Courtney Taylor is stepping into the spotlight with power, poise, and purpose. With an undeniable spark, Courtney has become a standout voice in a new era of story telling. Courtney brings range to each role she plays with a grounded perspective, which fans are embracing with open arms. Courtney opens up about what’s involved in roles she’s taken on, from characters with trauma to high stakes rolls both mentally and emotionally. Beyond the screen Courtney has embarked on a journey of person growth including learning how to speak to herself with kindness and the simple joys that keep her centred. Courtney offers a glimpse into the heart of an actor who’s not only reshaping stories but reshaping her own narrative.

Alice: Congratulations on your new series “Ballard”. Were you familiar with the Michael Connelley novel series?

Courtney: Not fully, actually. The first time I was unknowingly introduced to Michael Connelly was The Lincoln Lawyer with Matthew McConaughey. It wasn't until I saw the reimagined series and then fell in love with the Bosch franchise that I recognized how substantial his work was. When I got the audition, I started on the Ballard and Bosch book series so I could get to know this world, and I'm so hyped that I did. The series is incredibly well done. The story telling is so captivating! I'm eager to catch up on his latest release.

A: In what ways did you prepare yourself to play this role?

C: I watched Bosch like it was my job. It helped me get the visual representation of the book series, one that I knew had the stamp of approval from Michael himself. It was the best resource I had.

A: What was it like working alongside Maggie Q on a spin off from such a popular and well-loved series?

C: It was a dream. I think it would have always felt daunting to take on the beloved fan base, create a spin-off, and also an entirely new side of this world. But with Maggie at the helm, I knew we were in good hands. What a rockstar. She was the perfect leader. She made the set feel so communal, all we ever did during our downtime was laugh, workout, and enjoy conversation. With such a heavy subject matter, those moments felt like a much-needed reprieve. I have to thank Maggie for that.

A: Were there any personal experiences that helped you to understand and play this character?

C: I'd say that I am just as passionate about my work as an actor as Parker is with her job. Some would even say stubbornly passionate, just like Parker. I can get bull-headed about a choice or heated about an opportunity not going my way. So being able to use that passion for Samira, a person who wants nothing more than to get it right, felt so good. Almost cathartic!

A: This book series is popular, and with it being made into a series, did you feel any pressure or expectations from fans on the character you are embodying?

C: Of course! To be fair, I feel pressure every time I perform, but this one in particular! Shaking in my boots! If I've learned anything from creating content with a built-in, loyal book fanbase, it’s that those people mean business.  But after getting the seal of approval from not only Titus Welliver, but Michael himself, I knew we had something good on our hands. I'm so thrilled it's being received so well.

A: How do you unwind from long days on set and step back from the emotions you feel when embodying the character?

C: I usually throw on one of my cartoon favourites. I'll bounce between Steven Universe, Bob's Burgers, and Rick and Morty. That usually do the trick.

A: There are themes and exploration of trauma in the series. Do you find it hard to act in those scenes and then leaving those emotions with the character?

C: I do find it difficult. This was one of my first times accessing trauma in this way, and I had no idea how it would affect me on the day. When I filmed my scenes, the anger that came to the surface was hard to wind down. But luckily, with the help of the cast and crew, they gave me the space I needed to come down from those emotions.

@theo.official @chic.noise @antoninias @noritamy @madebymary @adiba.official @thepop.group @michelemariepr @maisonpriveepr_la