Actress Renika Williams Talks About Her HBO Max Character And ‘New Amsterdam’ Role

What a breakout star!

Thankfully, Renika Williams is back on our screens and better than ever! She currently stars as the lovable character Willow in the HBO Max hit series ‘The Sex Life of College Girls‘.

We had the amazing honor of talking with Renika about her biggest inspirations, diversity in the industry, and more!

How did you get into acting and how has your journey been so far?

R: “I grew up writing skits for my school and church friends to perform in. So, I guess you can say I was a
writer first! (Laughs) Although somehow, I was always cast as the lead because of course I was the
director, too. Pretty sure my friends didn’t always like that! I eventually went on to attend a magnet
school for the arts for a bit and then earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from Wright State
University.

My journey so far as been better than I could’ve ever imagined. Initially, I think I tried to downplay my
dream in order to keep my hopes at a manageable level because this industry is really tough and I
wanted to be realistic. But I’ve been really blessed to be surrounded by a really great community of
artists along the way who have all made an impact on where I am today with their love and
encouragement to dream big. Community support is everything!”

Being a black woman in the industry, how does that motivate you to succeed? Have you faced any
challenges?

R: “Being a black woman in the industry is definitely top two when it comes to motivation to succeed; the
other reason being God. It has always been my mission to represent black girls everywhere. I want black
girls to see themselves on screen; in all the different hues and shades that make us, us. I think there will
always be challenges that black women have to face in entertainment but what gives me hope is that
we’ve started to take matters into our own hands as writers and producers. Mara Brock Akil, Issa Rae,
and Quinta Brunson are just a few who are leading the charge on opening more doors for black women
and they inspire me to do the same.”

What is the most rewarding thing about acting? What inspires you to keep going?

R: “The most rewarding thing about acting is hearing how the audience receives the work. Whether it’s a
play or a television show, I love hearing how the characters and their stories have impacted the viewers.
I love the conversations that telling a story can start, and hopefully those conversations help a viewer
become more open to something they weren’t open to before.

What inspires me to keep going is the little nine-year-old girl inside of me who used to boss her friends
around and make them act out her skits! I remember where I came from and instantly am able to keep
my head up and keep grinding.”

Who are your inspirations?

R: “My inspirations are a mix of so many great people, a few I named earlier. But my parents are a huge
inspiration of mine, they’ve always been my biggest supporters. Phylicia Rashad, as well, she was the
first black women on television that I saw and said “I want to do that!” I met Phylicia Rashad while she
was rehearsing the brilliant Dominique Morisseau’s Skeleton Crew on Broadway (who is also one of my
mentors and great inspirations) and I clammed up trying to tell her how much she means to me!”

How did you prepare for your role on The Sex Lives of College Girls? Was it challenging for you or did
you fit right in?

R: “When I first read The Sex Lives of College Girls, I instantly thought it was hilarious and started working
on my scenes for the audition. The writing was so great, it was super easy to memorize and that always
excites me when the writing just rolls off my tongue. And connecting to Willow was something that kind
of just happened. I felt like her knew her.”

Did you have any experience playing soccer as your character did?

R: “Well, let’s just say I knew Willow other than the student athlete part. (Laughs) I was a theatre kid who
never played sports, well at least not in high school when it actually mattered! Once we started filming,
they told me I’d need to train a couple of times a week to learn the basics of soccer. And that was a
challenge. It was tough learning a new sport at what felt like the last minute, but I’m proud of myself for
powering through and getting it done. I even added in more training sessions on my own once I started
to feel more confident. Alyah Chanelle Scott also trained with me, and we definitely had each other’s
back!”

What’s next for you? Anything new and exciting?

R: “I’m super excited about a new role on New Amsterdam that I had the honor of playing. I was really
challenged by the circumstances of the character and I’m very excited to share the opposite spectrum of
my work. Plus, New Amsterdam, is a really great show with an important message and I’m happy I get to
be a part of their final season.”

What is your biggest goal to reach by the end of 2022?

R: “Honestly? My biggest goal to reach by the end of 2022 would be to be able to ride my Peloton bike for an hour without stopping! The instructors really kick my butt, in the best way, and I’d love to continue to strengthen my mind and not take breaks while riding. (Laughs) I’ve really been focused on health and
fitness, and I want to continue to make it a regular part of my everyday life.”

See Renika shine in Season 2 of The Sex Life of College Girls, available only on HBO Max!

Photo Credit: Andrew Parsons

Bryana Medina– Celebrity/Entertainment Reporter- Bryana Medina recently graduated from California State University Dominguez Hills where she got her bachelor’s degree in Journalism.  As a journalist, she collected skills like public speaking, broadcasting, and mass media. She has planned on making a difference in the media industry by using her voice and expertise.