Lilli Kay
Suit by Vince at Neiman Marcus Long Island
Blouse by Frame at Neiman Marcus Long Island
Lilli Kay, an American actress based in New York City. Before she started her career in entertainment career she performed many theater plays while she was studying. Some of her most important performances roles were in “Your Honor,” “Yellowstone,” and “Chambers” among others.
Tell us about your career.
I’ve been lucky in that I’ve been able to work with so many of my heroes. I’ve learned so much from people with whom I’ve worked.
How did you first come into the entertainment industry?
I grew up in proximity to it, but, to be honest, I fell in love with acting sort of by accident. I thought I’d do something much less front-facing, to be honest.
How was your first performance?
Nerve-wracking! I think doing something you’ve dreamed of doing for so long is sort of terrifying, but incredibly gratifying and exciting as well. Overall, an overwhelming and joyful experience, to be sure.
Left:
Top by Emporio Armani at Neiman Marcus Long Island
Suit by HEIKE NY at The Confessional Showroom
Shoes by Magnanni
Right:
Jacket by IRO
Turtleneck by AG Jeans
Shirt by Akris at Neiman Marcus Long Island
Pants by AG Jeans
What was your big break in your career?
I feel really lucky in that I’ve gotten to work in a lot of spaces I’d always dreamed of being, alongside people I really admire. I think every one of those experiences has felt like a breakthrough, in the sense that working with folks who are far more experienced than I am has pushed me to grow and improve.
Which was the performance you enjoyed the most?
Impossible question! But I have really enjoyed both “Yellowstone” and “Your Honor,” as they have both thrown me a lot of fun curveballs over the course of my time working on them.
What would you recommend to a person who wants to start working in the entertainment industry?
I mean I’m very lucky in that I was exposed to this environment earlier and was in greater proximity to it than most. But I will say the thing that made the biggest difference to me was dedicating time to training. It was less the training itself and more just being in an environment where it is safe to fail. So, I’d say give fail a lot, and spend time getting to know yourself and what you bring to the table. And most importantly, be gentle with yourself along the way.
Left:
Suit by Vince at Neiman Marcus Long Island
Blouse by Frame at Neiman Marcus Long Island
Right:
Suit by Catou at The Confessional Showroom
Pocket Square by Stylist Own
Shirt by AG Jeans
Is there a role you would like to perform in your future?
A million. But I’d really like to do something to do with music and music history. I’m a nerd for that stuff.
Whom do you admire the most?
My family. Honestly, no one has inspired, challenged, or encouraged me more.
What has been the most challenging performance of your career so far?
I think “Your Honor” has been challenging in a really great way. Fia has experienced so much more than most people her age. I think it’s been a real gift to get to explore that with her.
What type of role performance do you feel more comfortable with?
Honestly, the most comfortable I’ve ever been on camera was galloping around on horseback. Horses are my first home, so it was wonderful.
Tell us about playing Fia Baxter in “Your Honor?”
I love her. Truly though, we so seldom see young people on screen with such a strong sense of self. She has such fortitude, compassion, and ferocity. She’s able to navigate these absolutely horrific situations with such grace. I admire her a great deal.
How did you prepare for the role?
I tried to learn as much as I could about the city of New Orleans, its history, where her family might’ve fit into all this. I also started using eye cream. You can only pretend to be a teenager for so long.
Suit by Catou at The Confessional Showroom
Pocket Square by Stylist Own
Shirt by AG Jeans
What can you tell us about your role in “Yellowstone?”
Clara is a badass! She’s an assistant turned ranch hand turned right-hand-man and somehow manages to juggle Montana's political game and life on the ranch. She’s got a lot of colors to her, and it was exciting to explore the way she moves through these different spaces within the world of Yellowstone.
What are your future plans for your career?
I am excited about a film I’ll be in later this year called “Rustin.” It’ll be on Netflix this fall, and it tells the story of Bayard Rustin, a far-too-little known hero of the civil rights movement (played brilliantly by the singular talented Colman Domingo). I can’t wait to see it.
CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Photographer: Michael Creagh
Talent: Lilli Kay
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon
Hair: Seiji at Forward Artists
Makeup: Rebecca Restrepo at Walter Schupfer Management
Tailor: Shanelle Butler
Fashion Styling Interns: Summer Safi, Angie Hines
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Julieta Guerra, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
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