Troy Leigh-Anne Johnson
Troy Leigh-Anne Johnson, a young up-and-coming actress, is best known for her role as Harper on ABC’s Big Sky. She joined the cast last year in season two. Big Sky is a crime drama thriller in which a private detective teams up with an ex-cop to solve a kidnapping case in Montana. Troy’s character Harper is a teenager who has a lot of secrets she is hiding. Recently Troy appeared in the HULU featured Sex Appeal with Margaret Cho and previously had roles in Netflix’s Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting and Netflix’s On My Block.
Top by Marcell Von Berlin
Suit by Theory
Silver Boots by Marcell Von Berlin
Jewelry by David Yurman
Tell us about Harper’s journey in the rest of season two of Big Sky?
Harper and her friends’ situations reach a boiling point. After everything they have to go through they have become more focused on cleaning up their messes, getting their lives back on track, and relying on the adults around them for help and wisdom, which is nice to see. But what it takes for them to get to that point is pretty scary and wild.
Your an avid reader, what are some of your favorite books?
I just recently read Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney, which I really loved. I also really like dark academia so The Secret History by Donna Tartt and If We Were Villains by ML Rio.
What are some similarities you see between your character Harper and yourself?
I feel like Harper and I both have a pretty practical approach to things. She puts a lot of thought into the decisions she makes (even when she makes decisions I personally don’t really agree with, ha-ha). I’d like to believe I’m similar in that way.
What was it like transferring from a comedy/drama role like On My Block to a thriller like Big Sky?
It was pretty cool! I really appreciate that I’ve been able to do projects in such different genres. I am thankful, and I hope there’s always variety in the roles I get to play/projects I get to work on.
As someone with a social media following how important is it for you to talk about crucial issues in society?
I think it’s incredibly important to talk about and stay educated on crucial issues in society, but I also don’t think social media is the only way to educate yourself or help/advocate. I think it can definitely be helpful since it’s easily accessible for a lot of people, but there are ways to learn, listen, communicate, and advocate that are separate from social media. Even if you don’t have a large following you can help. I think it’s about figuring out what you as an individual can do.
What is a typical day like on set?
A typical day on set is honestly pretty chill. I’ll go over my scenes for the day one last time before it’s time to work. After that I go to hair and makeup and get into costume. Then we get to work. If I have any free time on set I’ll read, get some schoolwork done, or work on any other scenes or acting projects I might have going on.
Is there anyone you would like to work with in the future?
I would love to be able to work with Jordan Peele. He is absolutely incredible.
Being a Black woman in the entertainment industry, what do representation and diversity mean to you?
It’s important that the media reflect everyone that makes up society and grant people equal opportunities so that people who watch shows, movies, plays, who read books, etc. see themselves being reflected honestly and respectfully. And other people can learn to understand and empathize with people who are different from them.
I heard that you would love to work on a project based on a fantasy novel. Is there any specific novel you had in mind?
I just love the fantasy genre as a whole and I’d love to get to work on a project that falls into that genre. It doesn’t even necessarily have to be based on a book specifically, just anything that takes place in a fantasy world would be really incredible.
Social Media:
Instagram: @troyleighanne
CREW CREDITS:
Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Photographer: Shanna Fisher
Talent: Troy Leigh-Anne Johnson
Fashion Stylist: Luca Kingston
Hair/Makeup: Aaron Barry
Hair/Makeup Assistant: Jordan Darian
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Sahar Kariem, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
SHOP THE LOOK: TROY LEIGH-ANNE JOHNSON
1. Brentwood stretch-ponte blazer by The Row
2. Basic blazer by Zara
3. Dancer Tie-Neck Puff-Sleeve Blouse by Zimmermann
4. Bow Tie Collar Blouse by Urban Revivo
5. Skinny pants by Saint Laurent
6. Women's Black Stretch-Cotton Skinny-Fit Pants by Paul Smith
7. Metallic leather over-the-knee boots by Zimmermann
8. Vev boot by DSW