Before her upcoming role as "Cotton," a transgender hustler and sometimes dancer on Lee Daniels' series Star, Amiyah Scott attracted attention in the New Orleans underground ballroom scene.
Windy City Times: Modesty aside, how would you describe yourself?
Amiyah Scott: I'm amazing, extremely intelligent and rare. I'm ambitious, charismatic, courageous, and original. I'm aggressive; a leader with a pure heart and a strong mind. I'm clASsy, yet provocative. Enchanting... I'm perfect. ...oh, and I'm humble ( lol ).
WCT: Is it fair to say that you are an actress and an artist who happens to be trans?
AS: Sounds fair to me.
WCT: How was it playing the role of "Cotton" in Lee Daniels' show, Star, on Fox?
AS: WAS? It IS what dreams are made of.
WCT: Do you feel that Hollywood limits your roles based on gender identity?
AS: Yes, but we're trying to change that.
WCT: In 2015, you taped four episodes of Bravo's Hit reality series, Real Housewives of Atlanta, but your part did not air. How do you reflect on that experience?
AS: I enjoyed filming and I enjoyed the ladies. What is meant for you is for YOU! Obviously that wasn't for me ... [But] scripted prime time television seems to do me justice, though.
WCT: What does your average day look like?
AS: It depends. Some days I wake up at 5:00 am to arrive on set at 6:30 am to film a long day of Star. … While other days, I can sleep until 2:00 pm and go shopping until my arms can't carry anything else! My schedule is constantly changing, but what remains consistent is that my hair is ALWAYS done. ... In bed, on set, in a pool or even the late night grocery store run; that wig will be laid, no exception.
WCT: How do you decompress when you have a night off?
AS: I rest! My god, I appreciate sleeping so much more now! A long bath, some candles... just, me time.
WCT: What's new on your play list?
AS: Girls Need Love by Summer Walker.
WCT: How do you see the achievements of the trans community in the last few years and the challenges facing them?
AS: I think we've come a long way and I'm proud of that! Happy for that! But, we have a long way to go.
WCT: What are some common misconceptions about trans people that are still out there?
AS: Everything. Stigmas and stereotypes are fueled on the regular ... but, again, we have a long way to go.
WCT: What directors and/or actors would like to work with?
AS: All of them.
WCT: What is your favorite charity or cause?
AS: TEA, Trans Empowerment of America, a non-profit I started to assist and uplift the trans community.
WCT: Which living person do you most admire?
AS: My mother and father; it's a tie.
WCT: What project( s ) do you have coming up?
AS: My first book "Memoirs of a Mermaid" will be released in March 2019. It's my baby. I'm so proud of it and excited to finally be telling my full story in my own words.
WCT: Tell me a secreta good one.
AS: Read my book and I'll tell you more than one!