The Breakfast Club Podcast Summary

Interview: Taylor Polidore Williams Talks ‘Beauty in Black,’ Relationship with Cast, Tyler Perry, Acting Career

Date: October 3, 2025
Hosts: DJ Envy, Angela Yee, Charlamagne Tha God
Guest: Taylor Polidore Williams

Overview

In this engaging episode, The Breakfast Club hosts sit down with actress and producer Taylor Polidore Williams to discuss her breakout role as Kimmy in the Tyler Perry Netflix drama “Beauty in Black,” her journey from Houston to Hollywood, her experiences working with Tyler Perry, the intensity and challenges of her dramatic roles, and the impact of portraying deeply traumatic subject matter on and off set. Taylor's reflections on fame, trauma, advocacy, and her evolving career offer insightful moments, peppered with laughs and memorable anecdotes about her cast, the Tyler Perry production process, and fan reactions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Success and Impact of “Beauty in Black”

• Feeling Grateful & Changed by Success

  • Taylor expresses her gratitude for the show’s continued success and the difference between seasons one and two.
  • She described the shift in her public visibility:

    “Nothing can really prepare you for that shift.” (02:17, Taylor)

  • The growth of the fanbase was surprising and exciting for her.

• Life Changes Post-Show

  • Taylor notes that fame has become more personal—people now address her as Kimmy, not just someone familiar.
  • Having to “move a little bit different” now that she’s more recognized.

2. Early Life, Getting into Acting, and Producing

• Roots in Houston, Texas & Early Start

  • Began acting at 13 after Hurricane Katrina brought film tax credits to Louisiana. First film set: “Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins.”
  • The experience of being on set solidified her career passion.

• Insider's Insight into Producing

  • Taylor discusses learning humility and the collaborative nature of producing.
    • “I cannot do them all by myself… Putting it all together is the fun part for me.” (03:52, Taylor)

3. Character Evolution & Working with Tyler Perry

• The Challenge of Playing Kimmy

  • Kimmy’s arc—from shy and traumatized to empowered—was a significant challenge.
    • “To not stand up for yourself is very different for me; that was actually a process.” (05:17, Taylor)
  • Tyler Perry challenged Taylor to play vulnerability, promising, “She’s gonna be a boss.” (05:19, Taylor quoting Tyler Perry)

• Script Surprises & Filming Process

  • Shooting schedule is famously fast:
    • “We shot season two of Beauty and Black, all 16 episodes in 12 days.” (08:26, Taylor)
    • Movies like “Divorce in Black” were shot in just six days.
  • Taylor shares the adaptability needed for Tyler’s productions and the expectation that cast is always fully prepared.

Memorable Quote

"If you just trust me with the story, it’s gonna go somewhere that no one is gonna expect." (05:19, Tyler Perry via Taylor)

4. Navigating Difficult Subject Matter & Research

• Portraying Trauma

  • Her role required her to embody someone “beaten down” and a survivor of sex trafficking, often shooting “scene after scene” of difficult material while planning her real-life wedding.
  • Stressed the importance of maintaining mental health:
    • “I have a great therapist… I meditate daily… Just trying to control as much as I can…” (13:18, Taylor)

• Research and Real-World Impact

  • Taylor did research and spoke to real survivors for authenticity.
    • “I did speak to somebody that had been through a situation like that… it's a mindset shift that needed a lot of help, a lot of support, a lot of work to get out of that lifestyle.” (24:45, 25:24, Taylor)
  • Social media has connected her to women (especially after season one) going through similar situations, which can feel like a heavy responsibility.
    • “That is difficult, but I just pray for them.” (26:33, Taylor)

Notable Moment

“As an advocate, I just want to help everybody. I try to, like, connect people to resources…” (26:33, Taylor)

5. Cast Dynamics & On-Set Stories

• Relationships & Levity

  • Taylor highlights the supportive and fun cast atmosphere—even as they film intense dramatic scenes.

    “As a cast, we all are people that really like each other. There’s very little levity and love in everything that we do.” (15:04, Taylor)

• Favorite Characters & Improvisation

  • She names Horace and Mallory as her favorite characters for their unique energy and humor.
  • Charles’s character is noted for doing a lot of improv, keeping things fresh.

• Working with Malik (Otis)

  • Described as very “New York” and respectful, creating a positive dynamic even in intense scenes.
  • Always checking if she’s okay after a take.

