Michaela Coel‘s career continies to climb to seismic heights and sky is quite literally the limit.
The Emmy winner’s success trajectory is celebrated afront of Vogue US’ November issue – which she covers in stunning style.
Lensed by Malick Bodian in the actress’ birth country of Ghana, the feature spread arrives ahead of Coel’s debut in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ on November 11.
Aptly, the 35-year-old opens up about her character Aneka and the importance of portraying a queer role, as well as much more.
Head below for pics and quotes…
On Joining Black Panther After The Death Of Chadwick Boseman:
“It felt like the entire cast was processing grief. There was a sense that we have to bring this baby home in the name of Chadwick. I thought to myself, I’m rolling up my sleeves and I’m getting in. I don’t need to be front and center, I’m here to support.”
On Playing A Queer Character:
“That sold me on the role, the fact that my character’s queer. I thought: I like that, I want to show that to Ghana [which has many anti-LGBTQ legislation].
People say, ‘Oh, it’s fine, it’s just politics.’ But I don’t think it is just politics when it affects how people get to live their daily lives. That’s why it felt important for me to step in and do that role because I know just by my being Ghanaian, Ghanaians will come.”
On Her Family:
“I started to imagine my parents as people, not parents, and what a crazy life it must have been to emigrate to England. Imagine you’re a smart, intelligent man like my dad, but you are just seen as someone who cleans. You face this glass ceiling,” she says. “And so I have to thank him for everything he did, because he made me who I am.”
On Being Ok With Taking Time With Her Next Move:
“There was the assumption that, okay, so now I May Destroy You has happened, you’ve got this window and you have to capitalize on it. And when I hear that, it sounds like the root is fear, because the assumption is the window is going to close. And I don’t feel comfortable making decisions based on fear.”
Check out the accompanying dinner party feature:
