Meet the beautiful actress Tanisha Long who is currently starring in the Will Packer Media produced series ‘’Bigger’’ on BET’S new streaming platform BET+. The born and raised West Philadelphia actor, writer and comedian now living in LA. We spoke to the charismatic actress and a woman of many talents and we discussed how she accidentally fell into the acting industry and why her character Layne in the show is much cooler than she is. We also speak about her favorite beauty hacks and why Chadwick Boseman would be her ideal man.
Lawrencia: How did you first get into acting?
Tanisha: I fell into the world of acting by mistake whilst living in New York, I was studying fashion at a high-profile college and was not happy with what I was doing then I started going to improvisation lessons. Things just fell into place from there, I then did a pilot show on MTV and that is how the relationship started with Viacom. People liked and enjoyed what I did and I started doing more stuff with MTV. My agent really helped and I have now been in the game for about 12/13 years. The rest is history…
Lawrencia: Growing up who were you inspired by in the media, who was your idol?
Tanisha: I was inspired by fictional characters, I loved Storm from X-Men. She was my favorite. To be honest with you, I never imagined I would become an actor. Growing up I really wanted to become a dancer, I loved to dance and saw myself in that field. However, my mom said I had to go to college so I couldn’t dance. In the dancing world, I loved ice-skaters.
Lawrencia: You are currently starring in Bigger on BET and you play Layne Roberts who has been holding herself back in love and life. Are there any similarities between you and your character?
Tanisha: Layne is way much cooler than I am, she is free-spirited and does the heck she wants. Layne is much more out there; she is a vintage shop owner who speaks her mind and is also seen as being quirky. In real life, I am more of a rule follower as I am in my thirties, I like to follow things by the book which I probably did the opposite in my twenties. I am an adult woman now so I take life a lot more seriously but in saying that Layne is pretty cool to play!
Lawrencia: Originally you are a Philly girl, how does it feel to live in LA? Do you go back home often?
Tanisha: To be honest I don’t go back home often because I hate winter. It gets really cold during the winter. LA is really cool but it’s kind of a strange place but not in a negative way. I lived in ATL for three months while shooting Bigger this past spring. ATL is really dope, there is no place like ATL. It has a lot of cool places, it’s really Black. LA is more like a business office if that make sense? I live very close to Hollywood which is super fun. I see myself living in LA as long as my career requires me to.
Lawrencia: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Tanisha: I would like to turn books written by Black women in TV and film projects. I want to empower other Black women; I am very passionate about that. I am an artist and I care about my work; I want to make a difference. Also, I would love to own a studio maybe similar to Tyler Perry. Now that would be amazing!
Lawrencia: What’s the weirdest thing a fan has ever done for you?
Tanisha: This is a funny one, so whilst I was doing stand-up. Fans would bring me random food; I would tweet about something foodie and they would bring me food. That was pretty funny!
Lawrencia: Let’s talk beauty and fashion, who is your favorite designer and why?
Tanisha: I am obsessed with Valentino; I just love very classic lines. Also, a big fan of Zac Posen dresses anything to do with evening gowns or princess dresses I am a fan. On a casual day, I simply wear T-shirts and Jeans which is very simple. Madewell jeans are great for curvy and I like ASOS in general.
Lawrencia: You have beautiful flawless skin, what is your skincare routine?
Tanisha: Firstly, thank you! I like to keep it very minimal, if I am not working then I do not wear make-up. I only wear make-up if I’m at work or have an audition. On most days, I wear Black Girl Sunscreen pretty much every day and I absolutely love the brand, I wear it like its makeup it’s that great! If I do wear make-up, then it is normally Fenty. I really like the Fenty Pro-Filter, Rihanna really nailed it for Black women and it is very long-lasting. I use Mac and Make Up For Ever sometimes. I also like Laura Mercier. In the mornings, I keep it very simple as I have sensitive skin so I do a wash with oil balm followed by a Jelly wash and repeat this at night. I also like the Ordinary which is great!
Lawrencia: If you could go on a date with any of these three celebrity guys, who would it be
- Kofi Siriboe
- Michael B. Jordan
- Chadwick Boseman
Tanisha: I don’t know Kofi Siriboe too well and to be honest Michael B Jordan doesn’t look like long-time boyfriend material (laughs). I would have to go with Chadwick he looks like a good guy and long-time boyfriend material! That is what I would go for.
All images by Robyn Von Swank
Interviewed by Lawrencia Nelson