6. Navigating Fame, Criticism & Social Media

• Handling Online Criticism

  • Taylor sets boundaries for her own peace:
    • “If I can't respond to every [positive] person, I don't need to respond to negativity…” (22:35, Taylor)
  • She prioritizes feedback from trusted people around her, not social media.

• Tyler Perry’s Wisdom

  • He encourages the cast to focus on the work and let others talk:

    “You do what God has intended for you to do, and that’s all you should worry about.” (31:52, Taylor quoting Tyler Perry)

  • Cast feels proud of their work, regardless of critics.

7. Career Aspirations & Legacy of Kimmy

• Looking Ahead

  • Hopes Kimmy’s journey and her own versatility will open doors for different types of roles.
    • “I haven’t played a character that's like myself yet.” (28:22, Taylor)

• Collaboration & Opportunities

  • Tyler Perry is described as collaborative and open to cast recommendations for new talent.
  • Playful conversation with Angela Yee and Jess Hilarious about getting cast members’ friends on the show.

Highlights & Memorable Quotes

| Time | Speaker | Quote/Highlight | |---------|---------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:17 | Taylor | “Nothing can really prepare you for that shift.” | | 03:52 | Taylor | “I cannot do them all by myself… Putting it all together is the fun part for me.” | | 05:19 | Taylor (via Tyler Perry) | “If you just trust me with the story, it’s gonna go somewhere that no one is gonna expect.” | | 08:26 | Taylor | “We shot season two of Beauty and Black, all 16 episodes in 12 days.” | | 12:25 | Taylor | “I love music too, so I have playlists and songs… to help.” | | 13:18 | Taylor | “I have a great therapist… I meditate daily… Just trying to control as much as I can…” | | 15:04 | Taylor | “As a cast, we all are people that really like each other… There’s very little levity and love…” | | 22:35 | Taylor | “If I can't respond to every [positive] person, I don't need to respond to negativity…” | | 24:45 | Taylor | “[I] did speak to somebody that had been through a situation like that … it’s a mindset shift…” | | 31:52 | Taylor (via Tyler Perry) | “You do what God has intended for you to do, and that’s all you should worry about.” |

Segment Timestamps

| Segment | Description | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------| | Welcome & Intro | Taylor greeted, name corrected, “Beauty in Black” S2 launch | 01:27–01:45 | | Fame & Growth of the Show | Reflections on show’s growing success and fanbase | 01:54–02:56 | | Taylor’s Start & Inspiration | Early acting story, love for filmmaking | 03:00–03:42 | | Producing & Teamwork | Discusses producing, learning from others | 03:43–04:12 | | Working with Tyler Perry | Script process, rapid shooting, character challenge | 04:27–08:57 | | Acting Preparation & Mental Health | Rituals for intense scenes, therapy, meditation | 12:25–14:47 | | Cast Camaraderie & On-Set Stories | Fight scenes, improv, laughs, favorite characters | 15:25–16:25, 27:35–27:58 | | Responding to Criticism | Online feedback, Tyler Perry’s advice, focus on craft | 22:23–23:25, 31:47–32:38 | | Research & Real-life Stories | Discussing survivor input, authenticity, advocacy | 24:24–26:33 | | Legacy and Aspirations | Hopes for future roles, impact of Kimmy | 28:22–29:02 | | Advice for Friends Joining TP Productions | Angela’s playful pitching for friends/auditions | 29:02–30:54 | | Season 2 Part 2 Release Date | No confirmed release, fan enthusiasm | 35:03–35:22 |

Tone & Style

The conversation is upbeat, candid, and often humorous, balancing the emotional weight of the subject matter with the hosts’ playful energy and Taylor’s grounded optimism. The rapport between Taylor and The Breakfast Club is warm, open, and frequently dotted with laughter about the quirks of Tyler Perry’s scripts, cast improv antics, as well as serious, heartfelt reflection on trauma and healing both on screen and off.

Conclusion

Taylor Polidore Williams delivers an authentic, thoughtful, and inspiring interview, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of the demands and rewards of starring in a high-profile drama like “Beauty in Black.” Her perspective on working with Tyler Perry, maintaining mental health, helping survivors, handling fame, and seeking new career horizons is both insightful and relatable—making this an unmissable episode for fans of television and stories about resilience and artistry.