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Da’Vine Joy Randolph, an actor from Philadelphia, attended the Yale School of Drama and was nominated for a Tony award for her breakout performance in the 2012 Broadway production of Ghost: The Musical. Since then, she has worked in television shows such as High Fidelity and Only Murders in the Building, as well as in films like Dolemite Is My Name where she starred alongside Eddie Murphy, and On the Come Up where she played Aunt Pooh. Randolph recently won the best supporting actress award at the Golden Globes for her role in Alexander Payne’s bittersweet tragicomic film, The Holdovers. She portrays a grieving mother and head cook at a prestigious New England boarding school in the 1970s, alongside Paul Giamatti as a grumpy teacher and newcomer Dominic Sessa as a troubled student.
At the initial encounter with Alexander Payne, you were unfamiliar with him. What did he do to convince you to take on the role?
While filming On the Come Up, I was busy with multiple tasks on my day off when I received a notice about a director meeting just 24 hours prior. As the director described his vision for the project, I began to connect with him. Curious about his past work, I asked for examples and was pleasantly surprised to learn that he had created several of my favorite films, including About Schmidt, Sideways, and The Descendants.
What is the appeal of Mary Lamb, the most down-to-earth among the three main characters in your story?
She possesses fragility and tenderness, yet she is also a natural leader, caregiver, and nurturer. Despite her flaws, there is still a strong sense of love and hope within her, whether she acknowledges it or not.
As an actor, how do you handle the immense weight of representing the grief of American society in 1970, compounded with the loss of your son?
This is a very difficult and challenging time in America. I realized early on that I needed to take measures to keep myself safe. After completing my tasks, I was exhausted. Cooking helps me relax and heal. I turned to cooking as a way to bond with my loved ones during this period. I tried to find any activities that would bring back a feeling of normalcy.
What is your go-to dish?
Preparing a meal for someone is a thoughtful and meaningful gift. The love and care put into cooking can be tasted in the food. I have a wide range of dishes that I can make, although I am not skilled in baking. However, I can whip up a delicious sweet potato pie.
You reside in Los Angeles. I assume this means you prefer warmer climates. Was the weather as chilly as it appeared during the filming in Massachusetts?
Yes, we were in deserted structures and former convents. The scene of my living room, where we were watching television, the boys’ dormitory at the beginning of the film… all of that was in a convent. We were unable to use the heating because the radiator made a constant tingling noise when turned on. The snow was authentic, adding a touch of magic. Whenever we needed to film a snow scene, it always seemed to appear!
I heard that you hand-picked all the clothing for your character in On the Come Up. Were you also involved in selecting the costumes for The Holdovers?
As someone with a strong visual sense, I often create mood boards or use iPhoto to share albums. Since the project was inspired by an old film, we were able to collect a variety of vintage fabrics including corduroy, delicate embroidery, and floral prints.
When did you first become interested in acting?
I have always had a strong imagination and a passion for singing. Music was my initial path into the world of the arts. However, during my third year of college, I discovered acting and decided to change my major. I was originally studying classical music and vocal performance, as I am trained in opera singing. Despite it being a spontaneous decision, I am grateful that I made the switch.
What led you to become interested in opera?
A new student came to my school and mentioned a summer camp focused on performing arts. Being a competitive person, I applied without much thought, but the camp required classical singing pieces. Around the same time, I attended a Christmas concert at a church and was blown away by a woman’s powerful voice. I wasn’t particularly interested in opera, but she saw potential in me. She encouraged me by saying, “You have a natural talent for this.” She also mentioned the perks of being an opera singer – traveling the world, receiving love and praise, and being admired by men in beautiful dresses. That’s when I knew that was the career for me.
You have worked alongside well-known comedy greats such as Eddie Murphy, Steve Martin, and Martin Short. Do you have a particular approach when acting with a comedic genius?
The top performer is always ready. Remember, you are capable. I believe that because they are considered great, many individuals feel intimidated or afraid. It’s similar to a game of checkers where they are the undisputed champion. They may become bored because they have defeated all opponents. But when a new challenger appears and says, “I will give you a challenge,” they become thrilled. This is because it brings new energy, and they have a desire to share their knowledge and wisdom with you.
What was your main takeaway from collaborating with Eddie Murphy on Dolemite Is My Name?
I believe in pacing oneself, a concept I definitely utilized here – don’t exhaust all your energy at once. Therefore, while performing all these comedic actions, the character remains quiet and saves his energy while off-screen. In contrast, I stayed cheerful and energetic off-screen in order to bring a more serious tone on-screen.
You have already been awarded numerous prizes for best supporting actress, including a Golden Globe. How are you dealing with the excitement surrounding these awards?
The schedule may be daunting, but it is also a joyful experience. This is the dream of every actor. Therefore, I do not want to complain. I am simply approaching it one day at a time. That is all we can do.
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th January
“The Holdovers” will be released in UK cinemas on January 19th. January
Source: theguardian.com
