Kelcey Mawema On Staying Motivated And New Role In Paramount’s ‘Honor Society’

The POC actress we were looking for!

From the TATBILB series to CW’s ‘Superman & Lois’, Kelcey Mawema is making a powerful stand in the acting industry. Recently, you can see her as ‘Talia’ in the star-studded Paramount Plus original film ‘Honor Society’.

We had the amazing honor of talking with Kelcey about how she approaches characters, dream role, and more!

After making your acting debut, did you expect to work on such well known projects like ‘To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before’ and ‘Totally Killer’?

K: “Since I was really young my parents’ provided me with constant support and words of encouragement towards whatever colossal sized dreams I had for myself, which aided in creating a very confident young woman, but to my surprise it wasn’t enough! I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the feeling of being a part of something so big.”

When working in an industry full of rejection, how do you manage to stay motivated?

K: “Keeping busy, or at least trying to. Picking up hobbies like reading, reorganizing and decorating my living spaces from time to time, taking my cat on walks… just remembering that I have a life outside of film and it’s important separate the two so then when I hear my umpteenth no, it’s not so devastating.”

What long-term goals do you have for your career?

K: “A sincere goal would be to continue to play characters that challenge or surprise me. I already am lucky enough to have my job be something I’m truly in love with, and I never want that passion to sizzle out.”

Your most recent project is ‘Honor Society’ out now on Paramount+. What was the experience working on set?

K: “Amazing! I got to work closely with so many talented individuals, really developed an appreciation for all the different departments involved in making this film. Also lots of laughs and dancing.”

What should the viewers expect from ‘Honor Society’?

K: “To be ready to fall in love with the most unassuming characters.”

When working on such inspirational pieces, does it make a difference in the way you approach certain things?

K: “It depends on the character. With Talia for example, I built a tiny bit of a back story for her, but the rest was me trying to incorporate myself, people I know or see online and just a lot of light and energy into her. But for roles of other projects, where the theme is a bit darker or more intense the approach incorporates a lot more research and character breakdowns.”

When did you have the eye-opening moment where you knew you loved to act and wanted to be an actress?

K: “When I first watched people like Brandy, Gabrielle Union, Kyla Pratt, Raven Symone and China Anne McClain on my TV. To see myself represented in a light that displays black girls just being black girls living life, it made me want to also be a part of that group.”

Since making your acting debut in 2016 in shows like ‘The Exorcist’, how have you grown as not only an actor but as a person?

K: “Wow, that feels like so long ago but I remember it vividly. Now, as an actor that has worked on so many sets and seen so many people in that element, it’s taught me to stay true to myself and my instincts. I used to want mold myself into exactly what people wanted out of me, but now I’ve learned that this is a collaborative line of work and some of the best performances form out of blending ideas. Which as a person has taught me a lot of patience not only in myself but in others.”

What is one thing on your bucket list?

K: “I DESPERATLEY want to fight, I want what Angelina Jolie has! Imagine playing a spy or some Lara Croft type of badassery? Manifest it with me.”

What should your fans expect from your career as you continue to grow?

K: “Expect to be surprised with the different characters I’ll continue to play. There is a lot more to me and my abilities and I can only hope you will get to see them one day!”

Alessia Shaw- Movie/Entertainment Editor– Alessia is a rising Junior in high school located in Southern California! She is an actress, writer and avid mental health advocate. Alessia loves writing in many forms, especially spoken word poetry. As her resume continues to grow, so does her love for the arts. She hopes to continue her acting path and attend a performing arts college in the near future.