Emerging star Joy Rovaris is set to captivate audiences in Tyler Perry’s much-anticipated new series, Beauty in Black. Premiering its first part on October 27th, Rovaris takes on the role of Gillian, a cunning and calculating assistant to Mallory, the head of the Beauty Corporation. With secrets hidden in every corner and schemes waiting to unfold, her character promises to bring intensity to the series.
In our interview, Rovaris shared her excitement about this pivotal role. “I was initially drawn to the project because it’s Tyler Perry and Netflix—how could I not be?” she says. Initially cast to read for another character, Gillian quickly became the role she connected with most. Known for her affinity for characters that blur moral lines, Rovaris is eager to challenge viewers’ perceptions of her character. “I’m always drawn to roles that read as villainous or the ‘bad guy,’ but I see it as a challenge to show the humanity behind them,” she explains.
As viewers tune in to Beauty in Black, they can expect Gillian to be a key player in the drama-filled world of the Beauty Corporation. Working closely with Mallory while harboring her own hidden agenda, Gillian’s knowledge of all the corporate and personal secrets makes her a force to be reckoned with. “She’s smart, ambitious, and patient, but also dangerous. She has a past Mallory knows nothing about,” Rovaris teases, adding that the dynamics between her and Mallory will be pivotal as the story unfolds.
Rovaris’ portrayal of Gillian builds on her past experiences playing diverse roles, including her breakout in Bobbi Kristina. With each project, she brings a quiet strength to her characters, something that has deeply shaped her approach to Gillian. “All of my characters have been very different, but they’ve all had this inner resilience. That’s definitely something I bring to this role,” she shares.
Beauty in Black carries the tagline “Survival Means Everything,” a theme that resonates both with Gillian’s journey and Rovaris’ own career path. “Gillian is 100% a survivor,” she says. “She’s resourceful, calculated, and willing to sacrifice now for progress later.” This same drive has been present throughout Rovaris’ acting career, where persistence and sacrifice have become second nature.
One of Rovaris’ most surreal career moments came while working as a body double for Storm Reid on A Wrinkle in Time. Surrounded by stars like Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, and Mindy Kaling, she received news that she had booked the role of Bobbi Kristina while still on set. “It was such a cool moment,” she recalls, reflecting on how the experience prepared her to take on lead roles in future projects.
As for her hopes for Beauty in Black, Rovaris wants Gillian to stand out as an iconic TV assistant. While her character may not win everyone’s affection, she hopes viewers will at least be intrigued. “She’s a quiet storm brewing in the Gulf,” Rovaris says. “She’s coming!”
Looking ahead, Rovaris is most excited for audiences to experience the chemistry and talent of the ensemble cast. “This is an insanely talented cast, and they’re all really good people in real life. We’ve become like a family,” she says, crediting Tyler Perry’s casting genius for the bond they share. With Beauty in Black set to showcase a new side of Perry’s artistic vision, Rovaris believes the show will leave a lasting impact, both for viewers and her own career.
The series is now out on Netflix! It premiered on October 27th, and one thing is certain: Joy Rovaris is ready to leave her mark on the film industry. Be sure to stream Beauty in Black to see her and other talented cast in action!
Photography Credit: Randall DeLeon
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