We got a chance to talk to rising actor Bailey Tippen about her starring role as Kitina “Tina” in 50 Cent and Starz’s hit TV show BMF (Black Mafia Family) first introduced in Season 2.
The Plot:
‘BMF’ follows the story of two brothers who created the ‘Black Mafia Family,’ the most prominent drug distribution network in American history. It’s notable the Curtis Jackson aka 50 Cent serves as Executive Producer on the show .
What inspired you to be an actor? Can you tell us your background and how you developed a passion for acting?
As a kid, I was always talking or performing! I loved school, but sometimes would get in trouble in class for being a chatterbox. I would learn super fast just to be able to go chat some more with other students. I had so much imagination! I watched lots of musicals on DVD growing up and would try to get my family to join me on my world tours with a TV remote microphone (sometimes they joined in too). My mother picked up on this and asked me if I’d like to start acting. I knew I loved to perform so of course I said yes.
Congratulations on your role on the Starz hit series, Black Mafia Family! Why did you want to be involved in this project?
Thank you! I thought the show was telling an impressive story. Two brothers/businessmen on a rise to build an empire, it’s compelling and inspiring. I knew I wanted to be a part of it after I realized it only took me a few hours to binge. It was so good I didn’t want to turn it off!
Can you walk us through the process of auditioning for the role?
Sure, I’d say the biggest challenge during the audition was figuring out how I’d behave in the 80s time period. I had to do tons of research about the slang they used or pop culture references. This was also the fun part. I was able to dive into what this world looked like and create something true to the character.
Can you tell us more about your character Tina? What do you love about this character? How did you bring the character to life?
Tina is fierce, stylish, and for someone so young, incredibly wise! I love how she’s a fashionista and always stays up to date on the latest trends. I always have so much fun in fittings. We definitely can relate when it comes to style. She’s courageous in the storyline and hearing stories about BMF helps me imagine how I’d bring the character to life.
What did you like about the story?
I like how it’s an inspiring story that highlights the importance of family, loyalty, and business. The story shows the humanity of characters who are caught in a fast life. There’s a plethora of ways the storyline could go, so the plots emphasize how important it is to understand that our actions have consequences. The choices characters make not only raise the stakes but brings reality into the picture. I hope viewers watching feel the adrenaline rush of the action packed scenes, but the realism of it all reminds them how serious the business was.
What was the dynamic like between you, your cast mates, and film crew? Were there particular moments on set that were memorable?
It felt like a family cookout. Some cast bring cards to play games. Some crew bring the jokes. Some people bring food trucks. I’d say a memorable moment was my first day there. I had those first day to school jitters, and couldn’t wait to perform. I had ran into my character’s cousin Monique (AKA Kash Doll) at the hair and makeup trailer, and she was the kindest person ever. She made me feel so welcomed on the show like an actual big cousin!
What kind of films do you like watching?
I’m inspired by the classics. I love the nostalgia of watching a movie from a different period. I see how far we’ve come in entertainment. Plus there’s been so many references to that era of movies in my current roles too, so I try to stay informed.
You’re such a multi-talented artist! Aside from being an actor, you also developed a passion for singing, dancing, and DJing. What got you into DJing in particular?
Thanks so much! Well, I love music! I wear my headphones all day. One day I was thinking to myself “this track would go so nice with this song” and that’s when I tried finding ways to mix songs.
What were the monumental life lessons, mistakes, and things you’ve learned in your career so far that you would like to share to young aspiring or emerging actors, storytellers, and creatives in general?
This one’s simple, learning how to engage with social media in a healthier way. I didn’t know how real it got until I was posted on a very influential page with over millions of followers! Most of the comments were kind, but then you can have that one unhappy person online giving out their opinion. I learned how important it is to have boundaries! Not just in real life, but also on social media. Sometimes that may look like not checking comments. It’s important to train your feed too. I love engaging with content that inspires me, so I’ll see more of that!
What kind of roles do you want to take on in the future?
I love to take on roles that are empowering and remind the people who are watching of their own greatness. Roles that explore my talent in new ways.
What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind as an actor?
I’d like to be known as someone creative and can pull off any role. What’s your advice to young actors who want to break into the entertainment industry? Stay true to yourself! No one can deliver the way that you do, and that’s your power. Stay focused in your lane and work to be the best version of you!
Do you have other upcoming projects you want to share with us?
Season 4 BMF and a few more projects are on the way! Stay tuned!
You can watch Bailey Tippen now in the first few seasons of BMF (Black Mafia Family), with Season 4 on its way soon.
