Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with mixed-ish’s Mykal-Michelle Harris

The future of Hollywood looks bright with Mykal-Michelle Harris at the helm. The viral star turned actress is taking the industry by storm with her breakout performance as Santa Monica in mixed-ish. We had the pleasure of speaking with Mykal-Michelle about discovering her passion for acting, her role models in life, and what’s ahead for Santa Monica in Season 2 of mixed-ish.

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Mykal-Michelle: I always say that I didn’t find acting; acting found me. I had a video go viral on social media, and fifteen-million hits later, agencies and managers were calling. Now, we’re here.

PC: Who are some of your role models?
Mykal-Michelle: Ms. Serena Williams was my first idol. She’s a tennis player, and she’s the best. I definitely look up to Mr. Tyler Perry because I’ve heard his story and how he started as a young man with a dream. To see where he is now is amazing.

PC: You had a lot of success already in your young career. When you look back, is there a moment that stands out?
Mykal-Michelle: Thank you! It’s when I got mixed-ish. It was the first series that I went for and I wanted it with all my heart. When my manager called and said that I got it, I cried. I literally sat on my couch and cried. That was probably the best moment of my life.

PC: Season 2 is airing now. What can fans expect? What’s ahead for your character?
Mykal-Michelle: You’ll see a lot more family and bonding time between the entire Johnson family. Santa Monica ups her fashion this season. You’re going to fall in love with the Johnsons and Santa Monica even more.

PC: How similar or different are you to Santa Monica?
Mykal-Michelle: Santa Monica and I are very similar. We both have loving parents and loving siblings. We like to play around with our parents and siblings. We’re also both leaders. If there’s a problem, Santa Monica is definitely going to take the lead. We’re both striving to make a difference in the world.

PC: How has Santa Monica changed from Season 1 into Season 2?
Mykal-Michelle: She has more confidence—not to say that she didn’t before, but she has more confidence, and she’s really getting stronger and more comfortable. Santa Monica is making a difference now, and she will in seasons to come.

PC: What’s been your favorite moment or scene from either Season 1 or Season 2?
Mykal-Michelle: My favorite scene is from Season 2, which we just finished filming. I’m giving you a bit of the inside scoop right now, but in the very last episode, we had this hilarious scene. My favorite parts are when my mom and I are fighting. My mom is always picking me up. That’s one of my favorite scenes because my mom is so funny.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Favorite show?
Mykal-Michelle: I’m actually binging A Different World right now.

PC: Favorite movie?
Mykal-Michelle: My favorite movie is Black Panther because of all the ethnicity and everything in that movie. It’s inspiring.

PC: Favorite book?
Mykal-Michelle: That’s hard! My favorite book series is Captain Underpants—I love the Captain Underpants books. I love the Preposterous Plight of the Purple Potty People.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Mykal-Michelle: Hamilton. I also love High School Musical.

PC: A band or artist on your playlist?
Mykal-Michelle: H.E.R.

To keep up with Mykal-Michelle, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Watch mixed-ish every Tuesday at 9:30/8:30c on ABC.

Photo Credit: Lilly K // Styling: Alexandra Louise // Makeup: Melissa Brown