Interviewed by Torree Munson
Chelsea Harris who can be seen in a strong supporting role in the much-anticipated summer 2022 blockbuster, Top Gun: Maverick, the sequel to the iconic motion picture Top Gun. Chelsea plays Flag Aide, Angela Burke, an enlisted Navy Officer in charge of coordinating the new recruits hoping to qualify for Top Gun Status. She also acts as the aide to ‘Cyclone’ played by Jon Hamm. The film also stars Tom Cruise, Jennifer Connelly, and Val Kilmer. The Paramount Pictures film is set to be released May 27, 2022.
In addition to the film, she can currently be seen playing the series regular role of ‘Skyes’ on season 3 of the hit TNT/Netflix series, “Snowpiercer.” The series takes place seven years after the world has become a frozen wasteland, the remnants of humanity inhabit a perpetually-moving train that circles the globe, where class warfare, social injustice, and the politics of survival play out. The show stars Jennifer Connelly, Daveed Diggs and Sean Bean. Season 3 is now available and she just went back into production for Season 4. Chelsea is also heavily recurring on CBS’ hit comedy, “The Neighborhood” starring Cedric the Entertainer. On the show Chelsea ‘Necie’ who is the love interest of one of Cedric’s sons, “Marty,” played by Marcel Spears. The Neighborhood also stars Max Greenfield, Tichina Arnold, and Beth Behrs and airs Monday nights at 8:00pm ET/PT.
Her past television credits include a recurring roles on “Star Trek: Picard” for CBS All Access, “Station 19,” “Baby Daddy” and “Stalker,” She previously starred on “Designated Survivor” opposite Kiefer Sutherland.
In 2018 Shonda Rhimes and Dove tapped Chelsea to be a Dove Self Esteem Ambassador, providing mentorship to young women through the Dove Self Esteem Project programs nationwide.
Torree: So, Chelsea, you have done so much work.
Chelsea: Yes, as I am in Vancouver now filming Season 4 of “Snowpiercer.” It’s been 16 years that I have been acting since 2006. Just staying in the game and owning my craft. So many doors have opened up in these years .
Torree” Yes, you are in Snowpiercer, I haven’t seen it, but I will have to check that out. You are also in the TV show The Neighborhood; let me say that Cedric the Entertainer is from my hometown, St. Louis, MO.
Chelsea :(She is smiling) Yes, I know he is from St. Louis.
Torree: So, my favorite Series is Designated Survivor! I have to look for you in that; I don’t think I have seen you yet.
Chelsea : I’m in season 2, episode 2 as Tricia Sims. You will definitely know my character; she is one you cannot miss. (Chelsea laughs and smiles)
I don’t watch much TV as I would like to, but on Sundays after church, we have family time, and that is when we watch TV. I try to get them in, then.
Chelsea: What kind of movies do you like?
Torree: I like action, Chelsea doesn’t judge me, but I love guns and movies like Heat, one of my all-time favorites. My alter ego is Columbiana or Salt.
Chelsea:( laughed) I could definitely see that.
Torree: I love military movies as well.
Chelsea: Yes, I do too. I love military films; maybe it’s because my dad is a marine and my mom was a Dr. in the military.
Torree: So, Cyclone
Chelsea : Yes, that is that character that I am assistant to; so, my character is a Flag Ad. A flag ad is a right-hand person to the top official, and it is an honor and a lot of hard work. I am testing out recruits.
Torree: Is this character for the new movie?
Chelsea: Yes!
Torree: Your new upcoming Movie name is Top Gun: Maverick, the sequel to the iconic motion picture Top Gun; let’s get into it. How did you get selected for the role? And how were the auditions?
Chelsea : I am so fortunate, my agent & managers got me the audition. I am so thankful; I had no say in it. They submitted me for it, I had no say”. (As she smiled with joy in her eyes, positioning herself in her chair).
“Oh my God, I was so late for the audition; I was an hour late. I thought it was the next day. But when I arrived, they forgave me and were very nice”!
Torree: I know sometimes they could be different, not lovely. I was in NYC and did a little acting but not what you have accomplished.
Chelsea : The director Joseph Kosinski is who I auditioned with; I did not audition with Tom Cruise. He was there, but I didn’t audition with him. Joseph Kosinski was a delight; I was super honored”.
Torree: Yes, I love Tom Cruise; he is such a great actor.
Chelsea :(with much emotion),” Tom Cruise is incredible. He delivers to the audience. Tom wants the audience to have an incredible experience. That is what he aims for. Be your best, be of service and deliver”.
Torree: Yes, I love that. That is wonderful. So, Chelsea, what inspired you to become an actress?
Chelsea : Well when I grew up with a family of artists when I was growing up. My grandfather was an actor, my cousin was on Broadway, and my aunt was a teacher; she also was a playwright. I can say what shifted for me, is when I fell in love was the movie Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century; it’s like a Sci-Fi Film with Raven Samone. Seeing that on-screen with a black woman in space, was also funny. That was the acting bug for me. I started acting classes after that movie.
Torree: What advice would you give to an individual that wants to start their acting career? Like me, for instance, what would you tell me, as I’m so much older now.
Chelsea: You can start at any age, don’t let age deter you from acting. Learn the craft, the art form of it. The same way someone wants to be a concert pianist. You have to train and learn the craft, the history of what you are doing. Study and get on stage, and play within your craft. Fall in love with practicing, then just perform.
Torree: Yes, my piano teacher told me that you have to practice perfect to be perfect. You can’t just practice; you have to practice perfectly to perform perfectly.
Chelsea : Yes, just keep practicing until it becomes you.”
Torree: Chelsea, as we close out, how can readers connect with you on social media?
Chelsea: (As she is smiling) Chelsea replied, “They can connect with me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter at @MsChelesaHarris. I will respond, I love talking to the fans”.
Torree: That is great because some stars don’t. You can inbox, and they will not respond at all, so that is great that you are willing to take the time to say hi.
Chelsea: “Please say hi, I am grateful for my fans. Most important is to make sure the people are entertained”.
Torree: It was such a pleasure to interview you today. You were a pleasure, and I will check out all the TV shows, and I have to catch up on Designated Survivor, one of my favorite series. Most definitely in expectation of Top Gun: Maverick, I can’t wait.
Chelsea : I enjoyed the interview and hoped to interview with you again.
Photographer: Rowan Daly
