Actress Maya Gilbert has drive and determination. She walked away from college in Ohio and moved to Hollywood and in four short years, has built an impressive resume of work in TV and film . She will embark on her second season as Dr. Lyric Stansfield-Cruz on the popular Cinemax Series “Zane’s Sex Chronicles”. She sat down for a very real and revealing Q & A that revealed more than was expected from this talented Midwestern beauty.
Q: So what is different about your life and career now that you’re on a high profile series? Is the phone ringing more?
The phone rings more, for sure. Are they calling me for "Mission Impossible 4" yet? Hell no. Will they? Hell yes. But for now, the show has garnered me a lot recognition in public. I went from being the woman people think is Nia Long or Michelle Williams (Destiny's child) to being 'Lyric from Zane." So that's nice. It also has given directors, actors and casting people the opportunity to see my abilities week to week, versus a stale demo reel. It's nice when I go to a high profile event with A list celebrities and they come up to me saying how much they love the show and my work. Now if only I could find out if Michelle and Barack are watching, I'd be in heaven.
Q: You have an extensive background in TV what has been the most exciting role outside of Lyric?
I've been fortunate enough, in my short time in LA, to have worked with some pretty great people, like directors Spike Lee (Emancipation of Mimi DVD) and Guy Ritchie (pilot "Suspect") But I recently wrapped on a T.D Jakes pilot called "One Love" with Sherman Hemsley, Carl Payne, Mark Curry, Kim Whitley, Jackee Harry, Keith Robinson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Chico Benymon, Drew Sidora, and myself. The show has some of the best sitcom writers out and is truly a breath of fresh air for the African American community. Great messages, great acting, great writing, it doesn't get better.
Q: You hail from Kent, OH and were attending Miami of Ohio. You left and moved to Hollywood to pursue your dream. What was the “ah ha” moment that you made that decision?
I was playing Division 1 field hockey and planning on being a criminal attorney or teacher but didn't feel "satisfied." That dissatisfaction changed when I entered a contest for a role in a B horror film. My college boyfriend, and a close friend of mine, wrote and filmed a 10 minute short that I used to enter the contest, since I didn't have any "credits." I made it to the top 9, but only the top 7 were cast. I was disappointed but realized in that moment, that acting is a "choice," it’s a career, that real people 'choose,' or are 'chosen for' depending on who you ask. So I guess you can say, in that moment, I realized that I was "chosen."
Q: Had you read a lot of Zane’s work prior to getting the role?
To be quite honest, I had never read nor heard of any of Zane's work prior.
Q: Your character was facing some challenges in her marriage on the show. How would Maya handle the difficulties that Lyric is facing?
Well for one thing, I (Maya) wouldn't go to girlfriends who have yet to maintain a successful and happy relationship with their significant other for "marital advice." That's like asking a blind man how to see. I also don't "beat around the bush," especially in matters of the heart. If I were to have found a 'condom' I would have went directly to my husband and discussed it, openly and honestly on the spot. And if a colleague were black mailing me for sex, I'd one up his ass and tell on myself, but I'd be damned if I'm blackmailed. Like Cedric the Entertainer said, "I'm a grown ass woman, dog." There's power in truth. Lies are weak. Motto I live by.
Q: What can we expect from Sex Chronicles in season 2 as it relates to your character?
Fans can expect the unexpected. People, situations and old skeletons that seemed to be in the Past, find their way into Lyric's Present and threaten the very foundation of her Future. New characters are introduced into the story, that bring a set of "new" problems for everyone's favorite married couple. Friendships are tested, bonds are broken and the truth is revealed. How it ends, you have to tune in to find out.
Q: What films will we be seeing you in, in the near future?
I have a film (a drama) in pre-production called "No Warning," that will be released through Lions Gate in 2011. Another film (dramedy) called, "The Broken Hearts Club," its airing as a two part series on your local channels on AMG-tv and will be released 2010 on DVD internationally, along with "The Hiding," a horror film that will be released in the new year to DVD.
Q: What are some of your favorite things to do when you’re not working?
Believe it or not, I'm a HUGE nerd. Most of my free time is spent reading, studying, people watching, thinking (yes, I said "thinking." You'd be shocked how many folks don't do that on a daily basis.) But my favorite past time is writing, it’s my God given gift. I've recently started my production company "Skeels Street Productions," which I plan on using as a vehicle to bring diversity, originality, quality, and entertainment to the movie business, through my own scripts and outside talent as well. We are currently working on my short film, "Ward 54," and I have 'optioned' my comedy script, "Bill Collectors." So we're just getting started.
Q: If you could cast yourself in a movie what role would it be? In other words, what is the role of a lifetime for Maya Gilbert?
That's a tough one, but I would have to say portraying Angela Davis in the story of her life, which has yet to be done, given she won't grant permission to the rights. Maya Angelou (whom I was named after) and her historic life story. The last and certainly not least would be, portraying Winter Santiago, from the amazing book, "The Coldest Winter Ever." One of the most compelling, real, books I ever read as a young adult and one of the most controversial, yet beautiful characters I have been introduced to.
Q: In a few sentences tell the readers why they should tune in to Season 2 of Zane’s Sex Chronicles.
Tune in because you want to see people who look like you, talk like you, live like you and most importantly, LOVE like you. With 2010 right around the corner its sad to say that people of color have no where to tune in and "relate," unless its Tyler Perry, Zane, or TV One re-runs of our favorite old sitcoms. Also, tune in because this season looks to be my final season with the show. If that's not enough reason, I don't know what is.
Q: Finally the question I’m sure a lot of people want to know are you single? And if so, what does Maya look for in a man?
Yes. I'm single since September, and it's been wonderful. He has to be intelligent. I'm a thinker and love good conversation. Well mannered, if he treats the valet like they're, well, 'valet,' Houston we have a problem. Successful, sorry guys, but I'm attracted to success, drive and discipline. If I have it you better have it to. Physically fit, athletic, funny, kind, preferably tall. Then again, I'm 5'3 so tall to me can be 5'9. Most importantly treat your mother well and be gracious toward others and this Earth. Sappy but true.
