Samora Smallwood – The Kings of Napa

By starrymag | February 1, 2022

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for the series “The Kings of Napa.”

 

A) The “Kings of Napa” is a primetime drama but also a great “whodunit” about a wealthy black family that owns a vineyard in California’s famous Napa Valley. After a tragedy in the pilot episode, the family is pitted against each other as they vie for power and control of the vineyard. It’s got family drama, secrets, suspicion, betrayal, beautiful diversity, stunning fashion, family secrets, lies and lots of hair and makeup inspo.

 

Q) What made you want to be a part of the series?

 

A) I loved the energy right away! As an actor you get auditions from your rep and sometimes you get really excited about a project and this is one of those times. Seeing names like Oprah Winfrey and Oscar winner Matthew Cherry as the executive producer director makes you go, “Wow, this is an amazing opportunity.” Also, on a very personal note, as a biracial woman (who is half black) it’s important to me and my identity to play roles that acknowledge who I really am and that celebrate black culture, black excellence and black joy.

 

Q) How was Maddi Brewer originally described to you?

 

A) Maddi was described as August King’s (Ebonee Noel) bestie, an insanely funny, cool, chic gynecologist.

Maddi is the friend we all need! Outspoken, hilarious, playful, loyal, fashionable and she always tells it like it is. What I love about Maddi is her unabashed appetite for life. She really goes after her goals and believes in “having it all!” She is a well-educated, successful independent woman who still believes in love. Her zest for life is contagious and was so fun to embody! You can bet on Maddi having a great time while she’s looking for a man who is her equal!!

 

Q) Were you familiar with any of your co-stars before working with them on the show?

 

A) I wasn’t. We all became very close over the course of the shoot and talk daily in our WhatsApp group.

 

Q) What have you found challenging about portraying Maddi?

 

A) Maddi was a gift. I truly believe that characters and roles come to us at the right time and Maddi called on me to step into my power and supreme confidence. That was not a challenge, but I was surprised to see where her sensuality and confidence was unfamiliar but fun territory for me to explore and discover in myself.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. What kind of fan feedback have you already been receiving to the series?

 

A) Fans seem to love the drama and the tea spilling aspect of “The Kings of Napa.” They are excitedly discussing “whodunit” as well which is a lot of fun to see because, of course, I know who did it!

 

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming or episodes that stood out to you?

 

A) The fashion was one of the most thrilling aspects. Our costume designer, Michelle Lyte, pulled the most stunning clothes for us – everything from Balenciaga and Dior to black designers like Hanifa and Dion Lee. It was so exhilarating to wear and embody an independent woman like Maddi who is comfortable giving herself the finest things in life. Making friends with my castmates was amazing, working with director Winnifred Jong again was great and the most jaw-dropping “wow” moment had to be seeing BIPOC and black people every single place I looked. Creator/Showrunner Janine Sherman Barrois ensured our actors, crew, directors and department heads were BIPOC and inclusive and I had never seen that done on such a grand scale before. Truly inspiring.

 

Q) What do you think it is about “The Kings of Napa” that will make it a fast fan favorite show?

 

A) The relationships and how they change based on truth, identity and power. It’s a high-stakes drama but what feels most relatable is the relationships between family, friends and romantic partners that feel so real and explosive! And the fashion, the makeup, the cars, the art, the lifestyle. It’s beautiful to look at and is truly aspirational.

 

Q) What are the other projects you have been busy working on lately?

 

A) What I’m most excited about is a series I have created that is currently in development. It’s a crime thriller called “Gone.” It’s a story about a disgraced female cop on the hunt for a mythical sex-trafficking kingpin. In the process she uncovers repressed childhood memories that may lead her not only to him, but to the truth about her family and the decades old mystery of her missing sister. It’s an intersection of race, gender and the generational effects of trauma. “Gone” is a deeply personal story of mine and it’s a story of healing.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of the work you do?

 

A) I’d like to say thank you! Thank you for showing support and love and know that it is sent right back. I love interacting with fans, sharing empowering messages of positivity and my “Manifest Yo Shit” mantra, which is about the power each of us has to manifest our dreams. No matter where you come from or what happened to you, you have a right to pursue your dreams and the ability to make them come true.