Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and our “Inspiring Women” series, with this exclusive interview with Hightown Star & Daytime Emmy® Nominated actress Crystal Lee Brown

Crystal Lee Brown will next be seen in a large role as Janelle, a no-nonsense prison physical therapist who forms a romantic relationship with a patient, on Starz’s crime drama Hightown. The series follows a woman’s journey to sobriety that is overshadowed when she is pulled into the middle of a murder investigation. The highly-anticipated season 2 recently premiered on October 17th.

Actress Crystal Lee Brown was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA and studied at Temple University, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Sports Journalism and Theater.

She is no stranger to the small screen. Brown was nominated for her first Daytime Emmy® for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Digital Drama Series for her role as Tamara in Giants, which streams on Issa Rae’s YouTube Channel.

In addition, she is known for her three-season run as Sergeant King on the hit CW series Black Lightning. Brown also recurred on season 2 of Netflix’s Mindhunter, which was executive produced by Charlize Theron and David Fincher.

Her memorable role on Showtime’s The Good Lord Bird earned praise from The New York Times and Time Magazine.

Actress Crystal Lee Brown’s niche as the hip and witty charmer with an east coast flare has also landed her roles on numerous other networks including Netflix, HBO, ABC, CBS and TNT.

actress Crystal Lee Brown
Photo credit: Caitlin Fisher

Brown made her mark on the world of film in the Academy Award-winning Judas and the Black Messiah as well as Uncle Drew. She also starred as Bernie, one of the mathematicians known as a “human computer” in the award-winning Hidden Figures alongside Taraji P. Henson and Octavia Spencer.

She has also appeared in national commercials for top brands such as Apple, Best Buy and Walmart.

Aside from her acting career, she is an audition coach and the CEO of a self-tape company, I Tape LA, and she works with actors daily to help them navigate the business.

Take a read and find out what inspires Daytime Emmy® Nominated actress Crystal Lee Brown and more about her role in “Hightown”

Exclusive Interview with actress Crystal Lee Brown

Thank you so much for joining us, Crystal.  Can you tell us a little more about yourself?

Thank you for having me!  I was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and am the oldest of three children. I graduated from Temple University with a BA in Fine Arts, with a concentration in Theater and Film.

After graduation, I moved to New York City, where I performed in off-Broadway productions. My love for the arts and performance grew exponentially during my time in NY, so after a few years, I decided to move to Los Angeles to pursue my career in television and film.

What first inspired you to consider an acting career, and how did you first get your start?

As a young child, my mother and I would watch CBS Sunday Matinee movies. I was introduced to classic films, such as Imitation of Life, It‘s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, The Bad Seed, Silkwood, starring Meryl Streep, and The George McKenna Story starring Denzel Washington.

Watching these films ignited a love of the craft of acting. I would watch television and immerse myself in the world of imagination. This was the beginning of my journey. From there, my mom enrolled me in community theater productions and performance classes.

Who or what was your greatest inspiration in pursuing a career in acting?

Honestly, it was all the actors I grew up watching. Phylicia Rashad, Denzel Washington, Michael J. Fox, and Carol Burnett, to name a few.

I was enamored with the confidence that exuded in their art. They made me laugh, cry and lean into their work. They all inspired me in different ways, but their artistic expression was undeniable.

Can you tell us more about your role in “Hightown” and your character, Janelle, in the show?

On Starz’s Hightown, I play Janelle, a smart, no-nonsense Physical Therapist in a correctional facility that gains trust with her patients : one of which she forms a romantic relationship with (Osito, played by Atkins Estimond).

The show is centered on fiercely flawed people and explores themes of addiction, recovery, and the possibility of redemption. It’s a story I know viewers will enjoy.

What was it that attracted you to this role?

The writing. Creator and writer Rebecca Cutter laid the foundation for Janelle as a character. Once I had a handle on who she was, I immediately binge-watched Season 1 of Hightown to dive into the world and understand how the other characters operated in it.

After watching the first episode, I was hooked and did the best work on my interpretation of Janelle to land the role.

How is the role of Janelle similar, or different, from roles you’ve played in the past?

Janelle is me wholeheartedly. She’s loyal to a fault and won’t allow you to disrespect her. The only difference with Janelle from other roles I’ve played is that she falls hard when someone holds her attention.

