Adriyan Rae – The Game

By starrymag | December 16, 2021

By: Kemberlie Spivey

 

 

Q) What drew you to be a part of “The Game?”

 

A) I’ve always been a huge fan of the show from the beginning! When I got the audition all it took was the breakdown of Brittany Pitts to get me onboard, honestly. It was a no-brainer for me, and I’m so grateful for that audition and to be a part of this cast and crew!

 

Q) When coming onto the show, were you aware of how iconic “The Game” was and still is to people? 

 

A) Oh, of course! Like I said, I watched “The Game” so I knew just how iconic and impactful this show has always been. I mean the numbers that “The Game” brought in when on The CW are iconic within themselves, let alone the legendary talents like Wendy Robinson, Hosea Chanchez, Coby Bell and Pooch Hall. Working with them alone will remind you just how iconic “The Game” was/is and why that’s the way it is.

 

Q) Before auditioning for this role, were you a fan of the original series “The Game?”

 

A) Yes.

 

Q) How is the revival of “The Game” different from the earlier seasons?

 

A) The revival has the same flavor as the original but with a kick; the same textures and essence but modern touches. We like to say it’s “Familiar but Fresh.” There’s A LOT more actual football incorporation into the reboot, which, hats off to the guys (Vaughn [Hebron], Hosea and Toby [Sandeman]) because they really work their butts off on and off the screen to make it as authentic as possible. But in my opinion, “The Game” has always been about the relationships within a football world, not necessarily about football; and we definitely keep that but we add to it. Going into in-depth storylines and character arcs that touch on classism, sexism, racism, etc. I say anyone who genuinely liked the original should check it out and they’ll be pleasantly surprised.

 

Q) How was your character Brittany originally described to you?

 

A) This was the exact breakdown I received:

 

Brittany Pitts: 24 years old. Resourceful. Reckless. Confident. A risk-taking entrepreneur who is laser-focused on securing the bag by any means necessary, even if it starts with being a lowly assistant. She’s a natural leader who always looks after her girls. Although her speak-first-apologize-later attitude often lands her in hot water, somehow she always lands on her feet.

 

Q) What can you tease were some of your favorite moments or scenes from filming?

 

A) I think my favorite dramatic scenes include my scene with Jamison in 104 where I tell him about Cornell’s decision and a beautiful scene in the finale that really is Brittany at a crossroads. Comedically, I love just bouncing improvs off Wendy a/k/a Tasha Mack and Analisa [Velez] and I have built a really beautiful dynamic with each other and our characters. We have such pure, raw, “this is how best friends interact” moments and nuances and I absolutely love getting to create with her.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. What kind of fan feedback have you been receiving from the show so far?

 

A) I think it’s been good, but to be honest I don’t really use my socials to look for fan feedback or critiques. I don’t find that’s conducive to happiness or open flowing creativity. I more so use my socials for the bigger picture and promoting work that I feel helps with the bigger picture (as I explained earlier). I hope people come to my page and leave inspired, motivated, or with a perspective they never thought about but find helpful.

 

Q) I saw on your Instagram that the show was just wrapped for the season. What has been the biggest lesson you have learned while working on the show? 

 

A) Um… That I don’t do well on less than five hours of sleep! [laughs] But no, seriously, I think I’ve learned a new level of understanding and compassion from shooting. And that we are all working at our current level of awareness to the best of our ability. As hectic as it got at times, we all put our best effort forward; every SINGLE person from wardrobe to hair to make-up to the producers to transpo; just everyone! And we really made something so special and magical. I’m really proud of the end result but most of all our journey with one another; because at the end of the day that’s what this is about. Not the show necessarily but making connections, making art that allows for others to make connections and understanding. That’s the real reason we are all here and I’m really grateful that I get to be a part of something that does that on and off-camera.

 

Q) What does it mean to you to be a part of a series with so many people of color as the leads?

 

A) It means a lot to me. It means I get creative with people I’ve looked up to for a long time and that the stories I’m telling are those that I’ve been through or my peers growing up, etc. These stories are relatable to the black community. I love that we are a powerful cast of beautiful black and brown actors who don’t just make “black art,” but we make GREAT ART and we get to be black as hell while doing it.

 

Q) We loved you on “Chicago Fire.” Have you kept in touch with any of your costars?

 

A) Of course! One of the hardest parts about leaving “Fire” was leaving the cast – they’re really a great group of people. I still keep in touch with Daniel [Kyri] and Miranda [Rae Mayo] often. And David [Eigenbeg] and I text. I’m hoping to see him in the new “Sex and the City” and I told him I’m FaceTiming him and we are watching it when it comes out!

 

Q) You’re also a writer and producer. Are there any recent projects that you have been busy working on lately?

 

A) I am but I’m also holding my babies close to my heart and I will give more details a little later down the road.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan of the show and a supporter of your work? 

 

A) I want to say that I am immensely grateful that you all are here on this journey with me, and the support doesn’t go unnoticed. Thank you all and Insha-Allah we will be back with even more hard-hitting football, clap-backs and one-liners and all that is “The Game” in Season 2. Also, please be on the lookout for “Atlanta” Season 3 where I also appear!