Isis King – With Love

By starrymag | December 17, 2021

By: Malasha Parker

 

 

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for the new series “With Love.”

 

A) So, “With Love” centers a family and all of their different love stories. It’s multiple generations. It’s different identities. And I think it’s something for everyone. It’s based on each holiday. Like each episode is a different holiday, but it’s a timeless classic that anyone around the world will definitely find someone or multiple people that they will identify with. And we’re all either in love or trying to find love. And it’s like a universal love story to me.

 

Q) How was your character Sol Perez described to you?

 

A) Okay, so I remember when I read the audition, something about Sol is, “Their kind eyes.” So, to me, I really grounded the character in that. To see a trans non-binary oncologist be supported by their friends and family– just pretty much have everything and then through this show it’s a journey of do I want love. And you kind of go on this journey with Sol in that way as they find love or potentially find love.

 

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before working with them on this project?

 

A) I was familiar with most of them. Vincent [Rodriguez III] I watched in “My Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.” Emeraude [Toubia] I loved on “Shadowhunters.” Mark [Indelicato] on “Ugly Betty,” Constance [Marie] in the Selena movie and worked with Rome [Flynn] on “The Bold and the Beautiful.” So, yeah, I was already fans of pretty much everybody. So, it’s like a really strong and amazing cast. And I was just so honored to work with them. And it really was a vibe the whole time, which is always a plus when you work with people who you admire already.

 

Q) How hands on was creator Gloria Calderón Kellett when it came to filming?

 

A) Oh, Gloria was there every day. Gloria is also in it! I don’t know if you know this, but she plays kind of a free-spirited Aunt Gladys and she is hi-lar-rious. So, I love the scenes where she got to be in it. But also she was always there if you needed to talk or if something needed to be changed. She was always there giving support. And I think because she was so hands on, it really created an atmosphere where you enjoy yourself in front of the camera, behind the camera. Like everyone really got along and it all started with her just being there. We call her “Mama Bear” and she calls herself the Mama Bear and you can tell she’s really passionate about the vision. And it was amazing to have her there all the time.

 

Q) Yeah, that sounds really good. Especially with her being in it as well. So, she has a different viewpoint on what more she wants the show to be about. So, I love that. 

 

A) Exactly, like in all aspects. She was there from beginning to end. Like if it’s a long day she’s there, you know? She’s writing, she’s listening, she’s watching and she’s sometimes getting ready for scenes. Like, she is literally the show’s Renaissance woman.

 

Q) What did you enjoy most about playing Sol in ‘With Love?”

 

A) Honestly, I really love that I finally got to play a character that was so similar to me.  I feel like for trans characters, we’re just getting to this place where we’re kind of just normal people. So, I really love that Sol didn’t have any trauma at all and already had the career, already had all of the support, and it’s just refreshing! I feel like, yes, we do have things in our life. We have coming out stories, yes, but we do have nice days, too. We do have times when everything is going right and I just don’t think we ever get to see that for trans characters. So, for me, it was, kind of just being able to play this character. And, don’t get me wrong, there is conflict. But the conflict isn’t coming from my character. So, it’s just refreshing to be able to play a character that just gets to enjoy their career and love. And I think that not only is that great for trans and non-binary people to see, but for people who may not have ever interacted with a trans person or who only see negative depictions of trans people in the media. I think to see us grounded in this way could potentially teach you so much and could potentially help you to interact with a trans person because you will now see us just like you. And it seems so small, like in this role, but so many people do learn so much from the media and if this is only representation you see, then at least it will be different than the representation I saw of trans people growing up because it was never positive.

 

Q) Yeah, that’s so true about making sure that they see the good in it. And not always just the bad, because I feel like a lot of times, like you said, they do only show, you know, the hardships that people go through and the hurt and the worst possible scenarios of things. And it’s like, but these are also people too. They still go like everybody else goes through.

 

A) We want to celebrate the holiday. We want to be loved. Like, we want to just go to work and enjoy our job. Sol is a whole doctor, and they enjoy their job. Like, that’s nice! Look at us, we have careers. We potentially have families. We have those things, too. So why can’t we ever see those things? So, this show brings that to life so effortlessly too.

 

Q) Were there any challenging moments while portraying Sol Perez?

 

A) Okay, so I guess I can word it as I worked with a child on the show. And because there are a certain amount of hours that a child can work… Because this is the first time also doing this, sometimes when we get my coverage we would use like a stand-in who’s a grown woman, who was like the same size and such, but a grown woman and she will read the lines and everything. The child is really sassy. And like, that’s really fun to kind of springboard off of and those moments where we kind of are like not getting along or something. So, I would say for me at the beginning, when the lady stepped in and took me out – like I had to just imagine that she was the other character who I was opposite against. And, for me, because I never dealt with that I would say at the beginning that was a little challenging. Then, I got used to it. But, yeah, that was when the child came in and they got their coverage. And then they were so sassy. I was like, “Man, I wish I had them on opposite me” because they were really giving it. And I had like all the expressions on my side. I was like, “Oh, you know…” but I did see it and I love the way the final edit came out. And, hopefully, we get a Season Two and when we get to go back I know what to expect and I’m completely ready.

 

Q) How will the highs and lows around the holidays affect Sol’s emotions and interactions throughout the series?

