Passion Pays Off - An Interview with Tiffany Daniels
Tiffany Daniels is an actress, producer, and dancer who stars on Nickelodeon’s That Girl Lay Lay.
Tiffany has numerous stage credits. And has danced her way to the big screen in the feature films La La Land, Gangster Squad, and Make your Move. Tiffany has appeared on many different TV shows.
RAINE: Why did you pursue a career in the entertainment industry?
TIFFANY DANIELS: I graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and a concentration in Food and Beverage. As interesting and unique as that sounds, the entire time I was in school, I was missing my dance and musical theatre life back in San Diego. I was searching for creative outlets at Cornell and never quite found what I was looking for. This realization marked the beginning of understanding what I am passionate about, and what makes my heart sing. Nothing makes me happier than being on stage, or on set, surrounded by crazy creatives bringing audiences to full tears, joy, and everything in between! I made a vow to myself to live fully submerged in my passion and I haven’t stopped yet!
RAINE: When did you start performing?
DANIELS: My very first performance was when I was 3 years old: my first dance recital. Does that count? My first on-camera gig came when I was 6 years old as a principal actor in a commercial for the Chicago department store Carson Pirie Scott. My first stage show was with a company called City Moves when I was 10 years old. Each of these opportunities set the introduction to the career in the arts that I have today.
RAINE: What has been one of the most memorable moments in your career?
DANIELS: The day that I received my cast chair for my current show That Girl Lay Lay was probably the most memorable moment of my career to date. For years I have been working as a co-star/guest star actress on television. When you are not being used on set, you are sent back to your dressing room or to the cast-chair holding area. Amongst the assigned series regular chairs sit a few nondescript ones simply labeled “Cast” that are shared weekly by various guest performers. When the moment arrived that I finally received a personalized chair to call my own, knowing the only butt that will grace this seat belongs to Tiffany Daniels, is a moment I will never forget.
RAINE: If someone asked you how they could stimulate their creativity, what advice would you give?
DANIELS: One of my favorite things to do is to listen to actors talk about their own personal acting journey. I love hearing the range of stories from actors on the rise to the autobiographies of some of the most successful actors in the business. To me, there is nothing better than listening to the personal narration of Kevin Hart, Viola Davis, or Will Smith. But hearing the comforting tales of self-tapes and pilot seasons from actors still in the grind reminds me that I am not alone on this journey and that all things are possible if I just keep going!
RAINE: What words of wisdom can you share with others on a similar journey?
DANIELS: The road to success is paved very differently from artist to artist. Try not to compare your journey with anyone else because their path was not designed for you! Walk with confidence, live with compassion, celebrate your friends, and remember that there is enough room for us ALL to shine. Yours is coming!
RAINE: Do you have any exciting plans coming up?
DANIELS: We have just passed the halfway mark of filming our second season of That Girl Lay Lay. We have been extremely blessed with a very long extension of our season, so we are booked and blessed until the middle of 2023! Additionally, the first half of our second season is set to be released on Netflix in February… Ha-Lay Lay- Lujah! I also have a film coming out later this year called Two Indians starring John Clarence Stewart, Cara Jade Meyers, Pritesh Shah, and myself. And lastly, the sketch comedy series Sherman’s Showcase that I had the pleasure of joining again for Season 2 hits Hulu later this year as well. I’m anywhere and everywhere… catch me if you can!