“Bel-Air”s Rita Angel Taylor On New Character, Favorite Shows, And Living In LA

This young actress is already taking the world by storm!

If you’ve been watching tv recently, Rita has probably been across your screen. After starring in roles in everything from Nickelodeon’s “Sam and Cat” to Brat’s “Sunnyside Up”. Now, she’s about to star in Peacock’s new original show “Bel-Air”.

We had the absolute honor of talking to Rita on her singing career, her auditioning process, and more!

Q: You’ve accomplished so much at such a young age with both your singing and acting skills. Which talent do you think came easier to you? 

R: “Both of them took a lot of practice and time. Although, I think music took more practice for me to get better. While, I feel like acting was more of just growing up and watching more movies, which led to me better understanding the craft. I also have a great acting coach who has helped me improve so much since when I first started. So, really, neither of them came easier to me, and they both took a lot of work.”

Q: Were you interested in being involved in the entertainment industry at the young age that you started or was it more of your parents that noticed your talent and got you involved? 

R: “I’ve always loved singing, even as a toddler, and I was always pretty good in front of a camera. But, to be honest, when I started modeling, I don’t even think I knew what “the entertainment industry” was, I was just having fun taking pictures, and eventually, acting. However, when I wanted to give it up for a while to try and focus on music, my parents were completely fine with it, and they’ve always been extremely supportive in the things I want to do. Now, I’m back to doing acting along with music, and I love it more than ever.”

Q: You’ve lived in several cities while building your career. What was your favorite to live in and why? 

R: “I am currently living in LA. It took me a while to get used to, but now I actually really like it here. Of course, I will always love Las Vegas, NV and Dallas, TX, but right now, I feel like I’m more of a big city girl. I prefer places like New York City or Los Angeles. And I especially love the beaches and Hollywood vibes this place gives off. So I’d say, so far, my favorite city I’ve lived in would be LA.”

Q: Okay let’s talk about “Bel-Air.” You are playing the character of Lucia in this highly anticipated reboot, a character who wasn’t in the original series. So tell us a little about your character and what she will bring to the show? 

R: “Unfortunately, I can’t tell you much about the character or her storyline, except that she’s in a friend group with some of the other characters on the show. But I can’t wait for the show to air, it was so much fun filming, and I think people will love it!”

Q: Have you seen the original series yourself? Who was your favorite character?

R: “I have not watched the show, but it’s definitely on my bucket list!”

Q: How do you usually prepare for an audition? 

R: “I learn my lines at least the night before taping, but I try to learn them as soon as possible so I have time to live with the character. The memorizing usually takes about 20-30 minutes depending on how long the sides are, and then I skim through it a couple more times during the day. And then if there is a reference movie, I’ll watch it and try to study and research the project as much as I can.”

Q: Seeing as though it seems you’ve been working non-stop, did work slow down for you during quarantine? If so, what was that like? 

R: “Well, nothing really slowed down for me. In fact, I’ve had more time to focus on writing because I’m always at home. Another thing that’s different is the auditions; due to the pandemic, all the auditions are either self-tapes or zoom calls. Which I don’t mind, but it sure will be hard getting used to the in-person auditions again, when the time comes!”

Q: What was your go-to snack and binge-show you watched during quarantine? 

R: “I don’t really buy any pre-made snacks, so I like eating mostly fruits. I love blueberries, avocados, and tomatoes! And sometimes I’ll make my own, all-natural, homemade granola bars that I like to eat with plain yogurt and some berries. As for my favorite shows, I have tons of them. Outer Banks and The Umbrella Academy are my top two and I’m also almost finished watching Squid Game. But I mostly like to watch movies. Some of my favorites are Fight Club, Dead Poets Society, The Outsiders, The Maze Runner, Nightmare on Elm Street, and so many more, but I won’t list them all because they would take up the whole page!”

Q: What are your biggest goals for your career? 

R: “Hopefully, someday, I’ll have starred in some great feature films and gained a lot of experience. And I also want to release tons of songs and be the best writer and performer I can be. But mostly, I want to be successful enough to help a lot of people around the world.” 

Q: Where can we follow your amazing journey? 

R: “Instagram is mostly where I post about my career, but you can follow me on many social media platforms. My username for everything is @ritaangeltaylor.”

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Janesha Jones– Movies/TV Show Editor– Janesha Jones is a pop culture and celebrity news freelance writer who is not only interviewed a few celebrities but has also worked in radio. She enjoys interviewing people to learn their stories and help their fans and listeners learn about them as well.