Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with 4400’s Autumn Best

Autumn Best is one of television’s breakout stars of the year. She’s currently captivating audiences with her nuanced performance in the CW’s 4400.

The must-see sci-fi drama tells the story of 4400 overlooked and marginalized people who vanish without a trace over the last hundred years. They suddenly return in an instant, having not aged a day, and with no memory of what happened to them.

Autumn shines as Mildred, a smart and observant teenager from the 1970s who returns with a special gift.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to chat with Autumn about 4400, making her television debut in the series, and how she hopes to use her platform to inspire others.

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting and storytelling?
Autumn: I have been acting and performing most of my life. I started in theater when I was really little. It’s always been a part of who I am. However, I didn’t fully discover my passion for the craft until it was time to think about high school graduation and what I wanted my life to actually be. I just looked at all the different options and realized there’s literally nothing else that makes me happier than storytelling. I simply have to be an artist for the rest of my life. My whole perspective changed after that realization. There’s no plan B.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Autumn: The biggest influence on my career has definitely been my mom. Everything that has put me where I am today, ultimately can be traced back to her.

PC: What drew you to 4400?
Autumn: I can probably count on my own fingers (which is saying a lot) how many times I’ve seen an authentically disabled character on TV. The idea of being embraced as this unapologetic, magical character on a network show really drew me to the project from day one.

PC: What can you tease about Mildred’s arc this season?
Autumn: All I can say is brace yourselves because Millie’s about to kick it up a notch. You won’t see it coming—I sure didn’t! Also, there may or may not be a major glow-up.

PC: This is your television debut. Did anything surprise you about the experience? What’s the biggest takeaway?
Autumn: Working with this cast has been a crash course in using gratitude as the foundation for your work. These actors show up giving 100% every day. You can just tell that everyone is appreciative of the opportunity, the crew, and the story; it definitely bleeds into the atmosphere on set and on screen. I will take this thankfulness with me throughout the rest of my career.

PC: The series tackles a lot of timely and relevant themes. Is there one in particular that hit home for you?
Autumn: It is vital for everyone to be aware of how marginalized populations—and especially people of color—are constantly betrayed by the government. I think this show has a captivating way of framing that perspective as the season escalates.

PC: You’ve used your platform to inspire others with disabilities to chase their dreams. Have you always known you wanted to use your platform in this way? What has the response you’ve seen on your social media meant to you?
Autumn: I’ve never seen someone with a hand like mine on TV, in movies, on Broadway—nothing. I didn’t feel the full weight of that until I started auditioning for film and television a couple of years ago and slowly began to wonder if I was wasting my time. Looking back on it, if I had seen just one person on TV who looked like me, I probably would’ve had a lot more hope.

Using my social media as a way for more people to see who I am and what’s going on in my career has always been important to me—now more than ever! If I can inspire just one disabled kid who comes across my Instagram account to say, “Wow! I want to be an actor too,” then all of my breakdowns over not feeling seen were worth it.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Favorite TV show?
Autumn: Pose.

PC: Favorite movie?
Autumn: My Girl.

PC: Favorite book?
Autumn: The Mothers by Brit Bennett.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Autumn: It changes all the time, but I would say my favorite play that I’ve read recently is Five Women Wearing the Same Dress by Alan Ball and I have a soft spot for Legally Blonde, the musical.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Autumn: So much music by The Black Keys. An embarrassing amount.

PC: Dream role?
Autumn: Right now? Princess.

To keep up with Autumn, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Watch 4400 every Monday at 9/8c on the CW.