Reign Edwards On Purpose, Greatness and Her New Amazon Series ‘The Wilds’
Reign was virtually photographed and interviewed in Georgia by Alison Engstrom
Was there a film or TV show that made an impression on you and inspired you to pursue acting?
There wasn’t necessarily a certain film or TV show that inspired me to pursue acting. I just loved telling stories and had a huge imagination as a kid. My family would always find me talking to myself in the mirror pretending to be a part of made up stories.
How did you get the wheels in motion from growing up in Maryland to where you are today?
God and my mom, hands down. I always say that how I got here makes no sense. God blessed me with an amazing mom who drove herself and her three children from Maryland to LA. From there, He put us in the right place at the right time with the right people. All we did was listen and work with what we had at that time. He blessed us through it all and now I’m here.
Have you had any pinch me moments so far?
Definitely; I’ve been able to do a lot of cool things, travel to some cool places, and meet some cool people because that’s simply a part of my job (which is insane). Every time I travel outside of the country for work is a “pinch me” moment because I love to travel. I will say though, meeting Brandy Norwood was a pinch me moment TO THE MAX. I watched her as Cinderella all the time as a kid and she will always be the best Cinderella to me.
Your new Amazon series The Wilds is about a group of girls that get stranded on an island after their plane crashed and they all must learn to survive. What was your initial reaction after reading the script?
I was so moved and so motivated. We filmed the pilot a year before going into the series. When we first got back to film the series, the episode that surrounds my character was up first, as my character’s episode is second in the line up of the series. I was really excited to learn her complexities and share her heart.
Can you talk more about your character Rachel Reid?
Rachel is a young black athlete who is extremely determined to fulfill her dreams. However, she’s so determined that it actually hinders her. On her journey you’ll see her struggles with that and how it’s made her relationship with her fraternal twin sister Nora (Helena Howard) a bit of a rough one.
You’ve talked about how the role was a very active one. What did you have to do to physically prepare for it?
I am an active person myself so I kept that up as well as underwent training for deep water diving, flips, ocean conditioning, and trained using underwater respirators as a back up for holding my breath.
You filmed the series in New Zealand. What was that experience like?
It was a whirlwind. We were completely submitted to the elements when filming, which was crazy because I felt like I never knew what we were gonna get that day! It could start off real nice and then BOOM! Rain. New Zealand always kept me on my toes.
You also are in the upcoming film, Love You Anyway, which really delves into mental health. Can you talk more about the film and your role?
Yes! In Love You Anyway I play the lead, Mackenzie. The movie shows Mackenzie’s story from birth through her teenage years and into her young adult years as she battles depression and how that not only effects her but her family and friends around her, particularly her best friend, Lucas, and her mom. The story is shown only through home videos and moments caught on the phone and/or cameras that may be around (i.e. dashboard cam, etc.). It’s the most vulnerable role I’ve played yet and I can’t wait for everyone to see it. You’ll laugh, you’ll definitely cry, but most of all I hope you’ll leave with love and compassion in your heart
It’s thankfully becoming normal to talk about mental health just like you would talk about physical health. The pandemic has been a test to everyone’s emotional state. How do you prioritize mental health in your day to day life?
Big question. I’d say taking time for yourself and knowing it’s more than okay to need help; it’s more than okay to recognize that and to ask for it. Whether that’s talking to a family member, friend, or a therapist. Taking a minute to literally just breathe. Prioritizing the fun hobbies that you really want to do because those things feed your soul. Feed your soul and make sure you aren’t giving pieces of it away to any and everybody. Protect your mind, body, and spirit.
What types of roles are you most intrigued by?
I’m most intrigued by roles that show a person’s humanity.
When do you feel the most empowered?
When I’m not listening to society—lol—but honestly.
February marks Black History Month. I read a wonderful quote from you when you reflected on elementary school, you said, “I was filled with high self-esteem as I wrote essays and/or gave presentations on leaders and pioneers of Black history because I saw who I could be. I saw that I was capable of greatness. Through these stories I was taught that I have greatness within me.” I truly love that. What does this month mean to you?
Black History Month is a reminder to me to keep pushing forward. That is what those who came before me did. They took on a lot of hardships so that I wouldn’t have to. I’ve got to do the same thing for the generations that come after me. So that the generations after me can be celebrated in their Blackness everyday, not just for a month.
I love talking to inspiring women, like yourself, who push to live their most authentic life, achieve their dreams and achieve greatness as you said. I’d love to know how you define greatness?
Greatness to me is when you are walking in your God-given purpose.
What are you most excited about this year?
Honestly, I’m excited to enjoy the little things and take things one day at a time. I think everything the world is going through now has taught us to enjoy the moments we have.