Celeste O’Connor
stars in
Film
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
Photography David-Simon Dayan
Fashion Editor Deborah Ferguson
Interview by Stella Hofferman
Celeste O’Connor is forging their own path. With an increasingly expanding filmography, a production company, and a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, the twenty-five year-old actor is a force to be reckoned with. Born in Kenya and raised in Baltimore, O’Connor began their career working in independent films while on-track for a Pre-Medicine degree at John Hopkins University. Following their breakout role in the Amazon Original movie Selah and the Spades, they starred in teen slasher Freaky alongside Kathryn Newton and Vince Vaughn, as well as Zach Braff’s A Good Person with an acclaimed cast including Florence Pugh, Morgan Freeman, and Molly Shannon. In their last year of college, the non-binary actor and their partner founded Pedestal, a production company focused around afro-futurism. Not long after in 2021, O’Connor was introduced in the Ghostbusters franchise as Lucky Domingo, and returns to screens in the latest installment–Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire–in theaters March 22, 2024.
Top, Skirt, and Jewelry: Chanel, Heels: Sara Wong
What are some genres that you’d like to experiment with in the future?
I’d love to continue playing in the science fiction/fantasy space. I’m interested in horror as a tool to talk about important social issues. I would also love to see a rom-com with two gay Black girls; I feel like the world needs that.
What has it been like to be a part of such a beloved franchise? Were you a fan prior to filming Ghostbusters: Afterlife?
It’s been such an honor to be a part of an iconic franchise like Ghostbusters. I was a fan as a kid, so getting to be a part of these stories means a lot to me. One of the coolest parts is getting to meet so many incredible artists who I’m inspired by like Finn Wolfhard, McKenna Grace, Kumail Nanjiani, and so many more. It’s also really fun to see all the toys and action figures of our characters come out, too! I was able to give my little cousin some Ghostbusters toys when Afterlife came out and that was so sweet.
Body Suit: AnnaKikki, Pearl Chokers: Notte Jewelry, Ring: Sara Wong, Heels: Nomasei
What was it like getting to reconnect with your co-stars for your upcoming film, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire?
It was like getting to see your friends at summer camp again. I loved getting to reconnect with Finn and McKenna, and of course, Jason Reitman and Gil Kenan. They’re such great people and artists–it felt so good to be reunited!
Without giving anything away, what aspect of your performance in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire are you most excited for audiences to see?
I’m really excited for audiences to see me portray some of the horror elements in this new Ghostbusters. The new ghosts are actually really scary. It was fun to play with that kind of fear and triumph.
As Lucky’s story continues, are there any parts of their character that you can see yourself in? Where do you connect most with them?
I connect with her sense of curiosity and rebelliousness. This time around it was really cool to explore her passion for science–I definitely relate to that aspect of the character. I’m really excited for audiences to see her in her element Ghostbusting and exploring New York City!
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What has your experience been like navigating Hollywood as an openly queer and non-binary actor?
Honestly, I’ve had really positive experiences. From people on set making an effort to use my correct pronouns, or fans messaging me and telling me they’re inspired and relieved to see an openly Black gay actor on screen, I feel really lucky that I get to be myself. A lot of incredible queer artists came before me and laid the groundwork so that I can be out and accepted here. I am really inspired by Janelle Monáe and how she talks about her sexuality. She gave me the courage to be openly out and proud of who I am. I think being gay is really cool and sexy and I hope I can inspire young queer women/non-binary people to live in their truth.
What sort of self-care regimens do you partake in to keep yourself afloat, in terms of both beauty and mental health?
Therapy! It’s great. I also love to meditate and do yoga and dance in my apartment. I think moving your body is an underrated way to take care of yourself and move stuck energy. Beauty wise, I use really natural products like African Black Soap and Shea Butter. These are natural products that African women have been using for centuries and I rely on that ancestral knowledge to keep my skin happy, healthy, and free of unnecessary chemicals.
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As someone who uses their platform to promote political and social change, what influence do you hope to have on your growing audience?
Well, I hope that I can encourage people to question the systems we live under. Capitalism, white supremacy, andcolonialism are not natural occurrences, but man-made systems that we can choose to engage with and maintain or we can question them and think of ways to build better, new systems for ourselves. It can be really hard to disengage from these systems because our livelihoods are wrapped up in making money, but I hope that more people can start to notice how capitalism/colonialism impacts the way we see the world and interact with others. And from there I hope that we can prioritize community, connection, the sharing of resources and mutual aid over consumption. I also hope that I can encourage others to be more vulnerable and honest with each other, creating community-based networks of support where we can rely on
each other will require vulnerability, honesty, and a deepening of all our relationships.
Body Suit: Maison Margiela @ Paume Los Angeles, Tights: H&M, Flats: CHANEL
Top, Skirt, and Jewelry: Chanel, Heels: Sara Wong
What is the story behind Pedestal, the production company you co-created? What do you hope to achieve with it?
I created Pedestal with my co-founder and partner Mecca McDonald our senior year of college at Johns Hopkins. We started out producing and creative-directing photoshoots for other students, and soon we expanded to a large client base in New York City. We recently finished producing and directing our first short film. Now, we are looking to produce feature films as well as editorial fashion photography. I hope to create films that expand our audiences’ imagination around what is possible for Black people. We are an afrofuturist company so our priority is to tell stories about what is next for us–what new systems, societies, and ways of living can we imagine as a blueprint for a more liberated future. This is why I love science fiction, because the genre can allow us to dream up new ways of living and relating to one another. I also hope to produce fashion photography that really pushes the limits and prioritizes vibrant color, joy, and the feeling of freedom.
Bustier: Sara Wong
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Who inspires you as an actor, and who inspires you as a person?
Viola Davis, Lupita Nyongo, Jessica Chastain, Keke Palmer, Florence Pugh, Sydney Sweeney, Issa Rae, Ava Duvernay, Quinta Brunson…the list goes on. I’m really inspired by powerful women who produce their own films and bring their personal visions to life.
My girlfriend, Mecca, inspires me so much. Her honesty, curiosity, and ability to make people laugh and feel comfortable are so cool to me. She’s been a big part of my healing journey. She’s also an incredible creative force, she can do anything. She’s a creative director, photographer, graphic designer, scientist, marketing genius, fashionista, economist.
I’m also really inspired by my team of incredible women who support my creative career. My managers, agents, and publicist are some of the most hardworking women you’ll ever meet and they believe in me even when I don’t believe in myself. I’m very grateful.
Bustier Top, Skirt, and Belt: Moschino, Jewelry: CHANEL, Heels: Sara Wong, Tights: H&M
Bustier: Sara Wong
CHANEL Les Beiges Foundation
Ultra Le tint
BD102
CHANEL Les Beiges
Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream
Soleil Tan
Medium Bronze
Highlighter
CHANEL Baume Essentiel
Multi-Use Glow Stick
Dragee
Blush
CHANEL Les Beiges Winter Glow Blush
Coral Givre
Eyes
CHANEL Les Beiges Healthy Glow Natural Eyeshadow
Tender
CHANEL Mascara
Le Volume De Chanel
Noir
Lip
CHANEL Rouge Allure Velvet
Luminous Matte Lip color
04:00
Limited Edition
