American actress and singer
HAILEY KILGORE
in conversation with Tessa Swantek
Photography Angelo Sgambati
Creative Director & Fashion Editor Deborah Ferguson
Jacket, Pants, Jewelry, and Belt: CHANEL Metiers d’Art 2021, Heels: Tamara Mellon
Interview by Tessa Swantek
Hailey Kilgore, the American actress, has a powerful presence that commands our R-E-S-P-E-C-T. After extensive stage experience in high school, she made her Broadway debut starring as Ti Moune in Tony award-winning Once on This Island. On stage, she is potent and vibrant which are qualities that have translated seamlessly to her newest role as Carolyn Franklin, Aretha Franklin’s sister, in RESPECT. Kilgore grew up in a church choir and she emphasizes that it was life-changing for her to sing with others who connect music to their souls, so her role in RESPECT seems to be a divine merger of her personal and professional life. While the film is brimming with soulful performances, there is a more intimate story of sisterhood and support that underlies the film’s extravagance. Kilgore notes that Carolyn Franklin “never tried to take the spotlight or outshine,” however she certainly shined, and Kilgore is able to capture her spirit beautifully. Much like Carolyn Franklin, Kilgore commands attention through her own presence, but does not demand it. She speaks to us about working on RESPECT, her role as Jukebox in Power Book III: Raising Kanan, taking ownership over her voice, and all things beauty and fashion.
Jacket, Pants, Jewelry, and Belt: CHANEL Metiers d’Art 2021, Heels: Tamara Mellon
You made your Broadway debut when you starred in the highly praised production Once on This Island at only 19 years old. I’m sure you experienced an intense mix of emotions when landing the role especially right after finishing high school. How did you feel in this moment- at the time did it feel like the start of something magical?
The scariest part for me was the fact that I was so dead-set on finishing college. I was just about to complete my first year to get my BFA, so I knew even going to that audition would be running a really big risk. Man, I am SO GLAD I took that leap of faith! I left school before I actually knew for sure that I had booked the job! The minute we started singing through the score I realized just how magical, how spiritual, this show was going to be. It was definitely life changing!
Skincare and make up: NARS
Skincare:
Luminous Moisture Cream
Total Replenishing Eye Cream
Radiance Primer
Complexion:
Natural Radiant Long-wear Foundation in Macao
Radiant Creamy Concealer in Amande
Matte Bronzer in Quirimba
Eye makeup:
High Pigment Long-wear Eyeliner Pencil in Mambo
Triple X Clear Lipgloss on eyes and cheeks
Climax Mascara
You sang from a very young age, can you share any vivid memory you have of performing and singing as a young girl?
As I look back now, my life changed when my mom put me in gospel choir. I have always had music in my life, but there is something about singing for a spirit bigger than yourself- singing with people who just have the gift of connecting the music to their souls, singing for something so much bigger than themselves. That definitely changed me in a beautiful way.
Romper, Jewelry, and Belt: CHANEL Metiers d’Art 2021, Boots: Iindaco
How was the transition from stage to screen for you as you began working on The Village and Amazing Stories?
I think the beautiful thing about my upbringing was that I grew up with very honest parents. Hard work (not working until you’re tired) was the priority. Performance and performance quality was so important in all aspects of my life. So, I understood the reality of everything. Never in a million years did I think I would be working for NBC AND Steven Spielberg within WEEKS of each other. I was really nervous at first, but it was honestly a pretty smooth transition. I was so motivated to produce good work that I really picked up things fairly quickly. It was incredible! I also got to do my own stunts which…is a flex if you ask me.
You play Jukebox in Power Book III: Raising Kanan, which is a character that is quite different from your previous roles. You have said in previous interviews that you had to get rid of the adult version of Anika Noni Rose’s Jukebox in order to bring your own flavor to the role. What was the process like for doing this and creating a version that you wanted to represent?
I think the exciting thing about taking on a younger version of any character that exists in the TV or film world is that you get to bridge the gap between who fans know and who the character actually is. So, the idea wasn’t to erase or get rid of Anika Noni Rose’s performance, quite frankly, that’s impossible- she’s brilliant. What I really get to do is humanize the villain that Power fans know and love (or fear). Every bad guy doesn’t start out bad. She was a kid at one point like everybody else. So, I’m excited that I get to tell that story.
I really want to focus on the recent Aretha Franklin biopic, RESPECT. It is a gorgeous film and you are amazing as Carolyn Franklin. The film explores the unique language of sisterhood through shared experiences relative to its impact on Aretha Franklin’s songwriting. How would you describe this unique language of sisterhood in the film, and how did you hope to showcase this element of the Franklin sisters’ story?
