Diamond White
Blue Layered Tulle Gown by RVNG couture
Necklace by BAROQCO
Earring by Anna Zuckerman
Ring by Anna Zuckerman
Diamond White, a rising actress and singer voices Lunella Lafayette, AKA ‘Moon Girl,’ in “Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” from Disney. At the young age of 23, she has already made a name for herself in both the music and film/television arenas. Her career was launched in the national touring musical of Oprah Winfrey's "The Color Purple." She later joined the cast of the iconic stage production of "The Lion King" in Las Vegas. Diamond auditioned for "The X Factor" in 2012 and placed in the top five, further catapulting her into the spotlight. She has since released two original albums and landed roles in "Phineas and Ferb,” "American Dad,!” Tyler Perry's "Boo! A Madea Halloween," "Dear White People,” "Code Black,” "Fresh Off the Boat,” "Sing It!," "Girl Meets World," "black-ish," "Empire," and "The Bold and the Beautiful.”
Now as the lead of “Moon Girl,” Diamond has stepped into the role of a lifetime as a spunky and Brilliant, arguably one of the smartest people in the Marvel universe, ‘super’ teen girl of color who uses her superpower of pure intellect and real-life power of STEM to protect her beloved neighborhood from danger. The series addresses a number of authentic themes, including an episode dedicated to Lunella’s relationship with her natural hair, balancing life as a ‘super’ teen under the same roof as her multigenerational family, and even gives a nod to skating’s roots in Black culture with Moon Girl’s signature roller skates when she’s on a mission. The show has already received an early season two renewal.
Left:
Headpiece by CORAL CASTILLO
Glove by CORAL CASTILLO
Top by CORAL CASTILLO
Skirt by CORAL CASTILLO
Earring by Anna Zuckerman
Right:
Dress by RVNG couture
Belt by BUSTED BRAND
Earring by Anna Zuckerman
You’ve done quite a bit of voice acting. What do you regard as the biggest difference between voice and screen acting?
The difference is that for screen acting, you have to sit through hours of hair and makeup. With voice acting, I was able to just pop out of bed and ‘be a kid’ that day!
What is the biggest challenge of voice acting?
Making sure I take good care of my voice so I can sound youthful forever.
Did you always know you wanted to go into acting? How did you know this was the right path for you?
I started at a young age and all I knew was how much I loved being on stage and performing. Life just unraveled that way for me and I feel so lucky.
Left:
Blue Layered Tulle Gown by RVNG couture
Necklace by BAROQCO
Earring by Anna Zuckerman
Ring by Anna Zuckerman
Right:
Dress by RVNG couture
Belt by BUSTED BRAND
Earring by Anna Zuckerman
You got your first acting job when you were quite young, only around 11 years old. How did it feel to start acting so early? Were you a fan of “Phineas & Ferb” when you booked the job?
I actually started at the age of 8 in Oprah Winfrey's “The Color Purple,” which was a play. It was truly amazing to be that young and perform on a national stage. My first voiceover role was in “Phineas and Ferb,” however, and I was most definitely a fan!
What has been your favorite role to portray thus far?
My favorite role so far has been playing Babs in Netflix’s “Pinky Malinky.” My character was just absolutely silly in the best way.
How did you prepare for your role in “Moon Girl?” What attracted you to the project?
I had to mentally prepare myself to say some complex words with pronunciations that sometimes took a lot of practice! I think what I was most excited for with this project was the authentic representation; it felt like a show I needed when I was growing up, and I was so excited to be able to create that for other young girls like me.
Left:
Top by OTHEA®
Earring by Anna Zuckerman
Necklace by BAROQCO
Right:
Headpiece by CORAL CASTILLO
Glove by CORAL CASTILLO
Top by CORAL CASTILLO
Skirt by CORAL CASTILLO
Earring by Anna Zuckerman
Moon Girl’s main mode of transportation is skating. Do you know how to skate?
Absolutely not, Ha.
The series features a number of high-profile guest stars in various episodes. Which episode is your favorite?
It’s definitely the episode with Jennifer Hudson guest starring and Lunella experiences getting her first perm. Hands down my favorite episode!
What was the best part of working on “Moon Girl?” What are you most excited for audiences to see?
The best part was being able to bring my real-life experiences as a young Black girl to the show! The team really encouraged me to be authentic and find ways to incorporate my own life throughout the series. I’m most excited for people to see the animation. it’s so beautifully done.
In addition to acting, you’re also a singer. How did you feel when you learned you would be performing the main title song for “Moon Girl?”
It was amazing and it was such an honor. There’s plenty of songs in the show. Raphael Saadiq is executive produced all of the music and he’s so incredible to work with.
Top by OTHEA®
Earring by Anna Zuckerman
Necklace by BAROQCO
What was it like working with Khalid on his album/film “Free Spirit?” What was your favorite part of the project?
I was nervous and had a lot of social anxiety shooting for that album. I particularly remember when we had to shoot part of it in the freezing cold, pretending to be warm for the scene! My favorite part would have to be when the crew got together in the van and started freestyling. It was such a fun and unique experience.
What projects are you working on next?
My next album! That’s what I’m focusing my energy on this year.
Social Media.
Instagram: @officialdiamondwhite
TikTok: @ohitsjustdiamond
Twitter: @officialdiamondwhite
CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Talent: Diamond White
Fashion Stylist: Melvin Sanders
Hair: Marjorie Lightford
Makeup: Simmone
Assistant Photographer: Peter Rock
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Sienna Ropert, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
*Very special thanks to IvanBittonStyleHouse and Michael Vincent Academy
SHOP THE LOOK: DIAMOND WHITE
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