Rising Starlet: Note to Self’s Layla CrawfordBy Wilson Morales
December 14, 2012
While Quvenzhané Wallis, who plays a character called Hushpuppy in the critical acclaimed film, Beasts of the Southern Wild, has been blossoming on the big screen, there’s another young starlet who’s doing it on both film and TV.
Most recently at the Hollywood Black Film Festival, the opening night film was ‘Note to Self,’ which starred Christian Keyes, LeToya Lucket, Brely Evans, and 8 year-old Layla Crawford, who seemed to capture the hearts of many with her performance as Katrina Whittaker, daughter of Letoya Luckett’s character.
Besides making her film debut in ‘Self,’ Crawford can also be seen a series regular on the first-run syndicated comedy, The First Family, created and produced by Byron Allen and Entertainment Studios.
Featuring an all star cast that includes Marla Gibbs, Jackee Harry, John Witherspoon, and the legendary Gladys Knight, Crawford plays Olivia Johnson, the President’s youngest daughter. Last month, Layla played the daughter to LL Cool’s character on CBS’ hit series, NCIS: Los Angeles. Layla also worked with director Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight; Thirteen) as a young Rosa Parks in a PSA commercial for the National Women’s History Museum alongside four-time Emmy Award-nominee Alfred Woodard. She will be next seen in a guest starring role on the Christmas episode of CBS’ “Two and a Half Men”.
Blackfilm.com recently spoke with Crawford on her recent work in films and television and what she has coming up.
What’s your role in ‘Note to Self’?
Layla Crawford: I’m the daughter of Paula Whitaker, who is played by LeToya Luckett. It was really fun.
How was working with LeToya?
LC: It was fun. She’s actually my cousin. We had a lot of fun doing jokes. Christian is the main character and the writer of the story.
What can you say about The First Family?
LC: The First Family is a comedy show about the African American president in the White House but we’re called The Johnsons. The president’s name is William Johnson and he’s the second African American president. There are four children and I play his youngest daughter, Olivia. Right now we’re on hiatus for the holidays. We already filmed 11 episodes.
You’re also playing LL Cool J’s daughter on “NCIS: LA.” How was working on that show?
LC: It was so cool and LL Cool J is so nice. He’s also been like a real dad on set. I’d worked as his daughter on two episodes and each time it has been amazing.
What’s easier to do, TV or film?
LC: I like them both. It’s hard to choose just one.
How did you get into acting? Was this something you wanted to do?
LC: When I was in kindergarten, I tried out for a play and I got the part. I was so excited. My assistant principal was the writer and director of the play. She inspired me to continued acting. It was a wonderful experience. I want to do it again and again.
How was working with Catherine Hardwick?
LC: It was really fun. She gave me an autographed book of a movie she produced and the Twilight soundtrack. That was really fun.
When you’re not acting, what do you on your spare time? Are you still in school?
LC: I’m home schooled. I like to play with family and friends. I hang with my little brother. He has a little tent inside the house so we pretend that we’re camping. I also like to play with my American Girl dolls. I pretend I’m a teacher and they are my students. It’s lots of fun. I also play soccer. I’m on a team.
What do you want for Christmas?
LC: I don’t want anything. I have a lot of toys. I don’t really need anything.
Where can one find information on you?
LC: My website is Laylacrawford.com. I’m also on Facebook and you can also follow me on twitter and instagram.
