Stepping into your purpose and finally receiving the recognition you’ve worked tirelessly for is an indescribable feeling, and for Taylor Polidore Williams, that moment is now. As a rising star in the film industry, her journey has been years in the making. While many were first introduced to her through Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black, Polidore’s path to the big screen began long before that breakthrough role.
Originally from Houston, Texas, Polidore spent her childhood in a suburban neighborhood called Katy. Raised by both parents, alongside her younger brother, who is ten years her junior, she was naturally shy growing up. So, when four-year-old Polidore came home one day and announced she wanted to participate in a school play, her parents were exceptionally shocked. From that moment forward, she became immersed in community theater and modeling, discovering her passion for performance. By the age of 13, she landed her first real role in Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins and hasn’t looked back ever since!
Among her greatest influences is her late grandmother, Betty, a model whose elegance and fierce spirit left a lasting impression on her. She also draws inspiration from powerhouse women such as Angela Basset, Regina King, Beyoncé, Rihanna, and acclaimed filmmaker Gina- Prince- Bythewood.
Reflecting on her decision to attend an HBCU (Historically Black College/University), Polidore shares that, despite growing up in a predominantly white area and attending mostly white schools, she always felt a deep sense of belonging in Black churches. Her desire to attend an HBCU was ignited the summer after eighth grade, the same summer the movie ATL was released. Captivated by Lauren London’s character and the vibrant culture depicted in the film, she fell in love with the idea of attending college in Atlanta, specifically in the AUC (Atlanta University Center). That same summer, her father assigned her a college research report, further fueling her desire to experience an HBCU education. Determined to make her dream a reality, she embarked on a college road trip, visiting various HBCUs, and making a conscious decision that this is where she belonged, a place that would shape her future in ways she had always hoped.
Polidore is a proud alumna of Clark Atlanta University, crediting her time there with shaping both her confidence and her career. She frequently reflects on CAU’s powerful motto, “Find a Way or Make one”, which continues to guide her approach to life and success. In an industry where recognition doesn’t always come easily, Polidore believes self- belief is essential, especially when others fail to see the greatness in you.
Polidore describes her time at Clark Atlanta University as the full college experience, but among her fondest memories at CAU was her probate, the moment she crossed into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and a lip- sync battle during her junior year where she and her friends performed 3LW’s “No More.” These experiences, combined with the friendships and opportunities she gained, solidified her love for her HBCU and its continued lifelong impact.
One of Polidore’s biggest challenges was navigating self- doubt after graduating and moving to Los Angeles. The waiting season, the period of uncertainty between opportunities can be difficult, often making you question if you’re on the right path. She overcame this by creating things on her own with friends, surrounding herself with supportive people, and trusting in God’s timing and purpose for her life. She draws inspiration from a quote in Tabitha Brown’s book: “When it comes to your vision and you’re sharing it with the people around you, and they can’t quite see it, don’t take it personally. Think of it like glasses, my prescription isn’t your prescription, so you can’t see what I see.” Now, standing on the other side of that waiting season, she finds it incredibly affirming to see her long- awaited moment come to fruition. Still, she remains present, embracing the now while recognizing that this is just one season in her journey, one of many to come.
Since the show Beauty in Black has begun to gain more popularity, she’s noticed the impact and influence when she’s out in public. However, coming from a humble background, she remains grounded, always welcoming conversations and embracing those who approach her with warmth and kindness.
As someone who always needs to be camera- ready, Polidore takes her beauty and fashion must- haves seriously, and shares some of them with us. She follows a strict skincare routine, washing her face three times a day, when she wakes up, after working out, and before bed. Her daily regimen includes cleansing, toning, moisturizing and sometimes exfoliating. When working on set and wearing makeup for long hours, she noticed her skin becoming congested, so she consulted with a dermatologist who recommended a salicylic acid cleanser, which made a significant difference. She also emphasizes the importance of triple cleansing after a long day, using makeup remover wipes first, followed by an oil cleanser, and then her regular cleanser to ensure her skin is completely clean. When it comes to fashion, Polidore considers herself a “jacket girl,”, believing that the right jacket can instantly elevate any outfit!
As for her acting career, she is drawn to transformational roles, characters who endure struggle and adversity, but ultimately triumph. She also has a strong interest in roles that challenge her physically, such as playing a track runner, a boxer, or even a spy, as they require her to learn new skills. To prepare for her roles mentally and emotionally, she journals her character’s life, collaborates with the creator, and asks herself deep questions to fully understand the character’s journey. She notes that, as an actress, you step into a character’s life mid- story, and it’s your responsibility to fill in those gaps. Physically, her preparation varies depending on the role she’s playing. For instance, when playing Kimmie, a striper in Beauty in Black, she worked out twice a day to maintain peak physical shape. Similarly, when she portrayed Tootie in All American: Homecoming, she had to learn basic tennis skills for the role. Regardless of the project, she is always committed, pushing herself to fully embody each character and bring their story to life.
For aspiring actors, Polidore offers essential advice: fully immerse yourself in your craft! Take workshops, study diligently, and watch movies, TV shows, and plays with a critical eye, analyzing the performances of actors and actresses to understand their techniques. Continuously refine your skills and most importantly, know yourself. Recognize the roles you feel confident embodying and trust that your journey is unique, rather than comparing it to others. Success comes from putting in the work, remaining dedicated, staying patient, and believing in your path.
As Taylor Polidore Williams continues to take bold steps in the entertainment industry, she remains grounded in her faith, committed to her craft, and open to the endless possibilities ahead. With each role, she challenges herself to grow, bringing depth and authenticity to every performance. While she embraces the success, she has worked so hard for, she also understands that this is just one chapter in her journey. As she looks ahead to future projects, Polidore is excited to take on new roles, inspire others, and continue making her mark in the industry, on her own terms!
Photo Credit: Jonny Marlow & Alex D. Rogers
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