From “Snowfall” to Tyler Perry’s “Beauty in Black”, Taylor is the name and story you need to know.
If you ask Taylor Polidore Williams where she’s at in life, she’ll pause, smile, and tell you it’s all about divine timing. After reading her story to her, you’ll believe it too.
The actress, voice-over artist, and breakout star of Tyler Perry’s “Beauty in Black” is living in what she calls a “weird, beautiful juxtaposition” — balancing the thrill of her rising career with the quiet work of staying grounded.
Her energy is equal parts grounded and magnetic. She doesn’t posture. She’s not trying to sell a brand or fit into a box. And when she speaks about her journey, from her Houston roots to leading roles and voice-over gigs, you can sense a quiet conviction.
In this week’s #MCNWorkLife, Taylor gets real about divine timing, navigating rejection, and the legacy she is building — one role, one choice, one story at a time.
How would your friends describe you?
My friends would say that I’m a very loving person. I’m a ride-or-die friend — always there for them and the people I love. They would say that I’m very determined and fun to be with. I like to enjoy life and enjoy myself, whatever the circumstances.
What was your childhood dream job, and how did that lead you to acting?
I started acting when I was young, and it became my dream job. Before that, I wanted to be a teacher and an attorney, but deep down, I always wanted to act. I started attending the community theatre at my school in Houston, Texas, when I was four. Then, around the age of seven or eight, I began modelling, which led to television and film.
My mum is an educator. So, when I started getting paid to model, she said, “Oh, we need to get you into a class or something.” She actually signed me up for an adult improvisation class — when I was nine. After I completed the class, the teacher decided that I was ready to audition and referred me to her agent.
So, I started auditioning for TV and film roles, and landed my first job at 13. It was a movie called “Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins”, and that entire experience was when I decided I wanted to act for the rest of my life. Getting to see the set and all the other actors — Martin Lawrence, James Earl Jones, Margaret Avery, Monique — was a beautiful experience, especially as my first ever job.
The world of making a film, the sets, and how people go in and out of their characters completely enthralled me. I was like, “I want to make movies. That’s what I want to do.”
You’ve worked as an actress and voice-over artist in theatre, film, and television. What’s your approach to these different mediums?
I approach each project independently. My preparation doesn’t change based on the medium — it’s always about figuring out how to make the story and characters feel real. And that sounds simple, but it’s not. The main goal is always the same: make the circumstances believable, not just for me, but for whoever’s watching or listening.
That said, each medium brings something different. Movies are my favourite. They remind me of theatre. I love that as an actor, you know the full arc. There’s magic in that. It satisfies the part of me that loves structure and clarity. With film, I get to live in the wonder of a story that’s already whole.
TV is a bit different. It’s more fluid. Things can shift from episode to episode — you don’t always know where your character is going, or what’s coming next. That can be exciting, but also unpredictable. I enjoy it, but I love the consistency of a film project.
Voice-over work is its own powerful thing. You’re taking people somewhere using only your voice. That’s a unique challenge — and also really healing. I used to be afraid to even hear my own voice. Now it’s one of the things I’m most proud of. It’s helped me trust myself in a whole new way.
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What would you say has been one of your biggest challenges — and how did you overcome it?
One of my biggest challenges has been getting people to see me as I see myself. As Black women, it’s so important that we know who we are because the world often projects its own distorted ideas onto us. And if you’re not careful, you can start to internalise that and doubt yourself, too.
Thankfully, I have a background of strong women in my family who have always taught me to be confident and that nothing else really matters if I don’t believe in myself. But so much of what I do in this industry requires other people to believe, too. And that has been challenging all the years of my career.
Rejection is common for actors. The key is to avoid internalising it; recognise that a role simply wasn’t the right fit at this time, and other opportunities will arise. I think rejection also goes hand in hand with some of my greatest achievements, which is learning who I and how I want to see myself. There are things I just won’t touch, no matter the paycheck. That’s been hard, but I know who I am.
While I value every role and the professional growth I’ve experienced, my greatest achievement has been the personal growth and self-discovery I’ve gained while navigating this industry. I have a strong sense of self, and I’m deeply grateful for that.
Your roles — from “Snowfall” to “Divorce in the Black” to “Beauty in Black” — are layered Black stories. How intentional are you about the roles you take on?
I wasn’t as intentional at first because I started so young. However, as I’ve become more aware of who I am and what it means to function in this world as a Black woman, I’m that much more intentional about what I do. I become more intentional with each project because I’m exposed to more.
What resonated most about your character, Kimmy, in “Beauty in Black”?
When the opportunity came to play Kimmy, I was terrified. But talking with Mr. Perry, hearing about the entire arc of her character and why the story needed me helped. I felt very honoured.
Knowing overall that she is a woman with a lot of strength inside of her who has to figure out how to overcome the circumstances around her to bring that strength out of her resonates with me.
