Sharar Ali-Speakes About HBO’s ‘Insecure’, Spoken Word Projects, And New Role In ‘Missing’

Making a statement in the entertainment industry!

From producing to acting, Sharar Ali-Speakes is making her mark in a big way! She stars in the new film ‘Missing’, alongside Stormi Reid and Nia Long.

We had the amazing honor of talking with Sharar about her mentorship with her mother, her dream costars, and more!

When did you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career in the entertainment industry?

S: “Growing up around the entertainment industry created an organic decision to enter into it. At a young age, I was interested in making documentaries. However, the older I got, my life and mindset were always centered around sports. I had envisioned my life as a professional basketball player. Ironically enough, I lost that vision. Lucky for me, my mom, actress Bernadette Speakes, allowed me to shadow her on the set of All American. Being on location and watching her and the creative process rekindled my childhood desire, and I recognized my true passion was always in the entertainment industry.”

Tell us more about your character in the upcoming film Missing.

S: “My character, Tia, in the upcoming film Missing, is basically Sharar on screen, and it’s always fun to play those roles. Like me, Tia is loyal, funny, goofy, emotional, intelligent, and the one making it lit. Tia is part of June’s (Storm Reid) close friends circle and joins in on the chaos that happens while June’s mom is away.”

Were you a fan of the first film? Are you excited that this film is releasing in theatres?

S: “I was a fan of the first film, Searching. Not only because of the concept but also because of how the director and cinematographer shot the film. I love acting and I equally love and appreciate the process of a movie and how creative juices come together. I am super excited about the Missing coming to theaters. The most remarkable moment I have experienced was going to the movie theatre and seeing my face on the big screen in a trailer, and even more excited to see it during the première. These are the moments
you dream of, and they are actually happening.”

Back in 2021, you starred with Issa Rae in one of HBO’s most successful original shows ‘Insecure’. What was that experience like for you?

S: “If I quit acting today, I would coin Insecure as the top experience of my career. I am a huge fan of the show and aspire to have a career like Issa Rae. To be on your favorite television show with one of your inspirations is surreal. I loved seeing so many black faces on set; the vibe of the people was incredible and welcoming. Issa is super down-to-earth and just as welcoming. I truly felt like I belonged; it was an excellent opportunity to create new relationships. I also got to connect with Courtney Taylor; seeing how great her career is going is inspiring. Being directed by Natasha Rothwell and knowing her journey from being a writer to becoming a character to directing an episode was exciting and motivating. I felt like being part of the final season, I was part of history; Black History, Woman History, and Television History. You seldom get to work on a show created by a Back Woman for a Black Audience on a top-tier streaming service. Insecure is one of those show where all people come together to talk about the show.”

You have worked alongside so many incredible fellow actresses. Is there anyone in particular you would love to work with next?

S: “I have a running list, and I can go on for days. I will forever be a huge fan of Angelina Jolie, Angela Bassett, Viola Davis, and Zoe Saldana. Outside of those super-talented women, my favorite right now is Lashana Lynch. She is super talented and multifaceted. Her work in The Woman King and Matilda The Musical should be talked about more. I love her style and know we would hit it off outside of working together. My aspirations to work with people like Zendaya and Letitia Wright are motivated by the appearance of their off-screen personalities. Who you are as a person is essential when you are on set
building chemistry and taking it to the streets as friends. I would love to also work with people like Denzel Washington. I want to learn from people that have so much to offer. As much as I love all these people from afar, my mom is the one person I would like to work with on-screen. Me considering acting wouldn’t even be possible if it wasn’t for her. My personal success in this industry is because she coaches and continues to guide me throughout this journey. She is super talented and has made her stamp in black cultural history, such as Love Jones, To Sir With Love, and All American. It’s almost full circle since, because of being involved with Missing, we both can say we have been in films with Nia Long.”

You have also made your mark as both a writer and a producer. Do you prefer the process of working behind the camera or the process of starring in front of the camera? Or both?

S: “I genuinely love both. I am a person who doesn’t come from a typical family, so to speak. My dad, Jamal Speakes Sr., teaches film. My brother is super talented with editing. Outside of my mom acting, she directs. Each of them has influenced me to love the process of a project coming together. When I watch a film or even tv shows, I look at the acting choices, question how each shot was taken, and study the seamlessness of the editing in the project. I even look at who is behind the film, not just casting, but who produced and directed it. Eventually, I would love to have my own production company like Brad Pitt, who has partnered with A24 and created Oscar-winning films.”

In your opinion, how important do you think the new wave of POC getting the spotlight in entertainment is for this industry?

S: “My favorite quote today is “rooting for everybody black” by Issa Rae. I am a big advocator for the people unseen to be seen in this industry and this world. Art and creativity are for everybody, but often POC is forgotten about in that process. When I think of being in this industry, I think of authenticity. If you are creating a project where the population is afro-centric, why not give that platform to them? It is motivating to see how my Latino friends are moved by Black Panther Wakanda Forever. Sometimes – I get culture shock when I book roles myself because I question if they want someone with brown skin and locs. I don’t want people to wonder why they don’t see themselves on screen. Have you seen the TikTok videos of kids walking up to the screen saying, “they look like me?” That makes me smile. It’s important not only to me but also defines the true purpose of art.”

Where can we follow your amazing journey?

S: “First and foremost, people can follow this amazing journey by going to the theaters and watching Missing, which opens worldwide on January 20th (lol). Outside of watching my work, I post my endeavors on Instagram at prophet_speakes and have my own editing and spoken word project (The Complexities of a Black Woman and LOVE) on Youtube.”

‘Missing’ is available in theatres tomorrow, and today in select locations!

Photo Credits: Photographer: Kim Preston @prestonscamera | Stylists: Eric Lloyd @ericlloyd26 | Makeup Artists: P2C | Location: Aurelie Davis @Aurelie@aureliedavis.com

Je’Kayla Crawford– Founder and Director– Je’Kayla has been a journalist for years and decided to start a publication of her own, New Scene. When not helping her team and working on the monthly issues, you can find her watching a movie on Netflix or baking using a viral Tasty recipe.