Maya Lynne Robinson – The Unicorn

By starrymag | March 18, 2021

By: Sammi Turano

 

 

 

Q) This is your second year playing Michelle on “The Unicorn.” How do you think she has evolved since the beginning?

 

A) Michelle has grown a lot in the last year, not only as a wife, mother and a friend, but as a student. She is willing to learn what she doesn’t know, including not being uncomfortable to ask for help, such as with learning Calculus from Grace (Ruby Jay). She has also developed a lot more patience and a looser grip on the friend group than in Season One, which allows her to show more joy as she figures out what she is passionate about (Business) outside of her loved ones. I think she also speaks a little less than last season, as the writers and I have learned to hone in on her wonderful facial expressions. Sometimes a look says more than words ever can!

 

Q) We have seen Michelle grow closer to Wade’s daughters. Is this something we will continue to see as the show progresses?

 

A) I think you see Michelle grow. Period. Michelle grows closer to others and grows internally a lot this season and she learns how to be of service to others in ways that she was unable to before. Whether it’s teaching kids how to drive, solving escape room clues or helping Ben (Omar Benson Miller) with his business. It’s no longer just dating advice, housework and home cooking. She’s also learned to stay out of the fray a bit more and let the rest of them fight it out. Thanks to the amazing writers and directors, she’s evolved a lot this season.

 

Q) Michelle is a very strong woman. In what ways do you see her as a role model for other women (especially moms) watching?

 

A) Michelle is very strong, but she’s also funny, charming and driven. That’s all I ever wanted for her, was to be a multi-dimensional woman who understands the importance of putting herself first so that she can be there for others. She may not be vulnerable in the sense that Delia (Michaela Watkins) is, but self-care is extremely important to her. There is never a scene where she is not hair, makeup and nails ready. Every woman knows that takes time, so even if you don’t see it on camera, you know that she took some time for herself that day so that she could be of service to the tribe. It was my idea to have her nails done for that reason and I’m glad the producers let me do it.

 

Q) How do you relate to Michelle and in what ways do you wish you were more like her?

 

A) I relate to Michelle more than I care to admit, actually! We’re both extremely maternal and love to help and support young minds and hearts. We both grew up without much money. I was pretty frugal like her and appreciative of a good healthy savings account and anxious when the funds got low. It’s interesting that the more I play her, the more I learn from her. I wish I was a bit more grounded in energy and calm like her. I’m a spitfire! And I wish I had little ones like she does. It’s hard to feel “woe is me” when there are tiny and precious beings to nurture.

 

Q) I love the bond between Delia and Michelle. What do you think makes their friendship so appealing to watch?

 

A) First, I can’t say enough wonderful things about Michaela Watkins. It is truly a real friendship, mentorship and a sisterhood that we have and I think that translates on camera. There is nothing we can’t say or try with one another, improvised or scripted, that the other game for going along with and those are the same wonderful traits for Michelle and Delia. They might not agree much about things, including Wade’s (Walton Goggins) love life, child rearing or sportsmanship, but they allow the other person to stand in their truth, say the wrong thing and apologize. And that’s why it’s so fun to watch them together.

 

Q) This season we have seen Michelle go back to school. Are we going to see more of that as the season progresses, despite her struggles in the beginning?

 

A) Because of the pandemic, it kind of halted how we got to see her in school this season, but the finale will shed a little more light on her schooling as well as what’s next for her in regards to that.

 

Q) What do you think it is about “The Unicorn” that continues to make it such a fan favorite series?

 

A) I always say this is a show about laughter and loss. Are we a comedy or a half hour drama or a dramedy? I don’t know and honestly the category doesn’t matter to me because it comes down to authentic storytelling with some brave people who are willing to play in the gray. Life isn’t black and white, and neither are any of these characters or situations. Life is extremely complicated and sometimes we find the hilarity in grief and sadness overwhelms us right after a big burst of laughter. That’s why we’re a fan-favorite. I don’t know anyone in the past year who hasn’t been changed after the loss of a loved one and as long as we can give our audience a respite from the pain, then we’re doing our job and people will keep coming back.

 

Q) What are some other projects you are working on?

 

A) Besides acting, I am focused on my non-profit Choice2Change and getting its first year off the ground successfully. I’ve been doing a lot of writing, as well, during the pandemic.

 

Q) You also have appeared on “The Conners.” Are there any plans for you to return?

 

A) You never know what can happen. You’ll have to watch and see.

 

Q) You’re very active on social media. What is it like interacting with your fans as the show airs?

A) I try to be active and have a lot of fun, but I also like to address what’s going on in the world as well. It’s actually a lot of fun to talk to the fans online! People know not to come and tag me with negativity, so we just laugh and chat for thirty fun minutes. It’s great to watch it with them because I only get to see the scenes I’m filming while we’re shooting, so though I know the script, I’m not sure how they said or did things and I get to be just as surprised and invested as the fans. “The Unicorn” fans are some of the sweetest and funniest people posting on twitter.

 

Q) What would you like to say to all your fans and supporters?

 

A) Thank you for watching “The Unicorn!” Thank you for appreciating this one-of-a-kind single cam show that just wants to make you feel good after a long day. We’re all humans and we all have experienced laughter and grief. We’re healing with you.