I’m an advocate for youth in foster care, so any story about a young person who has been neglected, or abused, resonates with me because those stories need to be told. After all, it does happen.
Sometimes, I feel it makes people a little wary, like, “Oh, I don’t want to see that.” But we need to know that these things actually happen so that we can be aware of them.
How did you prepare for this emotionally complex and dramatic role?
The circumstances for the story made it easy for me to tap in. The show’s world is so heightened; something is constantly happening to Kimmy. As soon as you think things are okay, they’re not for her.
The writing was great. I couldn’t help but feel the emotions. I’m very empathetic, so imagining myself in the circumstance takes me there.
To prepare for the role, I delved into Kimmy’s life before the events of the show, which really helped to inform her emotional landscape. The show touches on aspects of her upbringing – her childhood, her relationship with her mother and stepfather, and the abuse she endured before being forced out. Exploring these elements helped me understand the potential mental trauma she carries. I journaled extensively, as I do with all my characters, about these formative events and how they shaped her.
This season is a complete departure from the last, so expect the unexpected. Just enjoy the ride! I can’t reveal any specifics, as it would spoil the surprise. But never underestimate the underdog.
You’ve spoken passionately about youth in foster care. Can you tell us a bit more about that part of your life?
My grandmother was a foster parent when I was growing up, so I grew up with many kids who would come in and out of our home. I knew at a young age what the child welfare system was. She was also part of a program called Child Advocates.
My passion for youth rights has led me to volunteer with the Child Advocates program in Los Angeles, a program that exists in many cities across the US. As a volunteer, I’m assigned to a specific child within the child welfare system who requires extra support. My role involves extensive communication – numerous calls and emails – to ensure their needs are being addressed and advocating for them in court. Being sworn in by the court, I can formally suggest what I believe is in the child’s best interest.
I feel strongly that young people are not only our future, but our present responsibility. Everything we do should be with their well-being in mind. I believe my voice is best used to amplify theirs, particularly the voices of children in foster care, who are so often overlooked. Young people possess a keen understanding of their own feelings, but societal pressures can undermine that self-knowledge. As an adult, I want to use my voice to ensure their voices and rights are heard and respected.
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What does a typical day in your life look like right now?
I’m an early riser, and my mornings often kick off with a workout. Then, my workday takes over, usually from around 11 AM to 5 PM, and can include anything from emails and interviews to self-taping auditions.
Being married for almost a year, I make a conscious effort to cook meals for my husband each night, and we value our time together, even if it’s just sharing dinner while we work or relax separately.
My dog also plays a key role in my day, with walks and care incorporated throughout. To wind down, I enjoy a peaceful evening routine of skincare, soft music, and reading before sleep, ready for another day.
How do you balance the demands of your career while prioritising personal well-being?
I operate in cycles of intense work and deliberate rest. I love being in ‘go’ mode and am very productive, often to the point of foregoing meals and sleep when deeply engaged.
However, I know this isn’t sustainable long-term. So, I strategically initiate these periods of high activity, usually around key work events like a show launch or the start of filming, where I’m completely focused on achieving the goal.
Following these intense phases, I consciously shift into a recovery period where I prioritise relaxation, listen to my body’s needs for sleep and food, and engage in ample self-care. Maintaining my daily non-negotiables, like going to the gym, is also a vital part of this rebalancing.
What are your top three tips for maintaining a healthy work-life balance?
I would say make sure you listen to your body, whether that’s your mind or your actual body. If you start getting sick or super stressed, it’s time to pause. You have to be in tune with yourself.
The second tip is to schedule your personal things too. If you’re going to the spa, or you have a date, or you’re going to hang out with your girlfriends, put it on your schedule. You also have to schedule those things because they should be a priority too. You need to be intentional not to make work the priority and let the personal fall to the side.
Remember to have fun with your work and your personal life. I love what I do, but when I feel stressed, I have to take a moment to be grateful and enjoy myself, because I’ve waited a long time to do what I do. So, always try to find that enjoyment in everything you do, and that’ll keep you balanced.
After “Beauty in Black”, what’s next for you?
I’m excited to create, to build worlds, and to champion untold stories. I want to tell nuanced stories — not just about trauma or strength but everything in between: joy, awkwardness, and softness.
I used to think I had to constantly grind. But now I’m more interested in alignment. Faith is a huge part of my journey. I wouldn’t be where I am without that trust in divine timing. So, right now, I’m just trusting the timing and myself, too.
With your fast-growing career, how do you define legacy — for yourself, and for the world you’re shaping through your work?
Legacy is everything to me. Like I said, I come from a very loving, close-knit family, so I know I am their legacy.
I want to be remembered as a good person who cared for people and the world. Different things in life can turn your heart a certain way, but I want it to be known that I was good, looked out for people, and loved people.
I also want my legacy to reflect that I was a great entertainer and actor, and that the stories I told deeply affected people or made them see the world differently.
