There’s something magnetic about Indira G. Wilson. Whether she’s playing the no-nonsense Captain Grace Watkins on The Equalizer, sharing scenes with Octavia Spencer in Truth Be Told, or bringing her comedic timing to Night Court, she always brings heart, humor, and honesty to every role. Her latest project, HIM directed by Justin Tipping and produced by Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions, sees her as Yvette, a fiercely devoted “momager” whose love and ambition drive the film’s emotional core.
Off-screen, Wilson is just as multifaceted. She’s written and produced on Empire, Bull, and NCIS: Los Angeles, and she’s currently working on her own dramedy, How To Build a Life, which she describes as one of her most personal projects yet.
1883 Magazine catches up with Indira for 18 quick-fire questions, from her go-to comfort meal and childhood crush to the advice she’s carried since college and the moment that made her stop and say, “Wow, this is really happening.”
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
The first thing I do when I wake is to thank the good Lord for waking me up!!! And stretch.
What’s a song that instantly puts you in a good mood?
It Takes Two by Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock
Who was your childhood crush?
Toss-up between Micheal Jackson and New Edition.
What’s one thing that never fails to make you laugh?
Real Housewives of Potomac. I think they’re hilarious!
What’s your go-to comfort meal?
I love a good chicken pot pie.
What’s a TV show you could watch over and over again
Downton Abbey. I think I’ve watched it seven times from beginning to end.
Who’s someone who inspires you right now?
Kamala Harris. She’s an impressive woman, and I love it when people get back up again after defeat.
What’s a piece of advice you’d give your younger self?
I would tell myself to know your worth and to unabashedly go hard after things that you want.
What’s something fans might be surprised to learn about you?
That I’m actually a goofball. I love to make people laugh.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
When I was heading off to college, the only advice my grandmother gave me was to not be common. I’ve taken that to heart.
You play Yvette, Cameron Cade’s devoted momager, in HIM, what first drew you to her as a character?
I was drawn to her because I, too, am a mom of boys and I understand the dynamic that mothers have with their sons. And I love that she supports his dreams.
HIM explores fame, obsession, and identity, what do you think makes it stand out in today’s horror landscape?
Football and fame are such interesting topics to analyze through a horror lens.
The film’s directed by Justin Tipping and produced by Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions, what was it like working within that creative team?
The team on this film was so focused yet so giving. They let everyone bring their A game to the project. The environment was so supportive.
You’ve starred in everything from The Equalizer to Truth Be Told to Night Court, what’s a moment in your career that still makes you pinch yourself?
I think working on HIM is my pinch me moment.
You started out in theatre and sketch comedy, how does that early stage work influence how you approach roles today?
Working in theater and sketch comedy teaches you to use your physicality in a very specific way. You have to be really in touch with your body. Working in film and television can feel very contained at times and that training really comes in handy when you’re trying to find a character.
Marlon Wayans once encouraged you to move to Los Angeles, what’s the story behind that?
In my early 20s, I was doing theater in New York City and I had the opportunity to work on The Chris Rock Show and I was hooked and decided to shift my gears from theater to TV. One evening, I was in the club and I saw Marlon Wayans. Now, I don’t usually go up to celebrities, but I loved the Wayans brother’s show and had to tell him that I thought they were doing a great job. Well, he was kind enough to stop and ask me my name. When he asked what I did, I told him that I do television and film. And he was like, “Here, in New York City?” At the time there was only one television show filming in New York City. But I was like, “Yeah.” At that moment, he made the world stop, grabbed my shoulders and looked me dead in my eye and very slowly said, “You have to move to LA.” Which I didn’t want to do. But he assured me there was nothing for me in New York City and it was absolutely necessary for me to move to LA. I took it as the voice of God and moved nine months later. I was so happy to meet him on the set of HIM. I’ve been waiting to thank him for that advice for a very long time.
Between acting, writing, and producing, you’ve built such a dynamic career. What kind of story are you most excited to tell next?
I recently wrote, produced and starred in a dramedy that we’re currently in post-production on called “How To Build a Life.” I like to tap into the authentic stories of the women around me and explore the themes that are affecting my life. This next project is very personal and I hope to share it really soon.
When audiences watch HIM, what’s the one feeling or thought you hope they walk away with?
Courage. The courage to believe in yourself and the courage to believe in yourself enough to walk away.
Photography James DePietro
