Adriyan Rae on Representation, Resilience, and the Magic of Storytelling

Actress and multi-talented creative Adriyan Rae is proving that storytelling has no limits. Known for her powerful performances in Forever, The Game, Atlanta, Chicago Fire, and Vagrant Queen, she’s now captivating a new audience through gaming with her role as Hazel in South of Midnight (Compulsion Games), a dark, modern folktale set in a fictionalized version of the American Deep South.

Adriyan is nominated for a Golden Joystick Award for Best Lead Actor, making history as the only Female Black nominee in any category this year. The Golden Joysticks, held annually in London, celebrate excellence in gaming, and winners are chosen entirely by public vote.

Fans can vote for Adriyan daily until October 31 here. South of Midnight is also nominated for Best Soundtrack, adding to the game’s growing buzz.

We caught up with Adriyan to discuss her groundbreaking nomination, her connection to Hazel, and the power of representation in gaming and beyond.

Congratulations on your Golden Joystick nomination for South of Midnight! What does it mean to you to be recognized as the only Black female performance nominee this year?

Thank you! Well, for starters, I’m deeply appreciative and honored. To me, being recognized as the only Black female performance nominee means progress. It means one small step toward more inclusion and representation in spaces where people of color haven’t always seen themselves. It means relatability to a wider audience and forward motion for representation in the gaming industry. As I’m just a vessel in this, I’m so grateful that doing what I love can stand for something so much bigger than me.

South of Midnight is described as a dark, modern folktale set in the American Deep South. How did you connect with your character Hazel, and what drew you to this story?

My connection to Hazel was instant—even down to her name. My late great aunt passed away in January of 2023. I received the audition for Hazel about a week later, and I remember calling my mom and saying, “Mom, guess what my character’s name is for my new audition… Hazel!” She said, “Well, look at Aunt Hazel blessing you from above.” My Aunt Hazel and family are from the South, North Carolina, so everything about the story resonated with me personally.

When I auditioned, the sides fell onto me effortlessly. It just felt right. No memorization needed. When this happens, I call these characters “skins” because they feel as comfortable as my own. As I explored the story, I was drawn to the fact that Hazel is a healer, something we share in common. Her journey to find her mother and help others along the way mirrors how helping others can bring healing to ourselves. After my first Zoom with the writers and Ahmed, I looked up to the sky and said, “I see what you did there, God,” and smiled.

What can fans expect from Hazel’s journey in the game, and how does it differ from the characters you’ve portrayed in shows like Vagrant Queen or Chicago Fire?

Fans can expect storytelling that pulls on their heartstrings, makes them laugh, and gives them moments they’ll see themselves in. The writers, creators, and everyone involved are some of the most talented and collaborative folks I’ve ever worked with. They know how to make every moment matter.

I aim to create characters that are nuanced and authentic, just like real people. Elida was brash and hardened by isolation. Gianna led with her emotions and her heart, sometimes to a fault. Hazel, on the other hand, goes through a coming-of-age journey—from a know-it-all teenager to a young woman fighting for the one thing she loves most, her mother. Through that fight, she discovers her past and her true self. Each character is different, and I love exploring those layers.

You star in the Netflix series Forever, which was recently renewed for another season. How has your role evolved since the show first premiered, and what excites you most about returning?

Let’s just start by saying, whew! I love this show so much. A time was had filming it, baby! On screen, Brittany is a constant amid the chaos surrounding Keisha’s major life transition, and that’s so necessary. I love that the show highlights Black family units supporting one another, especially the youth. You don’t see that often, but in real life, those older cousins who feel like siblings are always there holding you down.

Behind the scenes, Brittany evolves into someone more grounded and self-aware. It’s a shift from survival mode to inner peace. She’ll always want to get a bag, but there’s growth in how she moves through the world.

You’ve built such a diverse résumé—from television to gaming. How do you approach bringing authenticity and depth to your characters across different mediums?

Honestly, I approach all opportunities with the same intention: truth. Of course, there are technical differences—vocal control for voice-overs, pacing for television, word precision for network shows—but my goal is always to make authentic characters. I tell myself to:

• Lose my mind (nothing is too weird, crazy, or off-limits)

• Judge nothing

• Let it flow (allow creativity to move through me)

• Be open (to notes, adjustments, and new perspectives)

I merge parts of myself with the character I’m creating. When I do that, each one becomes both unique and deeply human.

The Golden Joysticks are a fan-voted award show. How has fan support impacted your journey, especially with your growing recognition in both acting and gaming spaces?

I spent a lot of the pandemic on Lives and Zooms with #Vagrants and #VagrantEarpers watching Vagrant Queen, doing Fan Fridays, and getting to know everyone. I’ve never really been someone who set out to have “fans,” but meeting them changed me. I’m actually very introverted, so the love and loyalty from the ChiHards and everyone else helped me open up more. Their support is top-tier, and I’m endlessly thankful for them.

As a woman of color making waves in both Hollywood and the gaming industry, what message do you hope your career and this nomination send to aspiring Black creatives?

Make the things. I know it’s hard and the budgets aren’t always what you want, but your ideas are valuable and necessary. Knock the doors off the hinges, baby! Be intentional because your stories matter. Your audience will find you, your people will support you, and it will all be worth it.

Be sure to Connect with Adriyan Rae on Instagram.