Award-winning actress Taja V. Simpson (“The Oval”) chatted about her latest endeavors.
Former U.S. Army general and former Secretary of State Colin Powell once said: “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.” Taja V. Simpson is a woman that epitomizes this wise quotation.
She plays Priscilla Owens on the hit BET drama series “The Oval,” which was written, created, executive produced, and directed by Tyler Perry.
Simpson is drawn to playing Priscilla on “The Oval” for many reasons. The show just kicked off its fourth season. “I love how grounded Priscilla is, she works her best to keep herself together amidst the craziness that is happening around her. She is really layered, so as an actor, that is a dream. I love playing Priscilla,” she said.
She had great words about all of her fellow co-stars of “The Oval,” which include Ptosha Storey, Javon Johnson, and Walter Fauntleroy. “When we work in that buttle, it is intense,” she said. “Ptosha is great, very giving and she plays my best friend on the show. Javon Johnson is the voice of reason.”
In the last few weeks, Simpson has had more scenes with actor Nick Barrotta as Allan. “I love Nick, he is the sweetest guy. He is a genuine guy,” she said.
She complimented Brad Benedict for playing “the best sadistic villain ever.” “Travis Cure is always super prepared and I love working with him. Lodric Collins is amazing too, I joke with him saying that he is the brother I never wanted,” she said.
Simpson also praised Linda Boston, the actress that plays neighbor Jody on the show. “Linda is hilarious, she is so funny, she is everything. Jody is true to who she is no matter what, and I love that,” she said.
When asked how she handles being dialogue-heavy on the show, “At first, if I am honest, it was very daunting. I was super-prepared. We move really fast. Tyler Perry is a machine, and that’s the only way he knows how to work, and I love that. He gives so many up-and-coming actors more opportunities and you can’t ask for anything more. Belief is everything. I am forever grateful to Tyler Perry, he has changed the trajectory of all of our lives.”
She is a four-time “Best Actress” winner. “That was very validating,” she admitted. “It was a nice pat on the back and it makes you keep going and keep reaching for more. For me, it doesn’t matter where the applause is coming from, people are recognizing your work.”
On being an actress and entrepreneur in the digital age, Simpson said, “It definitely is a whole new world and a whole new learning curve for me. When I got into entrepreneurship, I knew about social media but I came from a different marketing background. I had to dive in and learn the power of social media and online ads.”
As an entrepreneur, she runs TAJ. Hair Growth. “TAJ is my baby,” she exclaimed. “It’s something that I started back in 2017. I started it in my kitchen and I formulated it on my own. It was formed out of my own need. It is the little engine that could. I decided to put it out because I knew that it could help so many people. I am truly grateful.”
“To be successful in my first dream, as an actor, and now to be working on my success as an entrepreneur is like living my dream,” she added.
On the title of the current chapter of her life, she said with a sweet laugh, “Always Be Disciplined.”
Simpson listed Tom Hardy, Denzel Washington, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Kate Hudson, and Viola Davis as her dream acting partners. “Tom Hardy can literally do anything,” she said. “Viola is just the pinnacle, and Jessica Chastain is such a great character actress.”
If she were to have any superpower, it would be to “control the weather.” “I feel like the weather depicts your mood so I would love to control it,” she said. “The beach is my happy place.”
On her definition of the word success, Simpson said, “Being able to take care of my parents.”
For her dedicated fans of “The Oval,” she said, “I want to express my sincere gratitude and thankfulness for them. The fans are so supportive, and they show up for us. They are the reason that we are here for our fourth season. I love being able to tweet with them in a live fashion on Tuesday.”
To learn more about Taja V. Simpson, follow her on Instagram.