 

A) Well, I think Sol is like one of the really grounded ones and a family that kind of just has their stuff together, which is refreshing. So, I think Sol is always the one that kind of just stays level headed and kind of just gives the good feedback and the love everyone needs to kind of just keep it together. But you will see in their expressions, which is so similar to me. Sol is a really expressive person, so it’s always in the eyes. And I know like I said the breakdown of the character was about the eyes and and I think sometimes with Sol it’s not what they say it’s the expression, so look out for that which I think makes some of the things really funny.

 

Q) Why was it important for you to take on this role as Sol and share this story?

 

A) It was really important for me because, like I said, I’ve always wanted to see a character that was like me. Sometimes I see stuff and, although I can take certain aspects of it, I feel like there are so many. What it is we’re not a monolith. We’re all so different. So, when I saw this script it was so refreshing and so beautifully written. And I was just like, “I have to get this part.” I would love to play a character who I love like JLo and Cameron Diaz and their rom coms. Cameron Diaz is my favorite. And although Sol is more grounded than a lot of Cameron’s parts in the rom coms, I’ve always said I just want to be careful. Like, that’s my goal. So, Sol has a great part of that in terms of being fun and grounded and loving. And I just think, like I said, that’s just important for trans people to see that we can be that too because in our real lives like so many of my friends who are trans are like so funny, and so happy and bubbly. And it’s like that’s us. I’m the goofy one who’s kind of clumsy. Like, that’s me. We’re not all just sex kittens and provocative or like sassy and bold and sexy. Yes, a lot of us are like that. And, yes, I can feel like that sometimes. But, for me, that’s not a big part of me. I can do it on the red carpet. I can do it in photo shoots. But, for me, I’m more awkward, more covered up, more silly in my everyday life. And I’m just excited that I get to play a character who represents those things. You’ll see Sol throughout the series too start out very conservatively dressed and moderate. And then you kind of see them, possibly through dating and with the support of friends, how they even kind of come out of this shell and their wardrobe and their fashion choices and even the makeup. So, that’s nice because like I said, too, I’m not always just one thing. And I just think it’s so beautiful to see because we are also different within a community. And it’s just refreshing.

 

Q) I feel like I’m loving this character the more I’m listening to you speak about them. What do you hope people take away from watching “With Love” and seeing a character like Sol Perez on a show with such a large viewing platform?

 

A) I think, number one, no matter where you started thinking a certain thing about the characters, you’re going to by the end of the series, love each and every one of these characters. They all have so much heart and depth. And I think that goes back to the writing and the diverse writers room that Gloria had because it really grounds each one of these characters. And I just think they’re just also believable and lovable. And they all have their own journeys. It’s an ensemble cast, but you really get to see each person’s story and how they all come together. So, I think as a whole, you’ll see the passion and love that we all kind of just shared in general, like behind the scenes and I think it really shows through to the characters. But I just think the stories and the diverse cast is what we need right now, not just for the holidays, but in general because it represents what we see in real life. So, I think that that’s what you’ll take out of it – this journey of this family and all of these people and how they all just come together throughout the year. And as far as Sol, yeah, you kind of see them go on a journey and dating and kind of just be carefree about life and opening up themselves to the possibility of love when they already have every other aspect of their life locked in place. It’s necessary and I’m just so excited for everyone to see it, especially on a platform like Amazon. Yes. It’s really exciting.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the fan feedback to the show?

 

A) I’m excited. I’m kind of nervous because this is the first time. “When They See Us” had so much feedback, but I would have a small part. And this one, it’s like, I’m in every single episode. It’s a different story. So, I know fans…I’m just gonna look forward to the positive things. And I’m just so grateful for all of the feedback I got already from all of the press who have watched it already. Like I was just so excited to see because I am with a powerhouse cast. And I’m just so grateful. Like I said, I want to just try to focus on all the good stuff. And not the bad apples. But it’s such a lovable show. And it’s so on time, in terms of what we need, but also the holidays. I don’t know. I’m gonna stay optimistic and hope that everybody loves it.

 

Q) Please tell us about any other projects you may be working on.

A) So, right now, I am auditioning. I’m doing some social media work and I have a few covers that I’m shooting. So, I’m still doing some modeling stuff. And I’m just getting ready for “With Love” and we’ll see what happens in the new year. This year has been beyond everything. I expected it to be and each year just continues to get better and better. So, I’m just already grateful for what 2022 brings.

 

Q) What would you like to say to fans of you and your work?

 

A) I would like to say thank you. I have so many fans who have followed me from even before “Top Model” or the documentary Born in the Wrong Body: On The Edge from MSNBC back in 2007. So, all of the support I’ve gotten through these fourteen years have been a thing that really has kept me afloat, in focus, during a time where there were not opportunities for me to kind of just keep going. So, I’m just so grateful for everyone who has followed me through all these years. And now we’re here, we’re finally here! We’re finally at a place where I’m just so– I feel like I’ve arrived and I feel like people have finally started to take notice of my talent. And I’m just so grateful for the people who have supported me and said, “I always knew this will happen for you. I always pray for you.” Like all those moments really, really helped me. It has helped me through all the years of “I can’t do this anymore; like nothing is happening,” or “I can’t pay my bills,” and just all the stuff that comes with fame without any money. So, yeah, I’m just also grateful for Tyra [Banks]. My storyline was way before its time. But the fans have really helped me to just keep going so that I could finally not give up and I can get to this place where I have billboards all over LA as an actress, which is something I’ve always wanted. So, yeah, here we are.