Tiffany Daniels stars as the talented character Trish on the hit Nickelodeon series That Girl Lay Lay. Currently airing its second season on the network, That Girl Lay Lay follows a group of students whose lives are changed when the hype-girl from their affirmation app comes to life.
Tiffany Daniels
Photo Credit: Zachariah Schmitt
We had the chance to speak with Tiffany Daniels about being a triple threat in the industry as a dancer, producer, and actress, what attracted her to the loveable role of Trish, and what viewers can expect from season 2 of That Girl Lay Lay.
Read on for our exclusive interview with Tiffany Daniels below:
What initially inspired you to pursue acting as a career?
If we wanna take it back to the OG inspo; Back in the 80s when I was a little girl, my aunt did a back handspring in a “Better Cheddar” commercial. I will never forget the day that she showed it to us because I was so confused by how she could be standing next to us, but simultaneously inside the TV box? Not only did my aunt wear pink high-top converse that I obsessed over, but she was also just a BossBitch on TV! That was the moment I knew that somehow, someway I was going to get inside that TV box too!
Is there anyone who inspires or influences you when it comes to acting? Who would you love to work with or collaborate with someday?
There are so many actors that I have loved over the years and I look forward to the day that I get to share space with any and all of them: Regina King, Marisa Tomei, Giancarlo Esposito, Angela Bassett, Coleman Domingo, Viola Davis…I could go on and on.
Can you tell us about your character Trish in “That Girl Lay Lay” and what viewers can expect from her?
Trish Alexander is one of those no-nonsense mamas that will always have your back, and look fabulous while doing it. She is a confident, fashionable, overly competitive former athlete who writes jingles for a living with her best friend & husband, Bryce. She thinks she is a way better cook than her family does, her wig closet is her most prized possession & she always finds a way to laugh with & make fun of her husband. Typical mom stuff.
Did you have to do anything special to prepare for your role?
During the initial casting process for the parents on “That Girl Lay Lay,” each person had to come up with a melody for a Jingle that was written into the Pilot Script. I played around, and recorded some voice notes and harmonies until I landed on something ridiculous…and just like that, my jingle is the one that made it to screen! #NailedIt
You also have an extensive background in dance. What do you love about both when comparing them to acting? Is there one you prefer over the other?
Dance will always be my first love, and I think it is safe to say that ‘Once a Dancer, Always a Dancer’. Any art form requires an obscene amount of discipline and dedication, and without dance I wouldn’t have understood the true power of storytelling. Movement and music feel like home to me but acting is an extension of all of it. There is no comparison between the two entities because I wouldn’t be who I am today without everything that makes me, me.
Tiffany Daniels
Photo Credit: Zachariah Schmitt
What can your fans expect from season 2 of “That Girl Lay Lay”? How would you say it compares to the previous season?
You can expect a LOT more episodes for Season 2 and a lot more love. Awe! The show is doing really well and Nickelodeon ordered over 30+ episodes, which is so exciting for all of us. During the first season of any show, the actors are getting to know each other, learning how to play off each other, and getting comfortable in the space.
Now as we move through filming Season 2, we are a real family…so that is only going to make the show look and feel that much better. Not to mention this season we have some hilarious new characters, incredible guest stars, and of course those slimy Nickelodeon gags that everyone knows and loves so much.
What are you most excited for fans of “That Girl Lay Lay” to see this season?
Besides the life of this beautiful black family…The wardrobe has been elevated with brighter colors and patterns, the jokes are grounded in so much reality & truth, the parents are goofier than ever, and WE HAVE A PET PIG ya’ll! That should be enough of a reason to tune in right there.
How was that experience working with the cast? Are there any fun memories that stick out to you from filming?
Working with this cast, and everyone on the production side as well has been an absolute dream. I speak gratitude to this blessing nearly every day…because we are so lucky! We truly do care for each other as family and through this experience, we will be bonded for life.
There are so many fun moments that happen on set…but so many of them begin with our executive producers. They are always looking for ways to prank the actors, or somehow include themselves in the scene. They double down on the slime and mess because, why not? And they always find ways to celebrate us, each and every one of us.
Can you talk a little about what inspired you to want to work behind the scenes as a producer as well and develop those skills behind the camera?
I believe that it is important to develop as many skills as possible within this industry. I have spent a little time as both a producer and a director. Having an understanding of what each department contributes to the final product only elevates the experience for everyone as a whole. Empathy is our greatest teacher in work and play. I only hope to continue educating myself in as many areas as possible because I love what I do, and I just want to keep doing it for as many moments as I possibly can.
What’s next for you? What can your fans look forward to from you next?
We are currently filming Season 2 and will be filming well into 2023. Can I get a Ha-LayLay-lujah?! But when we aren’t filming I will be learning all the Tik Tok dances, discovering new ways to lower my carbon footprint, working out at the gym, eating at every single plant-based restaurant in LA, and sleeping!
Thank you so much to Tiffany Daniels for taking the time to speak with us!
Be sure to keep up to date with Tiffany Daniels by following her on social media on Instagram.
Don’t forget to watch all-new episodes of That Girl Lay Lay Thursdays at 7/6c on Nickelodeon.
Check out Nickelodeon coverage from Pop City Life.
Connect with Pop City Life on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Connect with Noelle on Instagram.
Leave a Reply
Your email is safe with us.