A Conversation with Andrea Laing

In this exclusive interview with Miami Living Magazine, we’re thrilled to sit down with the talented Andrea Laing. Well known for her standout role in Pain Hustlers and her return as Zoe in the latest installment of Adult Swim's Yule Log franchise, Yule Log 2: Branchin' Out, Andrea has been captivating audiences with her dynamic performances.  With a background growing up in Jamaica and North Carolina, Andrea’s journey into acting and comedy is as diverse as her career credits, which also includes True Lies, Dopesick, and NCIS: New Orleans.   Join us as we explore Andrea's creative process, her exciting projects, and the inspirations behind her multifaceted career.

Miami Living (ML): Andrea, it’s fantastic to have you with us today! Before we dive into your current projects and roles, can you tell us what first sparked your interest in acting, and how did you find your unique voice in such a competitive industry?

Andrea: Hey friends! Thanks for having me, I’m so excited to be here and share some insights into my world!

So I actually worked in the corporate sphere before jumping on camera. I was a Turner temp between CNN and Turner broadcasting, landed a full time job at Turner, which I definitely appreciated but something in me felt completely unfulfilled; definitely a rinse and repeat kind of scenario. 

I was newer to Atlanta and was attending networking events and my friend Kristen Westerholder introduced me to the world of being a PA (Production Assistant.) She explained it would be unglamorous work, long hours, terrible pay, fairly laborious at times…. and I said sign me up! It was exhilarating and far different from what I was used to. I worked behind the lens before performing in front, which I highly recommend to anyone joining the industry to gain a more profound appreciation and understanding of what they're getting themselves into 

Per my unique voice - I didn’t try to stand out per se, I was always a bit different than everyone else already. There will never be anyone more you-ier than you.  When you remember your own unique set of traits, even your upbringing and experiences are different, you don’t need to be like anyone else. You have something to offer just as you are….. that was so Hallmarky.

ML: Can you share a bit about your journey starting with having grown up in Jamaica and North Carolina?  What were some of the pivotal moments that led you to where you are now?

Andrea: I don’t know if other first gen kids share this same experience, but I do believe having an awareness of being a foreigner and the ultra privilege of being American creates this unique paradox experience. My parents were fairly strict in the sense that they wanted the absolute best for their children. Seeing how hard my parents worked to afford the opportunities for my siblings and I humbled me in an incredible way. It was hard to veer from feeling like I was disappointing them by my decisions.

 I had to find a balance between following what rang true to my soul. I learned the hard way to take chances, it’s how I’ve landed in some really cool spots, not only on set, but in life. I remember trying out for my first audiobook and not knowing what the actual hell I was doing. I had no formal training and honestly it was embarrassing, and naturally I was fired. But years later after getting my act together, putting in the time and work necessary, I've been nominated for an Audie Award. I have to laugh at myself sometimes. 

ML: Your career includes roles in notable films and TV shows like "Pain Hustlers", "Atlanta", and "Dopesick". Is there a particular role or project that has been especially meaningful or challenging for you?

Andrea: I worked on the mini series "Underground Railroad" with Barry Jenkins, which is now available on Criterion. I would have to say that experience was one of the most beautiful and yet challenging roles I have taken on. Beautiful in the sense that Barry is one of those unicorn humans everyone wishes to meet; so gifted, easy to work with, admiration for his vision, everything he touches turns to magic and he’s just an absolute gem of a human being. I was beyond honored to work on this Colson Whitehead adaptation. This was meaningful and challenging in the sense that I was able to contribute to such an important piece of art and history. It was challenging in subject material, also the wardrobe pieces were so solid and meticulous, and we were filming these scenes under the Savannah sun with these beautifully crafted hair pieces, so it was also physically taxing at times. The weight of the role will never be able to comparable to the weight of the world in that actual time period but I am beyond honored to have had the chance to contribute.