What was your favourite part of filming Hightown?

Production for Season two of Hightown was filmed during the height of the pandemic, so things were very different from usual. However, my favorite part had to be collaborating with the fantastic cast and crew.

How do you rise above the pressures of the industry when it comes to the acceptance of specific jobs and staying true to your image?

I use the power of the word “NO,” and I don’t feel guilty about it. It’s ok to decline opportunities. I know the trajectory I want my career to go, and saying “no” keeps me on that path.

I stay true to myself by advocating for myself in this way, standing by my values, morals, and beliefs.

What tips would you give to other women in your industry to help them to avoid “burn out”?

What helps me to avoid burnout is taking a break. A mini-vacation, detaching from social media, spa days, family time, or a spontaneous adventure. It all helps.

This series is all about representing and empowering dynamic women everywhere; can you recall a particular moment in the last year that influenced your growth and evolution as a woman?

My growth and evolution as a woman are constantly influenced by my inner self-awareness and other powerful women in my tribe, including my mother and my 10-year-old daughter.

Can you tell us more about your role as an audition coach and with I Tape LA, and why this is so important to you?

I own and operate ITAPE LA, an Audition Coaching and Self-Tape company specializing in, in person or virtual, on-camera audition coaching for television, film, and commercial castings.

It’s important because I’ve created a safe space to help actors gain control of their auditions by releasing fear and having fun. I look forward to continuing to give back to my fellow artists in this way.

actress Crystal Lee Brown
Please credit: Bobby Quillard Photography

What has been your most significant milestone/achievement so far?

My most significant achievement so far is my 2019 Daytime Emmy® Nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Digital Drama Series for my role as Tamera on the hit show Giants.

Giants chronicles the trials and tribulations of three African American friends as they approach their thirties, each battling their own inner “giants” as they navigate adulthood.

I’m grateful to be a part of a show created and produced by black creatives, and to be recognized by the Television Academy for my work is an honor.

What has been the biggest challenge/ hurdle you have faced so far?

I have to say being away from my family. I moved to LA in 2005, 3,000 miles from the people I love the most. It was extremely hard in the beginning, missing out on holiday gatherings and important events.

Now that I have a family of my own, it’s even more challenging. Often, when I’m shooting, I have to leave my husband and daughter for weeks. I’m grateful for all the opportunities, but that has to be the biggest challenge for me.

What do you want to be known for in your life and career?

I want to be known for never giving up and following my dreams despite life’s trials and tribulations. I’m just a girl from Philadelphia that decided to step out on faith and win.

What are your aspirations for the future? Where would you like to see yourself five years from now, and are there any imminent plans that you’d like to share?

I’m so excited about my future. I’ve been riding the momentum of booking incredible roles these last few years, coupled with working behind the camera as an on-set Dialogue/Acting Coach for multi-cam television shows.

My next goal behind the camera is to direct, as I’m often told I’m an actor’s Director.

What advice do you have for other women aspiring to launch a career in acting?

Study Your Craft: The craft of acting is essential to approaching the work. Enroll in acting classes, study the greats, perfect your technique. Learn the different acting methods from the likes of Stanislavski, Meisner, and Chekhov. Build your actor tool belt with audition technique, character building, emotional prep, and self-taping skills. Remember, preparation is critical!

Learn the Business: This industry is the business of show. In this industry, you are a brand, so you must treat yourself as a business. This allows longevity in your career.

Lead with Confidence, Not Fear: Having confidence in your talent and what you authentically bring to the table will take you further in this industry. Don’t allow fear and doubt to stop you from living your dreams.

Surround Yourself with Positive People: Who you choose to share, dream and grow with is essential to your well-being as an artist. Surrounding yourself with a core tribe that listens, loves, and supports you, makes all the difference.

Enjoy The Journey: Go out and live your life! The journey as an artist is only rewarding if you bring your entire self to it.

I hope you enjoyed this inspiring interview with actress, Crystal Lee Brown. You can follow Crystal on Instagram (@crystalleebrown) and Twitter (@crystalleebrown), and don’t forget to check out our other inspiring women posts.

Main image photo credit: Bobby Quillard Photography