Windy City Times: Modesty aside, how would you describe yourself?
Amiyah Scott: I’m amazing, extremely intelligent and rare. I’m ambitious, charismatic, courageous, and original. I’m aggressive; a leader with a pure heart and a strong mind. I’m clASsy, yet provocative. Enchanting… I’m perfect. …oh, and I’m humble (lol).
WCT: Is it fair to say that you are an actress and an artist who happens to be trans?
AS: Sounds fair to me.
WCT: How was it playing the role of “Cotton” in Lee Daniels’ show, Star, on Fox?
AS: WAS? It IS what dreams are made of.
WCT: Do you feel that Hollywood limits your roles based on gender identity?
AS: Yes, but we’re trying to change that.
WCT: In 2015, you taped four episodes of Bravo’s Hit reality series, Real Housewives of Atlanta, but your part did not air. How do you reflect on that experience?
AS: I enjoyed filming and I enjoyed the ladies. What is meant for you is for YOU! Obviously that wasn’t for me … [But] scripted prime time television seems to do me justice, though.
WCT: What does your average day look like?
AS: It depends. Some days I wake up at 5:00 am to arrive on set at 6:30 am to film a long day of Star. … While other days, I can sleep until 2:00 pm and go shopping until my arms can’t carry anything else! My schedule is constantly changing, but what remains consistent is that my hair is ALWAYS done. … In bed, on set, in a pool or even the late night grocery store run; that wig will be laid, no exception.
WCT: How do you decompress when you have a night off?
AS: I rest! My god, I appreciate sleeping so much more now! A long bath, some candles… just, me time.
WCT: What’s new on your play list?
AS: Girls Need Love by Summer Walker.
WCT: How do you see the achievements of the trans community in the last few years and the challenges facing them?
AS: I think we’ve come a long way and I’m proud of that! Happy for that! But, we have a long way to go.
WCT: What are some common misconceptions about trans people that are still out there?
AS: Everything. Stigmas and stereotypes are fueled on the regular … but, again, we have a long way to go.
WCT: What directors and/or actors would like to work with?
AS: All of them.
WCT: What is your favorite charity or cause?
AS: TEA, Trans Empowerment of America, a non-profit I started to assist and uplift the trans community.
WCT: Which living person do you most admire?
AS: My mother and father; it’s a tie.
WCT: What project(s) do you have coming up?
AS: My first book “Memoirs of a Mermaid” will be released in March 2019. It’s my baby. I’m so proud of it and excited to finally be telling my full story in my own words.
WCT: Tell me a secret—a good one.
AS: Read my book and I’ll tell you more than one!