to those in need, and what it's like working adjacent seasoned actors like Will Smith! For more of Daniele please continue reading the interview below!

Where are you based?
I was born and raised in sunny Los Angeles, California!

You began your career in the entertainment industry at the incredible age of two. Was acting something you always wanted to pursue?
I started off as a dancer at the age of two. When I was six, I started acting and it just clicked with me. I had so much fun on set, so that’s when I knew that this career is what I want to do for the rest of my life.

Training for a decade in your profession is no joke, and you manage to do it gracefully, what did your acting and roles look like for you in the beginning?
I began with many supporting roles and commercials. My first gig was a national Toyota commercial. Whether it is theatre, tv, or commercials, I enjoy every aspect of acting.

You can be seen in recurring roles in iconic shows like CSI: Cyber, Young Sheldon, Mixed-Ish, and Good Trouble. What is a lesson you have kept with you as you grow and evolve as an artist?
As I grow as an artist, I have learned the importance of being on top of my craft. Whether that is school or acting, I have learned to do everything in excellence and strive to be my best that I can be.

How do you prepare for a role?
When preparing for a role, I work with an acting coach, Sonya Leslie. We do lots of scene study and character analysis together, so that I can dig deep and put myself in the shoes of the characters I embody. This way, I can tell their stories better and on a deeper level.

What are some obstacles you have faced while stepping into a character’s shoes, and what advice would you give to those who are starting out in the industry?
Sometimes I face doubt, and being an actor it is not always easy to deal with. Sometimes, it is a challenge to completely remove yourself and get completely into the character you are playing. It is so important to have faith in yourself and constantly remind yourself that you can do anything you put your mind to. My advice to others is to believe in yourself and don’t give into any doubts.

Congratulations on one of your latest projects “King Richard”! This highly anticipated movie tells the story of Richard Williams (The father of Serena and Venus Williams) and his unyielding determination to train and make his girls' athletic superstars. Can you tell us a bit about your role as Isha Price?
Thanks so much! Isha Price is one of Venus and Serena’s older sisters. She is such a loving and supportive person for her siblings. Isha loves to cook, read, and sing, as well as, dance with her sisters. This character is the epitome of a nurturing and supportive sibling, who is also Venus and Serena’s biggest fan.

What do you think it would have felt like to be the half sister to Serena and Venus Williams?
I envision it would have felt like a sorority of actual sisters. The whole family who are pushing each other for greatness in whichever career field they were in. I believe the whole family was big on support, and the sisters grew up as best friends.

Speaking of which, how was it working alongside them?
Working with Demi, Saniyya, Mikayla, and Layla was nothing short of one of the best experiences in my life. I had such an amazing time working with my co-stars who also became my friends! While filming we became super close. We have so many fun memories on set that I’ll cherish forever. I hope to work with them again in future projects.

Did you get to play any tennis for the film?
I didn’t play any tennis for the film, but I did play a lot between takes. It was an awesome experience.

What is it like working with Will Smith? What is some advice you have taken with you from the actors you have worked with over the past decade?
Working with Mr. Smith has been life changing! He is so humble and kind. He made everyday on set so fun and it was such a pleasure working with him. I have learned that it is so important to go the extra mile to be kind to others and show up to work on time and ready to learn and be creative. Working with this cast has elevated my work ethic, strive, and determination.

What has been your favorite role by far?
Playing Isha has been my favorite role so far! Getting to know the real Isha Price and learning more about her was a great experience overall.

What genre of movies are you drawn to? What is a genre that you hope to do in future projects?
I love drama movies. I find them to be so captivating and I enjoy watching them. I don’t want to limit myself, so I hope to star in as many different genres so I can expand my range. I would love to star in an action movie next, as that is at the top of my list.

Thank you for being such a big advocate for helping to end homelessness! Jejune is big on humanitarian work and we appreciate the work you do on and off the screen! Can you tell us more about the “Looking Ahead Program” with SAG-AFTRA, their mission, and your role in the organization?
Humanitarian work is one of my passions. I’m so happy that I can make a difference and help others. “Looking Ahead” is a space where young actors can talk about their feelings and important issues that matter to them. I have been a part of their organization for many years, and they provide many opportunities for youth actors to give back to the community. For now, I am a member but in the future, I would like to be in a position of leadership to continue and expand the work of their program.

You also are heavily involved in fighting against race and gender injustices. Would you consider yourself an activist and how would you encourage others to use their platforms to inspire change?
I consider myself an upcoming activist, revealing injustices that I come across on my platform. I hope to encourage others to use their platforms to speak against injustice, call it out, and create spaces of acceptance and support to spark change for my generations and future generations to come.

What is your hope for humanity?
I hope that we can be more kind to each other, and that all the violence and chaos will end. I also hope we can learn to love one another despite our beautiful differences.

Can you please share a goal, either professionally or personally, that you wish to achieve?
I wish to earn a Master of Arts in college and continue to pursue my acting career. Eventually, I want to also write, produce, and direct on top of acting.

Can you share with your fans any upcoming projects that they should be aware of?
Right now, I am auditioning and finishing high school. I’m really excited for my new chapter in going to college. I’m super excited to see what the future holds.

How have you stayed positive during the last 2 years with Covid and the lockdowns? Have you gone back to normal?
It has been hard, but I have tried to stay positive. I lost family members to Covid-19, and that has been very difficult for me to accept, but overall I have faith that the current state of our world will get better. I haven’t completely gone back to normal, but as we continue to attempt to return back to normal, I will do my part to keep myself and others safe.

What is your motto in life?
I think my motto is: “Be prepared for the unexpected.” This is more of a positive motto for me. At any moment, something great can happen in your life so be prepared and ready for that moment and walk into it confidently.

What platforms can fans find you on? (websites/media)
Instagram: @danieledeniselawson
Twitter: @daniele_lawson

Team Credits:
Photographer: Vince Trupsin
Stylist: Marie Esther Dor
Hair and Make-up: Alisha Bailey at Rouge Artists
Stylist assistant: Monét Cardenas

Layout: Prachedes Germano

Editorial - Queen Daniele