Tyla Anne Harris is here to show us why acting is so much more than it appears to be. She is the Jasmine Wallace in ABC's ‘For Life’ which is a fictional serialized legal and family drama that was inspired by the life of Isaac Wright Jr. She is focusing on getting a degree in law and she believes that whether good or bad, people should make smart, educated political choices, whatever choice that is to them about the current political situation. She is a good example for the actors from her generation. Also, she is working with Saving Our Daughters Organization, which works with girls from multicultural backgrounds through the arts to help them overcome esteem obstacles. We talked to Tyla Anne Harris about her career, school life, and voluntary projects. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about her.

Where are you based?
I’m based in ATL!

How did you become interested in acting?
My mom had me while she was taking classes, and everywhere she went, I went. I became her mini me and shared some of her passions.

You are also formally trained as an entertainer. You have achieved a great start in your career before the age of 19. Is there anything you wish you knew earlier in your career?
Things will be tough, but you always have a support system at home.

At only 15 years old, you landed her first gig under Alexander White Agency doing Coca-Cola print ads. Can you recall this first acting role and how the performance went?
This was a modeling gig! It was fun and interesting to experience, and the older model playing my mother taught me a lot about posing.

You are more than just an actress, you are also president of a championship-winning policy debate team, the leader in an all-girl volunteer group, an active BETA club member. Is it difficult to balance your personal life and career?
(Those things were in high school. I’m now currently a sophomore in college, president of my debate team, apart of Sisters In Law Society lawyer group, Chinese Club, and Crown Jewels (my universities majorette team)).

It can be difficult at times, but I always remind myself of what my inspirations went through. Eartha Kitt wasn’t amazing for no reason!

“For Life” is a fictional serialized legal and family drama that was inspired by the life of Isaac Wright Jr. who was wrongfully accused. I think it discusses very well the possibility of change ın the criminal justice system because during this time he faces considerable obstacles from a corrupt legal system. What does "For Life" mean to you?
The bane of For Life, in my opinion, is the determination running through us to achieve what we want to before nature bids us adieu.

Your character Jasmine, has never stopped believing in her father. What is her motivation and how do you see the relationship between her father?
Her motivation is the nuclear family she’s always wanted and being able to see the love running through her parents. She’s very much so a daddy’s girl, and she constantly finds herself fighting to get that back.

What do you find are the main challenges of bringing Jasmine to life?
My number one challenge was making sure I was representing the character to the best of my abilities. Many people don’t realize how closely many young women and older women can relate to my character, and after getting messages from women who have gone through the same things, I wanted to make them and their stories feel seen.

For Life returns with all-new episodes starting Wed, Jan. 27, when COVID-19 hits Bellmore Prison. It is interesting to see pandemic in a tv series. How was the filming process for you?
It was fun! Masks on at all times, besides action, so I always felt safe at work.

We learned that besides acting, you are focusing on getting a degree in law. As a law student, what do you think about the political environment of the country? Do you believe in change?
I personally try not to base morals in factions, but I believe the focus of this political climate is constantly polarized in parties. Whether good or bad, I hope people make smart, educated political choices, whatever choice that is to them.

You are working with Saving Our Daughters Organization (co-founded by Keke Palmer), which works with girls from multicultural backgrounds through the arts to help them overcome esteem obstacles. Can you talk about this project? How can we support it?
Saving Our Daughters helps young women feel supported in their growth and themselves. You can follow them on social media and donate through their website!

Why is it so important to get these girls into the arts?
There is a beautiful release in expressionism that matters, and the next generations needs to be able to experience that.

As a young woman from the industry, how do you see the effect of the #MeToo movement? Can you talk about your journey as a young black woman in the industry? Have you ever experienced gender or racial discrimination?
People are using their voices to stand up in what they believe is right, and everyone, men and women, deserve to have a voice for justice.

As a young black woman who’s studied the African Diaspora and African-American history, I see the effects of a victor’s influence, take that as you may. I’ve been lucky enough to have my mother with me on multiple projects and a beautiful team who protects me from discrimination, anything past that is the result of a flawed system.

We heard that you released a self-published poetry book when you were 17 years old. How does it feel to share what you wrote with people?
It feels amazing! Especially getting feedback from poets.

So, how are you holding up during this quarantine?
Focusing on what really matters in this life: human connection.

How are you staying positive during a shelter in place?
Rollerskating and releasing!

What is your motto in life?
“The price we pay for being ourselves is worth it.” Eartha Kitt

To learn more about Tyla Anne Harris please follow her via the following links:
Instagram: @tylaanneharris
Twitter: @tylaanneharris
TikTok: @tylaanneharris
Tyla.carrd.co

Photo credit: Torrey Fields: @torreyvision

Tyla Anne Harris Is Here To Prove She Will Be The Role Model Of The Next Generation