Demi Singleton
In Series
Lawmen: Bass Reeves
&
MIU MIU Ambassador
Photography Nick Rasmussen
Fashion Editor Deborah Ferguson
Interview by Stella Hofferman
At just sixteen-years-old, Demi Singleton epitomizes what it means to be a rising star. Having been trained in the arts since moving to New York City at age three, the young actress swiftly demonstrated remarkable versatility and dedication to performing that demanded recognition. Before her on-screen debut in Godfather of Harlem (2019–) alongside Academy Award winning actor Forest Whittaker, Singleton performed on Broadway at age ten in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Broadway production of School of Rock at age ten, and The Lion King at age eleven. However, it was her incredible showcase of talent portraying a young Serena Williams in the acclaimed biopic King Richard (2021) that truly secured her rightful place in the spotlight.
On top of her burgeoning acting career, Singleton has broadened her influence as an ongoing brand ambassador to Miu Miu, and the creator of “Black Girl Covers,” a book club to champion the voices and stories of Black female writers. More recently, the young talent showed her unwavering commitment to her craft with her compelling performance as Sally Reeves in Lawman: Bass Reeves on Paramount+, and has plans to star in Oscar-nominated director Lee Daniels’ (Precious, The Butler) upcoming thriller, The Deliverance.
Navy Jacket, White Blouse, Blue Long Sleeve Button Down, Black Short Sleeve Polo, Red Shorts, White Skirt, Grey Socks, Black Shoes: Miu Miu
Had you known anything about Bass Reeves before your involvement in the miniseries? If not, what were your first reactions to his story?
Before becoming involved with Bass Reeves, I didn’t know much about the Reeves family. So, once I did my own research about his life, I was surprised to learn how big of a figure he was during his time. His story had never been covered in any history course I’d taken. My knowledge of him, or lack thereof, is part of the reason why I was so drawn to this role.
Gold Jacket, Long Sleeve Shirt, Short Sleeve Shirt, Brown Shorts, Brown Skirt, Grey Socks, Brown Shoes: Miu Miu
The bond between your character, Sally, and her mother, Jennie, brought an intriguing and sentimental element to Lawmen: Bass Reeves, separate from the prevalent action and violence in much of the narrative. How did you and your co-star, Lauren E. Banks, form such a tangible familial connection on-screen?
My relationship with Lauren came naturally. We didn’t have much time to create that mother-daughter bond before filming started, so our relationship formed organically in real-time, while filming our scenes. I will say that I feel as if I’ve known Lauren forever; we kind of just clicked. She has a very nurturing and motherly soul. I absolutely adore her and look up to her in so many ways.
What was it like getting to act in a Western? What makes the experience different from other projects you’ve been in?
Acting in a Western was a unique and special experience, especially as someone who loves history and historical figures. I’ve gone back in time with characters before, but going back to the era of Bass Reeves was the farthest I’ve gone. Usually, when I’m preparing for a role, I’ll listen to music or watch and read other media from the era to get a feel of what the character may have been listening to or reading. It was challenging to do that with this role because of how long ago the story took place; the material was very limited. I would say that I got to learn many new things about this time period by portraying Sally Reeves.
Dress: Stella McCartney, Sweater: Miu Miu, Heels: Larroudé
Rhinestone Embellished Jacket, White Sweater, Mint Sweater, Brown Shorts, Grey Socks, Black Shoes, Black Bag, Brown Bag: Miu Miu
What other genres would you like to explore in the future?
I would love to explore action. It’s definitely one of my favorite genres to watch. I think I would have a blast starring in an action film and doing my own stunts!
Rhinestone Embellished Jacket, White Sweater, Mint Sweater, Brown Shorts, Grey Socks, Black Shoes, Black Bag, Brown Bag: Miu Miu
Did you discover any ways in which you could relate to Sally despite leading such distinct lives?
I would say that Sally and I are actually not that different. Yes, we’re living in very different worlds, 200 years apart–but I am able to relate to her, for one, because we share the experience of being the oldest sibling. I think there’s something unique about growing up the oldest; there’s certain responsibilities that we hold. I would also say that Sally and I are both dreamers; we’re both artists. In different ways, we are avid world creators, me with my acting and Sally with her poetry.
Outside of acting, you’ve been making some headway in the fashion world! Who are your fashion inspirations?
I love to study the work of people like Adut Akech, Naomi Campbell, Rihanna, Anok Yai, and Zendaya–they all have amazing senses of style. They’re beautiful Black women who constantly break barriers and have definitely inspired me to take up some space in the fashion world.
Top, Skirt, Heels, Hoop Earrings, Necklace: Patou
What has your experience been like working with Miu Miu?
I absolutely love working with Miu Miu. To me, the brand represents exactly what it feels like to be a modern quintessential young woman: fun, iconic, and classy. I always feel so chic and so confident whenever I step into a Miu Miu look.
What can we expect from you in 2024?
2024 is a year of giving back, so my goal is to partner up with philanthropic organizations that work towards bettering the lives and academic experiences of girls around the world. As a young girl, there is nothing more inspiring than getting to learn from others who may have similar experiences to mine, so I’m hoping to be that person for others.
Gold Jacket, Long Sleeve Shirt, Short Sleeve Shirt, Brown Shorts, Brown Skirt, Grey Socks, Brown Shoes: Miu Miu
Your book club, “Black Girl Covers” offers a space for young readers to discuss Black authors. Why was this important for you to start and what has been your favorite book thus far and why?
“Black Girl Covers” discusses books that I wish I had more access to as a little girl. It was always difficult for me to discover literature with characters that may have looked like me or even had stories and experiences that resembled mine. The issue was never that they didn’t exist; it was that no one took the time to highlight them. With this book club, my ultimate goal is to do just that: to bring light to books written by Black authors about Black lead characters. I want to make it known that the Black female experience is valuable and deserves to be shared.
You star in the upcoming Lee Daniels’ film The Deliverance, which is based on a true story. How did you prepare for your role and your time on set? What is it like working with Lee Daniels?
I loved getting to work on The Deliverance for so many reasons. Firstly, it was the first horror film I’ve ever starred in, so it was interesting to see what goes into bringing a story like that to life. I also loved and created a bond with every cast and crew member. I became really close with the actors who play my family: Andra Day, Glenn Close, Caleb McLaughlin, and Anthony Jenkins, which helped me prepare for the role. I am also incredibly lucky to have worked with Lee Daniels, someone who I, and many others, consider a legend. I learned a lot from him and am fortunate to have him in my life as a mentor.
Gold Jacket, Long Sleeve Shirt, Short Sleeve Shirt, Brown Shorts, Brown Skirt, Grey Socks, Brown Shoes: Miu Miu
Top, Skirt, Heels, Hoop Earrings, Necklace: Patou
Rhinestone Embellished Jacket, White Sweater, Mint Sweater, Brown Shorts, Grey Socks, Black Shoes, Black Bag, Brown Bag: Miu Miu
Gold Jacket, Long Sleeve Shirt, Short Sleeve Shirt, Brown Shorts, Brown Skirt, Grey Socks, Brown Shoes: Miu Miu