Skye P. Marshall: From Hustle to ‘Matlock’ Stardom

Skye P. Marshall is a name you’ll want to remember. The Chicago native is making waves as Olympia Lawrence on CBS’s ‘Matlock,’ but her journey to the spotlight is a testament to perseverance, trusting one’s instincts, and the power of belonging. Marshall’s story is particularly inspiring for women of color breaking into the industry on their own terms.

A Detour Through Service and Corporate Life

Marshall’s path wasn’t a straight line to Hollywood. Her early life was filled with dance and theater, but financial realities led her to join the U.S. Air Force after starting college at Hampton University. Following her service and earning her degree, she moved to New York, building a successful career in pharmaceutical marketing. For a time, this life felt complete.

However, after two years, a deep sense of unease began to surface. Marshall vividly recalls seeing an image of her younger self, full of passion, seemingly disappointed. “I remember feeling shame. I remember feeling guilty for letting my younger self down,” she shared. This internal conflict prompted a pivotal conversation with her mother and a heartfelt plea for guidance: “God, please tell me what I’m supposed to be doing with my life.”

The Dream That Led to Los Angeles

The answer, Marshall believes, came in a vivid dream filled with images of her acting, walking red carpets, and living a life aligned with her true purpose. This powerful vision spurred her to leave her corporate job, secure unemployment benefits for time to transition, and move to Los Angeles in 2009.

In LA, Marshall embraced a series of “survival jobs” – background acting, driving for Uber, and catering. But she didn’t view them as mere means to an end. Instead, she saw them as essential parts of her journey, opportunities for character study and networking. “I looked at them as the path, the path to every single person that was going to help pass the baton in my career,” she explained.

Bringing Olympia Lawrence to Life

Now, as Olympia Lawrence in ‘Matlock,’ Marshall brings a nuanced portrayal of ambition within a high-stakes law firm. Her character, a junior partner navigating a divorce while vying for a senior partner role, has resonated deeply, particularly with Black women. Marshall intentionally crafted Olympia’s persona – from her wardrobe to her speech – with this audience in mind.

“About 75% of people that stop me on the street about Olympia Lawrence and Matlock are Black women,” she shared. “The joy that that brings me is really something special.” This connection underscores the importance of representation and seeing oneself reflected on screen.

Embracing All Versions of Herself

Marshall’s career has also been shaped by her relationship with ‘Matlock’ co-star Kathy Bates, a connection she describes as mutually supportive. Yet, success doesn’t overshadow life’s challenges, including her mother’s dementia, which adds a layer of poignancy to her achievements.

Ultimately, Marshall emphasizes authenticity and integration of all her life experiences. “Don’t let go of Chicago in you… Don’t let go of the corporate woman in you, don’t let go of the military woman in you, and don’t let go of the little girl in you,” she advises. By allowing her inner child’s imagination to lead, she remains grounded in her purpose, knowing, “I belong.”