Zuri Reed
Zuri Reed is an actress and musician from Philadelphia, PA who she attended Creative and Performing Arts High School of Philadelphia. Making her debut at age 14 in the series “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit’ in 2010. She has appeared in a number of popular movies such as “Applesauce” (2015), “The Last O.G.(“ 2019), and the tv series “Flatbush Misdemeanors” (2021). This year she will star as “Tasha” in the action series “National Treasure: Edge of History” streaming on Disney+. Zuri wants to inspire young Black artists to seize any opportunity they can.
Dresss by CELESTINO
Earrings by Alexis Bittar
Ring by Alexis Bittar
Tell us about yourself.
I was born and raised in Philadelphia (much like the Fresh Prince theme song) and am now currently living in Brooklyn. I have a 15-year-old Pomeranian named Baby, who is my best friend and I love to sing and write in my spare time.
How did you get into acting?
I always say, “I didn’t choose the life, the life chose me,” ha-ha. I was super outgoing as a kid. I never shied away from an opportunity to lead in my church or school plays. One day my mom heard on the Wendy Williams Radio Show that The Lion King on Broadway was having auditions in New York for Young Nala and Simba. She drove me out to the city and I played Nala for the next almost two years. That was my very first professional job! I was 10 years old.
Left:
Dresss by CELESTINO
Earrings by Alexis Bittar
Ring by Alexis Bittar
Right:
Dress + Pants by Galia Lahav
Shoes by Jimmy Choo
Earrings, necklace and bracelet by Alexis Bittar
What drew you to play Tasha in “National Treasure: Edge of History?”
I was immediately drawn to the script when I read it. It was so cool to jump into a character who was so smart, yet always spoke her mind. I was definitely familiar with the movies already, so the thought of being a part of such an amazing franchise was the cherry on top!
How does your character Tasha’s personality reflect your own?
We’re very similar in lots of ways. Tasha is always willing to go to bat for her family, and I’m definitely the same way. Nothing is too extreme when it comes to people that I care about. Also, when I was a little girl in the early 2000s my mom would make me sit down at our desktop computer and play different typing games to learn my way around the keyboard. I feel like that was my future Tasha training and she didn’t even know it, ha-ha.
Do you look up to anyone to inspire your creativity?
Yes! I look up to Issa Rae, Kerry Washington, Quinta Brunson, and Regina King. I plan to write, produce and direct in the future, but right now I am enjoying this journey with “National Treasure” and Disney.
What are some highlights of filming “National Treasure: Edge of History?”
Oh, there are so many. It was so amazing to be on a set with the best team. The fifth episode is one of my favorites of the season. Everyone looks really beautiful, in formal wear, but there are some really high stakes to overcome. Filming all of those action shots in heels and dresses was challenging, but in a fun way.
Off set fun was pretty dope too. We filmed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, which most of the cast had never been to before. So, when we weren’t working, we were able to explore the city and get to know each other in such a cool way. Lots of fried alligator, gumbo, red beans and rice, and top golf moments.
Left:
Dresss by CELESTINO
Earrings by Alexis Bittar
Ring by Alexis Bittar
Right:
Dress by Adolfo Sanchez at Flying Solo
Earrings by Alexis Bittar
Do you take pride in your home city Philadelphia?
I absolutely do. I’m so proud of my city and so proud to be from Philly. The Philly music sound is one that I grew up listening to and still love today. Musiq Soulchild, Jazmine Sullivan, The Roots, and so many other legends.
I was also blessed enough to go to really great schools around the city. Including The Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts where we have some pretty great alumni. Fun fact: Brett Gray and I were actually voted drama king and queen in our class yearbook, ha.
What are some of your hobbies?
I consider myself a homebody. So, cooking a yummy pasta dish, with a great show or musical, sounds like a great time to me.
Left:
Dress by Adolfo Sanchez at Flying Solo
Earrings by Alexis Bittar
Right:
Dress by Vincent Licari
Earrings and bracelet by Alexis Bittar
What are some of your goals?
I hope to have my own production company one day where we focus on inclusivity, amazing projects, and all-around greatness.
Social Media.
IG: @zuri.reed
CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief + Producer: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Talent: Zuri Reed
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon
Hair: Quam Kent
Makeup: Tiffany Lucio at Factory Downtown
Fashion Stylist Intern: Sienna Ropert
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Karissa Fabi, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Location: Egg Studios NYC
SHOP THE LOOK: ZURI REED
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