Q. Just a couple of weeks after “Black Panther,” we have a big movie where the lead is a young black girl. That’s a cool thing, but it could also feel like a big responsibility.
A. Yes, but I feel it’s an amazing responsibility. Looking back on it, when I was eight or nine, of course I did see MYSELF on TV so in a way I was privileged. But there definitely needed to be more [roles for children of color]. So for me to be able to be that [inspiration] for young girls that look like me — but really for all girls, to show them they can do anything, that’s amazing.
Q. The cast includes Oprah Winfrey and Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling, but this story is your character’s story. You have to carry the movie.
A. It was intimidating at first. Even though I’ve been acting since I was three, this was the first time I was the lead. I think the film was an 80-day shoot, and I was on the set for 78 days. But it didn’t feel like I was going to work every day. I was just a part of this amazing journey.
Q. When you met Oprah, did you get the full Oprah greeting?
A. I did! As soon as I walked in the room, she was like, “STOOOORM!” And I was like, “Oh my God she knows my name.” She’s so grounded. She has love and passion for what she’s doing. She doesn’t act like “Miss Oprah Winfrey.” People put her on a pedestal, which she so deserves, but once you get to know her, she’s so regular and like a normal person.
To read the remainder of the interview, click here. We cannot wait to see more from Reid. We have no doubt that her future is going to be bright.
