Carlacia Grant
IN NETFLIX SERIES
Outer Banks Season 3
Photography by Sami Drain
Creative Director Deborah Ferguson
Interview Sophie Lin
Carlacia Grant is an American actress who has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry with her stunning performances and versatile style. Having a diverse background and extensive experience in various sectors of the industry, Grant is a well-rounded performer who is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood.
Born of Haitian and Jamaican heritage, Carlacia grew up uniquely American with a rich cultural background. Growing up, she was always interested in the arts, and as a teenager, she modeled and participated in beauty pageants. Her beauty and poise earned her several titles, and she quickly realized that her passion was not only in modeling but also in acting. Grant appeared in roles such as Danielle Turner on “Greenleaf”, Leesha and Alicia Bausch in “Game of Silence” and Irene in the remake of the famed miniseries, “Roots”. Having garnered much praise for her previous roles she is now a part of the popular Netflix teen drama series, “Outer Banks”, where she stars as Cleo. She was seamlessly introduced to the cast of characters in season 2 and will return in her role as Cleo in season 3.
Aside from her acting career, Grant is also known for her fashion sense and has become a style icon among young audiences. She fearlessly experiments with fashion and currently has a large following upwards of 850K followers on Instagram. Her eclectic style has captivated audiences as she effortlessly navigates beach days and red carpet evenings.
SL: Season 3 is your sophomore season on “Outer Banks”, how do you think the “take no prisoners” vibe of Cleo resonates with you as an actor? How much of Carlacia do you see in Cleo, if anything?
CG: Cleo inspires me because she is authentically herself no matter the situation she is put in. She trusts her instincts, that’s a valuable tool to use as an actor. Cleo is very ambitious when it comes to things that she wants and that’s something that resonates with me.
SL: Has your Caribbean heritage impacted your interpretation of Cleo? Do you think it has helped you prepare for this role in any way and execute it differently than say someone without a Caribbean heritage?
CG: Of course it has! Many of Cleo’s mannerisms that you see in the show I get from my aunts and other family members. Although I wasn’t born in the Caribbean, growing up in South Florida, my family gave me as close as you can get to a firsthand experience of being on the islands. I drew parts of my inspiration from my Haitian/Bahamian godmother that taught me proper enunciation, slang words, and just corrected me overall. However, in a way, it feels like I’ve been preparing to be Cleo before I was even cast (laughs).
Cardigan, Jacket, Skirt: Ports
SL: The role of Cleo looks extremely physically taxing, how did you prepare for the role and did you struggle with any of the physical demands?
CG : I immediately got a trainer, Max Solomon, and we worked a lot on strength training, cardio, and toning. I wanted to make sure that physically Cleo looked strong. Honestly, I was pretty ready when it came to the physicality of the role, having had a trainer beforehand, but one thing I will say I did learn was that it is extremely hard to swim in the ocean fully clothed.
SL: Can you share a memorable moment from your time on set?
CG:Too many to count, but UNO games get extremely intense! Someone is always making new rules (laughs), but JD and I rap lyrics all day. It helps pass the time.
SL:Having started out as a model and later becoming a pageant queen, how did you make your start in acting? What sparked your interest?
CG: Truthfully, I’ve always wanted to be an actor. When I was 13 I went to theatre camp and I was in a play called “Treasure Island”. Ever since then there was something in me that knew that this was what I wanted to do. I was a little afraid to take the leap, but being so close to Miami Beach I found a lot of auditions and my mom would drive me there. I’ve been pursuing and continuing ever since.
Jacket & Shorts: Patou
SL: You have played such a wide array of characters in your career so far, how do you approach creating a character and bringing them to life?
CG : I start with thinking about something in my life that I can use to relate to this character. However, if there’s nothing I personally relate to then I use substitution, which is like my version of standing in someone else’s shoes or trying to emulate what it would be like to be in this person’s head.
Hat, Earrings, Jacket, Shorts, & Heels: Moschino
SL Can you tell us about a particularly rewarding moment from your career so far?
CG: When I was 8, I vividly remember being in my grandma’s basement dreaming of having my name in lights. I’ve been working really hard, doing everything I can. I recently saw my face on a billboard for “Outer Banks”, and it is honestly one of the most rewarding things.
SL: If you have a free day, what can we find you doing to enjoy your time?
CG: I’m a total foodie! I love going out for food, but sometimes I go to the movies. I like being near the water listening to a good audiobook or going to the spa.
Jacket & Shorts: Iro Paris
Hat, Earrings, Jacket, Shorts, & Heels: Moschino
SL: How do you describe your personal style?
CG: I would describe my style as eclectic. I have a very broad sense of style when it comes to my clothes. My motto is: if it looks good on me, I’ll wear it! I don’t really mind where it’s from or who’s supposed to wear.
Cardigan, Jacket, Skirt: Ports
SL: What would be the one fashion or style advice you could give others?
CG: Just be yourself and wear what makes you feel comfortable and happy. Confidence is key! If you like it, why not wear it?
Hat, Earrings, Jacket, Shorts, & Heels: Moschino
SL: Finally, what are your aspirations as an actor? Where would you like to see yourself three years from now?
CG: As far as aspirations, I want to try all the other genres in film and television that I haven’t done yet. I’d love to do a romantic comedy, thriller, summer blockbuster, etcetera. Three years from now, I want to be producing and starring in upcoming projects like Viola Davis in “The Woman King”.
Credits
Photography
Creative Director & Fashion Editor
Interview
Sophie Lin
Makeup
Hair
Thank you Imprint PR & Netflix