Danielle Moné Truitt
Prior to moving to Los Angeles to pursue a career in television and film, Danielle Moné Truitt graduated from Sacramento State University in 2005 with a degree in Theatre Arts. She has been nominated for two Ovation awards and an NAACP Theatre Award for her performances in Dreamgirls and The Mountaintop. Her career is impressive and multifaceted through her roles in various theater productions, voice acting, activism, television and film. For Disney’s The Princess and the Frog, Danielle Moné Truitt served as reference for the body movements and facial expressions for Princess Tiana, and voiced the character of Georgia. One of her most notable lead roles has been in John Singleton's series Rebel. Currently, you can find her starring in Law & Order: Organized Crime as Sargent Ayanna Bell.
In your role as Ayanna Bell, the first Black queer women to hold a leadership position in the Law & Order universe, how does it feel to break down these barriers and offer that on-screen representation for so many?
It's an honor. One of the beautiful aspects to being an actor is having the opportunity to tell stories that are similar and are also different than your own. You offer your body as a vessel for someone else's words and even experiences to flow through.
Representation is everything. The fact that I have been given the opportunity to introduce such a powerful character to the Law & Order Universe makes me so grateful and further aligns with the fact that I'm called to be a storyteller and can be trusted with these kinds of characters.
What has your experience been working closely alongside Chris Meloni, who plays Detective Elliot Stabler, given his greatly anticipated return to the Law & Order universe?I really admire Chis. I admire his work ethic. I admire his confidence and leadership. Working with him is fun and enlightening. Although he is the lead of the series, he is quick to make sure that I'm OK. That I feel heard, and that the integrity of my character is prioritized. It's nice to work with someone who cares about everyone who is a part of the Organized Crime cast and crew.
How do you feel about the intense response from the show's fanbase after each episode?
Our fans are dope! LOL. They are so connected to the storylines and the characters. They are hilarious and a little crazy, but they own all of it. I enjoy engaging with them on Twitter. We have a 'drink and watch the episodes' every Thursday. Lol. The fans are a really important aspect to any TV show so I'm grateful for them.
What are some of your favorite methods to embody each character's persona and to further connect with that role?
I like to create a backstory for my character. It helps me to understand the psychology of the person I'm playing. I also look for similarities between myself and the character. After all, the character is coming through me. I'm also big on breathing and making sure my body is relaxed so that I can feel emotions and be present with whomever I'm acting with. And, lastly, I remind myself that playing and have fun are really important.
What has been your favorite episode to film thus far?
My favorite episode to film so far was probably episode 15 of season 2. Chris, Mariska and I had a great scene together. I also got to get dressed up and go to a Gala. Anytime Ayanna Bell can be fly and we can be creative with my hair and makeup, I am a happy girl. I also got to play with Mykelti Williamson and Ron Cephas Jones in that episode. When we are all together it is makes for a fun time.
In college, you were a psychology major with the intent on becoming an entertainment lawyer. What prompted you to make the switch to Theatre Arts?
I took a theatre class as an elective and about two weeks in, my professor pulled me to the side and asked if I was a theatre major. She said I had natural talent and encouraged me to change my major and audition for "The America Play" by Suzan-Lori Parks. I auditioned and got the lead in the play. After experiencing the process of theatre, I fell in love with it and decided to change my major. I loved the transformative nature of acting. I had always been a performer by way of singing and dance but acting was something I felt I would truly be happy doing for a living.
What has been your favorite on stage role in one of the many theater productions you have been featured in?
The role of "Camae" from The Mountaintop, written by the great Katori Hall, is definitely one of my favorites. I was fortunate to play "Camae" in the West Coast premiere at San Diego Rep and then again in Hollywood at Matrix Theatre. Roger Guenveur Smith directed our production. His creative and other worldly take on the play really elevated our production and challenged me in so many beautiful ways. It's not often that you get the opportunity to play a role in theatre twice so I'm grateful for that experience and getting to play a role that felt like it was written for me.
You've been working on “3 Black Girl Blues” in collaboration with writer Anthony D'Juan. What is it like to star in and produce a one woman show? What are some of the challenges?
Crazy! It's crazy... lol. No, seriously, it's one of the things I'm most proud of. It takes courage. It teaches you to trust and believe in yourself. It has strengthened me as an actor. Having something that is your own that you can shape the way you want and share with the world is exciting.
Producing is definitely a challenge. Anthony and I had no money when we did our first performance in Los Angeles. We actually never really had any money at any time we produced it. We had to rely on friends and family to take tickets at the door, stage manage, help with costumes, and actually came to see the show. There is nothing like having a supportive tribe.
The challenge regarding the acting aspect is that you're all alone on stage. You have to create an entire world for the audience to buy in to. It's physically exhausting but so worth it. I also have to continue to push myself to discover new things about the women I'm playing in this play. Since I'm on stage alone, I don't have anyone else to push me. Solo shows are no joke, but the reward is great.
Are there any upcoming projects that you'd like to share?
I'll be doing a two-week run of "3:Black Girl Blues" at B Street Theatre in Sacramento, CA, June 2-12. I can't wait to get back on stage!
Social Media.
Instagram and Twitter: @DanielleMoneTruitt
Facebook: Danielle Moné Truitt
CREW CREDITS:
Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz
Talent: Danielle Moné Truitt
Makeup: Renee Garnes
Hair: Andrea Wilson at Next Artists
Fashion Stylist: Arnold Milfort
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Alessa Hatch, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
