Taylor Polidore Williams: ‘Beauty In Black’ Star

Standing atop the Empire State Building, Taylor Polidore Williams felt a sense of calm rather than fear. It’s a powerful image, symbolizing arrival and success, but she’s not rushing the experience. As the star of Tyler Perry’s hit Netflix series ‘Beauty in Black,’ now in its second season, Williams is embracing the moment and reflecting on the journey that brought her here.

Stepping Into Power on ‘Beauty In Black’

In ‘Beauty in Black,’ Williams portrays Kimmie, a character who has undergone a significant transformation. No longer the overlooked outsider, Kimmie is now the COO and Mrs. Bellarie, ready to assert her place in a family business fraught with beauty and betrayal. “Kimmie starts the season letting everybody know she’s not going to be disrespected anymore,” Williams shared. “She’s stepping into her power.”

This leap from former exotic dancer to business mogul in the show mirrors Williams’ own growth as an actress. “This role has stretched me in ways that I haven’t been before,” she explained. Working on a Tyler Perry production is famously intense, with rapid shooting schedules that Williams describes as “theater on steroids.” Despite the demanding pace, she’s proud of her resilience: “It made me feel like, ‘Oh, I can do anything now.’”

The Tyler Perry Studios Experience

Williams has fully embraced the unique rhythm of Tyler Perry Studios. She notes that the focus isn’t on perfection but on authenticity and truth, requiring actors to bring their “full self every take.” This commitment to genuine performance is key to the show’s success and the chemistry among the cast.

She particularly cherishes her on-screen rivalry with co-star Crystle Stewart, who plays Mallory. “First and foremost, I adore Crystle,” Williams said. “She’s the sweetest woman, which is funny because Mallory is not.” Despite playing fierce opposites, their shared Houston roots and Virgo sun signs create a strong off-screen bond, allowing them to “go crazy in character, knowing it’s all love.”

HBCU Roots and Lasting Connections

Atlanta, the home of Tyler Perry Studios, holds special significance for Williams. As a proud graduate of Clark Atlanta University, she credits her HBCU experience with providing a crucial foundation for her career and life. “I don’t know what my life would be like if I hadn’t chosen an HBCU,” she stated.

The sense of community and unspoken understanding among HBCU alumni has been invaluable in navigating Hollywood. “It’s a space where you feel seen,” Williams added. “And that feeling of being seen and supported makes a huge difference when you’re trying to build a career in this industry.” This grounding, coupled with her marriage to a Morehouse man, underscores the importance of her roots.

Staying Present in the Moment

Now, balancing married life in Atlanta with her demanding shooting schedule, Taylor Polidore Williams is focused on telling meaningful stories and appreciating each step of her journey. “I’m trying to stay present,” she says. “Sometimes we move so fast in this business that we forget to appreciate where we are. I just want to take it all in.”