Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Miracle Reigns About Dad Stop Embarrassing Me!

It’s no easy feat to hold your own starring opposite Jamie Foxx, David Alan Grier, and Jonathan Kite, but that’s exactly what rising young actress Miracle Reigns does. Playing the adventurous and fun-loving Zia in Dad Stop Embarrassing Me!, Miracle Reigns has quickly won audiences over with her showstopping performance and perfect comedic timing. Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Miracle ahead of the show’s release to get the inside scoop on Dad Stop Embarrassing Me!.

Career

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Miracle: I’ve been acting since I was a baby. When I was four years old, I started doing PSAs. My dad is a director, so I was doing PSAs and short films with him. It’s always been in my blood. I’ve always loved doing it as well as singing. I love all things that come with my acting. It feels natural for me.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Miracle: Oh my goodness. That’s an amazing question. There have been so many amazing people along the journey that have helped me get to where I am now. I’m so appreciative of everyone from friends to family to perfect strangers that have given me advice. But I would have to say, with Dad Stop Embarrassing Me! being my first big show, I have to thank Mr. Jamie Foxx, Ms. Corinne [Foxx], the casting director, and everyone who helped me get to that point. I’ve learned so much from them and also working with super amazing directors, Mr. Ken Whittingham and Mr. Bentley Evans, they taught me so much. They’re veterans in the business. Mr. Jamie Foxx is a legend. Watching him and what he does was an experience I’ll never forget.

Dad Stop Embarrassing Me!

PC: Tell us about Dad Stop Embarrassing Me!.
Miracle: I’m so excited for it to come out. It was a long filming process, but it was very fun, and I’m so grateful it’s finally coming out for the world to see. The whole cast is very excited, and it’s such an extraordinary cast. We had so much fun filming it, even though we filmed it during a pandemic. We made the best out of it, even with our hazmat gear on. [laughs] We had a lot of distanced fun. There’s a character for everyone. It’s a feel-good show. It’s full of diversity and good messages.

PC: With it being a comedy, did the cast have the opportunity to improv?
Miracle: I love improvising. We improvised all the time. Mr. Jamie Foxx and Mr. David Alan Grier are improv kings. I soaked in so much. I literally would stay on set and watch them, even when they were just rehearsing. We got to incorporate a lot of improvisation. There are a lot of outtakes where we would go off on improv banters. It was a huge part of the show that I’m so thankful for. We not only got to play our characters, but we also got to show a bit of ourselves as well.

PC: You can tell that the cast got really close. How did you all build that bond so quickly?
Miracle: It all fell in place. As they say, “When it’s right, it’s right.” We were all super excited to see each other each day. It was a real family vibe. We all got so close, and we became a family. I’m so appreciative of everyone on set. I’m so thankful for the memories I made, and I’m so glad that we created an amazing product for the world.

PC: What can you tell us about your character’s arc in Season 1? Is there a particular episode you’re excited for your fans to see?
Miracle: I’m excited about every episode! Zia is such a fun character. She’s willing to go on any adventure with Sasha. She’ll drop anything she’s doing for her. They may get in some trouble, but they get out of it. That’s childhood, right? They make some mistakes but they have great dads who are behind them.

Zia is definitely a character that everyone can relate to. Everything she does comes from the heart, especially when it comes to her friendship with Sasha. All her decisions come out of love, even if they’re a little out there.

PC: If you had to describe the first season in a hashtag, what would it be?
Miracle: That’s a good question. #Familyfun with tons of emojis after that.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Favorite TV show?
Miracle: Punky Brewster.

PC: Favorite movie?
Miracle: Ghostbusters I & II.

PC: Favorite book?
Miracle: I’m a big book worm. So, anything mystery, anything thriller, horror, I love all things scary.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Miracle: Hamilton. I’d love to be in it one day.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Miracle: Paramore and Sonder.

PC: Dream role?
Miracle: There are so many. I would say a thriller-mystery-action-adventure. I know it sounds like a lot, but in my head, it’s a great movie. Also, with a bit of horror!

To keep up with Miracle, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Binge-watch Dad Stop Embarrassing Me! on Netflix.