THANK YOU!! I was really excited to be taking on this character. You know, behind every star is their team. In this case, behind Ms. Franklin was her family. It’s beautiful how close the sisters were, especially at that time. Ms. Franklin’s life, her voice, her career (at first) were all run by men. A lot of them wanted her gift, her power. Not all of them treated her with respect (see what I did there?) So, the fact that the two people that loved her most were always by her side to not only uplift her, but to tell her the truth and keep her grounded is a blessing in itself that not all stars get to have. Carolyn Franklin was an icon herself. So, I really wanted to do her justice. Her weapon and her magic wand was her pen. She co-wrote and in some cases presented Ms. Franklin with whole songs (“Ain’t No Way” for instance). She never tried to take the spotlight or outshine. She was a beautiful human being with a strong soul. You hear that through her own musical catalogue. I really hope I made her proud.
The costuming by Clint Ramos along with hair and makeup is one of the most visually notable elements of the film as we are transported through decades. Did the outfits and beauty looks make you feel immersed in the world of Aretha Franklin? What looks were your favorite?
Oh YESSS! One thing about me- I LOVE the glamour of it all! So the costumes and the glam put me in my ELEMENT! Clint Ramos is a genius. Not very many artists can do what he does or see what he sees. I’m so blessed because Clint designed the costumes for OOTI [Once on This Island] so we knew each other going into the film. I adore him. My favorite outfit easily was the yellow Sunday brunch dress. I LOVE yellow and I got to be pretty and feminine. I was in the whole get-up with the corset and everything! Fun fact, because of timing, Saycon [Sengbloh] and I actually had to shoot the scene separately from Forest [Whitaker], Jennifer Hudson, Kimberly [Scott], and Marlon [Wayans]! So, we got to do the whole scene ourselves! It’s really cool how they put it all together.
The film also explores Aretha Franklin finding her own unique sound and taking control and ownership over her voice. As a singer yourself, is this something you can relate to?
Yes! When you are entering the business, everyone wants to give their three cents- this is what you should do, this is what you should look like, this is how you should or shouldn’t speak. It’s a lot and sometimes you can feel like your gift isn’t your own. Overtime, however, especially when you’re surrounded by the right people, you figure it out.
Jacket, Pants, Jewelry, and Belt: CHANEL Metiers d’Art 2021, Heels: Tamara Mellon
Skincare and make up: NARS
Skincare:
Luminous Moisture Cream
Total Replenishing Eye Cream
Radiance Primer
Complexion:
Natural Radiant Long-wear Foundation in Macao
Radiant Creamy Concealer in Amande
Matte Bronzer in Quirimba
Eye makeup:
High Pigment Long-wear Eyeliner Pencil in Mambo
Triple X Clear Lipgloss on eyes and cheeks
Climax Mascara
Jennifer Hudson, who plays Aretha Franklin, had been friends with Franklin for over a decade and had discussed playing the role with Franklin herself. Did you learn anything from Hudson about Aretha Franklin’s world that helped you in your own character portrayal?
I learned so much working with Ms. Hudson. But, most importantly, I learned that you belong in whatever room you walk into. She didn’t just star in the film, she was the Executive Producer alongside Leisl Tommy. She is a boss lady!!! It was so cool watching her work.
What scenes did you enjoy filming the most- the more intimate sister moments or the massive stage performances? Any behind the scenes stories?
Hmmmm…can I say both?! Honestly, the magic moment for me was recording “RESPECT” in the studio. That was such an electrifying moment. We all sang live and the band played live. It was crazy!
As this interview is for our beauty section, do you have any go-to skincare or beauty secrets?
I thought you would NEVER ASK! On Power, Jukebox doesn’t wear any makeup so skincare is super important! First of all, Dr. Howe at Wexler Dermatology is a wizard! Barbara Sturm is my go-to for skin care. I use the Peter Thomas Roth peel twice a week and Ole Henrikson for toning. My latest OBSESSION is the Jlo Beauty That Blockbuster moisturizer and then any sunscreen I can find!
When do you feel most beautiful?
Honestly, I love sitting at my vanity and doing a full beat! I love feeling glammed up and put together (SHAMELESS!).
What’s next for you?
We’re in the middle of filming season 2 of RK [Raising Kanan], so I’m so happy to be back with my Power family. I’m also working on my own music, so be on the lookout for that!
Photography
Angelo Sgambati
Creative Director & Fashion Editor
Deborah Ferguson
Interview by Contributing Entertainment Editor
Tessa Swantek
Makeup
UZO using Nars
@a-Frame agency
Hair
Michael David @the wall group
Web Layout Art Direction
Charis Tang
Fashion Assistant
Elise Delgado
Thank you,
Independent Public Relations, Starz, CHANEL
View Raising Kanan trailer here:
View RESPECT trailer here: