We were on hand at the NYC premiere of HBO’s “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.”
We caught with the movie’s stars Kyanna Simpson, Lisa Arrindell and Sylvia Grace Crim to talk how they got involved The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks the red carpet. Check out our interviews after the jump.
Happy Birthday. Congratulations!
Kyanna Simpson: Thank you so much. Thank you.
How excited you are tonight?
Kyanna Simpson: I am beyond excited. I can not wait to see this film.
You haven’t seen it yet?
Kyanna Simpson: I haven’t seen it yet.
What!?
Kyanna Simpson: So when I go in, it’s going to be my first time, and I can’t even control myself!
Oh, I’ve seen it, and you were fantastic.
Kyanna Simpson: Thank you! Thank you so much!
So tell me how you got involved with the project.
Kyanna Simpson: Well, I got the audition over summer of 2016. My manager called me and I was getting ready for finals and everything.
Finals?
Kyanna Simpson: And I take summer classes, yes.
Oh my God.
Kyanna Simpson: When she told me about the story I was already so excited because the story is so intriguing. And then she told me that I was playing the younger version of Oprah Winfrey’s character, and I was like, “Huh?” Because my entire life it’s been my dream to play Oprah Winfrey. I always said I’d do it one day because it was my nickname. Everyone said I looked like Oprah, so it just seemed like it was meant to be. So over the summer I auditioned, director’s session, I booked it, and fell to my knees and started crying. It was my biggest dream come true and the story is so impactful to the world.
Did you get a chance to meet Oprah?
Kyanna Simpson: I did! I did! She’s amazing
What did she say? Did she have any tips for you?
Kyanna Simpson: She had so many tips for me. She’s like a mentor to me now. I spoke to her a lot on set. We had a lot of conversations and I just cherished every moment that I got to spend with her because I looked up to her so much my entire life. I’ve always felt a connection to Oprah Winfrey through the TV. So to be able to spend time with her one-on-one meant the world to me. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Well, congratulations, again. I’m super happy for you.
Kyanna Simpson: Thank you! Nice to meet you!