ML: You’re reprising your role as Zoe in the upcoming installment of "Yule Log". How does it feel to step back into this character, especially given the success of the previous installment? Can you give us a hint of what fans might expect this time around?

Andrea: I was in Europe at the time when the director, Casper Kelly, reached out to tell me that he wrote the sequel and that he wanted to send it to me to see what I thought. About a month later, I happened to run into him at a separate table read where he mentioned wanting to send me the script  but somehow I didn’t receive his message… to which I replied…. "Casper, you never need permission to send me a script, please bombard forever with your writing!!" I can’t exactly put into words how fun and just incredible it was to work with such humble, hard working, intelligent teammates like Media Team, Adult Swim, Casper, Warner Brothers etc. It feels at home to be back as Zoe. It feels like unfinished business. It feels like I get to be a part of something so unique and funky that viewers won’t want to turn away from. If they know Casper’s work and if they saw the first installment, they know that they should hide their children.  Jk, but seriously… they probably should. But they will definitely be in for a trippy treat.

ML: You've had some incredible globetrotting experiences as the face of Delta Airlines’ 2022 campaign. How have these international travels influenced your perspective on life and your career? Are there any specific destinations that left a lasting impression on you?

Andrea: I think growing up with cultural influences gave me access to different perspectives on life. My parents had their friends around or at outings, so I was never a stranger to travel or trying different foods. My first taste of working internationally was in 2014 when I traveled to the Philippines to work on a Sundance project. I feel more at home when traveling. It makes me remember how small I am and how limited our time on this rock really is. I have no kids, no husband, my cats are with their father, so while I have the opportunity to see, feel, hear and experience a different plateau, I want to be able to continue to take advantage of that.  Globetrotting expanded my limited beliefs on what is possible. I've always had a fondness for Italy. It’s hard to have a bad meal there. Utrecht is just so damn magical and romantic. Sitting by the canal, sipping an aperol spritz, just taking in life. Amsterdam will always be pretty special for me

ML: Given your vast experience in comedy, both in sketch and stand-up, what advice would you give to aspiring comedians trying to break into the industry?

Andrea: Ah... I learned this the hard way. No one in my family has done this before me, so there was a lot of trial and error and luckily my parents were supportive of me exploring the arts before officially joining the entertainment industry. You MUST get used to being uncomfortable and you MUST be comfortable with being embarrassed. I'm not sure if there’s any way around it. Take more risks. Take care of your mental health. Know when to say no. Keep a little notebook on your person and write down any and all things that bring you inspiration. Put yourself out there. Network. Make your own art-always. Volunteer. Give yourself grace. No one has it figured out and no one is getting out alive… which reminds me of a quote I tell loved  ones often (if you’ve heard this from me, that means you’re special): “you’re going to die one day.”  Just a gentle reminder to get out there and do all the things your heart desires.  Tell that person you love them and also call your mom, please. 

ML: When you're not in the spotlight, you indulge in hobbies like writing, experimenting with new recipes, and even playing jazz for your plants. How do these creative outlets and relaxing activities contribute to your overall well-being?

Andrea: I think living alone gives me the room and flexibility to do all the things I truly want to do and explore without having to answer to anyone but myself and I am aware of this precious gift. I think it’s so important to find pockets of calm and create an environment that promotes positive mental health. After experiencing the ongoing pandemic and strikes, I think most artists found it rather important to reinvent themself. That pocket gave us the space to reconsider the possibilities in a lot of ways, with work, health, loved ones. Take care of yourself first and foremost so you can show up in other ways and for other people that also benefit the best and healed version of you

ML: Finally, what’s next on the horizon for you? Are there any new projects or personal goals you’re excited about that you’d like to share with your fans?  

Andrea: That’s a great question!! I'm also excited about what the future is going to deliver! I guess we're going to find out together :)

Follow Andrea @YourFavoriteAndrea

Photo Credit:

Photographer: Ben Cope

Stylist: Jules Wood

Makeup: T'ai Rising-Moore

By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Ben Cope