We get a chance to talk to E’myri Crutchfield about her work as Kizzy Kinte in Roots. E’myri talks about where her focus is these days and who she got started in the acting business as well as her time on set.
In Roots, E’myri plays “Kizzy Kinte”, the teenage daughter of Kunta Kinte and Belle Waller and the first African American in the Kinte dynasty. This is E’myri’s first major film where she starred alongside acting heavyweights Lawrence Fishburne and Forest Whitaker. Younbg actress E’Myri Crutchfield receives 48th NAACP Image Awards Nominations for Outstanding Performance By A Youth.
BSCKids: Tell us a bit about your role in Roots as Kizzy Kinte.
E’myri Crutchfield: My role in Roots as Kizzy was amazing. I’ve always wanted to do a drama role and I was able to do so in Roots.
BSCKids: How did you get the role of Kizzy? And how was it working on such a classic piece of history in the remake of Roots?
E’myri Crutchfield: I audition for the role on tape. It was actually awesome to be able to be a part of a classic film and to work with amazing actors.
BSCKids: Did you get any inspiration from the original Roots for your character?
E’myri Crutchfield: No I made a choice not to watch the original because I wanted to bring my own piece to the character.
BSCKids: How did you get started in the acting business? How supportive has your family been?
E’myri Crutchfield: I got started in the acting business when I was 8 years old. My mom saw something great in me and perused this dream full time. She put her career and family on hold for me.
BSCKids: What was the defining moment when you decided you wanted to be an actor?
E’myri Crutchfield: I always was a little fire cracker at a young age. The defining moment for me was when I realize how good of an actress I was. I auditioned for this nationwide audition of Nickelodeon and I was 1 of the 11 kids who was selected to train at Groundling in Los Angeles.
BSCKids: Can you tell us a little bit about what you learned working with Lawrence Fishburne and Forest Whitaker?
E’myri Crutchfield: I never directly worked with them. We filmed on different days. I did have the pleasure to be directed by Mario Van Peebles. He gave me great directions and a lot of insight on my character.
BSCKids: What actor or actress are you dying to meet and work with? If you could guest star on any show right now which one would it be and why?
E’myri Crutchfield: I really want to meet and work with Viola Davis. That would be another dream come true. I would love to guest star on the Blackish. It’s a funny show and very popular.
BSCKids: Who has taught you the most in your acting career?
E’myri Crutchfield: The person that hast taught me the most in my career is my acting coach Nicole Barre. She is a phenomenal actress, and coach. She has really taught me how to breakdown a character and become in tune with the character.
BSCKids: Tell us how you felt when you were nominated for an NAACP Image Award?
E’myri Crutchfield: I had an array of emotions when I heard the news; happy shocked, and blessed all in one.
BSCKids: Where can we find you on social media and what other hobbies do you have outside of acting?
E’myri Crutchfield: You can find me on Instagram and FB at Emyri Crutchfield, and on twitter at Myri Crutchfield. I’m currently running track for my school.
BSCKids: What is currently playing on your iPod?
E’myri Crutchfield: Chance The Rapper is playing on my iPod.
BSCKids: What do you have coming up in the future in terms of new projects?
E’myri Crutchfield: I’m currently focusing on school right now.
Good luck to E’myri on getting focused on school and we look forward to seeing her on the screen sometime soon.
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