D’Kia Anderson doesn’t shrink back from arduous truths—whether or not she’s embodying advanced characters on display screen or talking candidly about her personal life. The Baltimore-born actress is carving a path in Hollywood not solely along with her expertise but additionally with a rising platform rooted in psychological well being advocacy.
Anderson seems in “Magnificence In Black,” Tyler Perry’s new drama streaming on Netflix. The collection explores identification, ambition and emotional survival via the eyes of two ladies from vastly completely different backgrounds. Anderson performs Leslie, a gritty, emotionally charged character whose storylines required her to dig into tough recollections.
“Sadly, I bear in mind particular situations of that occuring with a buddy of mine and her mother doing a little issues like that,” she mentioned. “Tapping into these previous traumas, if you’ll, was vital.”
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Past Netflix, Anderson portrays sturdy, impactful characters in function movies streaming on BET, ALLBLK and Tubi. Her industrial work is equally notable, with over 20 nationwide and worldwide campaigns on her résumé.
For Anderson, performing has at all times been greater than efficiency—it’s emotional excavation.
“The characters that resonate with me are those which might be just a little off the overwhelmed path,” she mentioned. “I really like entering into the grit of constructing and growing characters that don’t appear to be me.”
However even probably the most transformative roles, she mentioned, usually mirror elements of herself she’s nonetheless coming to grasp.
“Actually, the key is these characters are me deep down inside,” Anderson mentioned. “It’s just a bit little bit of digging and pulling that out.”
That course of can include emotional weight. When the digicam stops rolling, the strains between self and character don’t at all times fade instantly—particularly when engaged on tight deadlines for auditions.
“Breaking out of character for me is a bit more difficult with auditions as a result of it’s such a shorter time period,” she mentioned. “I’ve to rush up and bounce into this character, report it, after which simply take a look at and be again to D’Kia. It’s like tucking these hidden abilities of the psychosis again away.”
To manage, Anderson has developed a wellness routine that helps her keep grounded amid the business’s ups and downs.
“Psychological well being is so vital,” she mentioned. “For me, it’s figuring out, speaking myself out of feeling down, or being unhappy about issues not transferring as rapidly as I need them to. Having a relationship with God or the universe—no matter which means to somebody—is vital.”
Her journey hasn’t at all times been this clear. When she first arrived in Los Angeles, she struggled with insecurity and self-doubt.
“I used to be actually insecure—nonetheless simply looking for my footing, studying to turn into an grownup,” Anderson mentioned. “Wanting again, that was form of a hindrance as a result of it made me shrink myself as a substitute of displaying up as D’Kia in all areas.”
The whole lot shifted, she mentioned, as soon as she embraced her full identification.
“As soon as I understood authenticity and what that appeared like for me, that was the most important adjustment I’ve ever made.”
At this time, Anderson builds her days round consistency and care. She works out 5 to 6 days per week, research performing, eats properly, and focuses on delivering her greatest in each audition.
“Consuming properly, sustaining psychological well being—it’s all a part of staying prepared,” she mentioned.
Now, Anderson hopes to make use of her voice to empower others—notably younger Black ladies navigating psychological well being challenges and private trauma.
“I wish to present them that no matter previous experiences or childhood traumas, you may push via, succeed and achieve your desires,” she mentioned.
Her message comes throughout Nationwide Stress Consciousness Month and Nationwide Counseling Consciousness Month, a time devoted to selling psychological wellness, lowering stigma, and inspiring open conversations about emotional well being. Anderson, each on and off display screen, helps lead that dialog.
