In Netflix’s Beauty in Black, Taylor Polidore Williams takes on one of her most intense roles yet. As Kimmie, she plays a young woman forced into survival mode, navigating a world of deception, power struggles, and vengeance. But beneath the grit and tension of the series lies a deeper story—one of resilience, transformation, and the unyielding fight to reclaim one's power.

As the second part of Beauty in Black’s first season prepares to drop, Williams sat down to discuss Kimmie’s evolution, the weight of portraying such a complex character, and why this role has left a lasting impact on her both personally and professionally.

“Kimmie’s transformation is definitely intense!” Williams says, describing the emotional and physical depth of her character’s arc. “I’ve always been drawn to characters who evolve in a profound way. To bring her journey to life, I built a detailed backstory—one that answered every question I had about who she was before we meet her in Episode One.”

That attention to detail was crucial in portraying Kimmie authentically, especially given the show’s heavy themes of power, survival, and exploitation. Williams immersed herself in survivor testimonies, reading firsthand accounts and watching interviews to understand the psychological and emotional toll of human trafficking.

“What intrigued me most was how people are drawn into trafficking, the invisible chains that keep them bound to their abusers, and the strength it takes to finally break free,” she says. “As I pieced together Kimmie’s psyche, I reached a place where I could step into her world with authenticity and truth.”

This isn’t Williams’ first time working with Tyler Perry. After previously starring in Divorce in the Black, she has developed a creative rhythm with the prolific filmmaker. “Our working relationship has deepened with trust,” she explains. “When you collaborate with someone multiple times, you develop a stronger understanding of their vision—the nuances they seek, the layers they want you to explore.”

She credits Perry with creating a space where she could take full ownership of Kimmie while still receiving the guidance needed to push her performance even further. “Kimmie’s journey was emotionally intense, and Mr. Perry provided a safe and collaborative environment for me to fully discover her,” she says.

Kimmie’s unshakable determination is something Williams relates to deeply. “Just as she relentlessly pursues finding her sister, I approach my goals with the same level of focus and unwavering commitment,” she says. “The entertainment industry can be tough, and there’s something about Kimmie’s drive that I see in myself.”

That drive fuels Beauty in Black’s second half, where Kimmie’s journey escalates. Without giving too much away, Williams teases, “As Kimmie fights to find her sister, she annihilates anything in her way. Viewers will see her step into her own strength.”

Of all the high-stakes moments in the series, Williams has a few favorites—especially the ones where Kimmie fights back. “I love the scenes where Kimmie takes control—especially the window scene (IYKYK),” she says with a knowing laugh. “Watching her get her revenge was so satisfying.”

But it’s not all about vengeance. Williams cherishes the softer moments, too, particularly Kimmie’s interactions with her sister. “Those scenes hold so much love. At her core, everything Kimmie does is because she loves her sister that much.”

The most rewarding moment? “The final scene of the season,” she reveals. “It sets the tone for everything that’s ahead for her.”

Though Beauty in Black is a scripted drama, its themes mirror a painful reality. Williams hopes the show sparks important conversations about human trafficking and survival.

“I hope Kimmie’s transformation inspires fans to stand up for what they believe in,” she says. “And I also want to acknowledge that, while Kimmie’s story exists in a heightened, fictional world, human trafficking is very real. If someone out there is facing a situation like hers, I hope they see this and know that their dreams are valid and that there is a way out.”

She urges anyone in need of help to reach out to the National Human Trafficking Hotline by texting ‘HELP’ to 233733. “And if reaching out directly isn’t an option, my DMs are always open,” she adds.

With Beauty in Black gaining momentum, Williams is gearing up for more projects—some she can’t share just yet, but one in particular that she’s incredibly proud of.

“I starred in and produced a satirical comedy short film aimed at raising awareness about endometriosis and HPV,” she reveals. “More details on where to watch and how to support are coming soon!”

As for her fans? “Stay ready, y’all!” she says. “I’ll be popping up again soon!”

With her ability to bring depth and authenticity to her roles, it’s clear that Williams isn’t just an actress to watch—she’s a force to be reckoned with.