18 Questions With introduces 1883 readers to the brightest young artists, actors, creatives and beyond. From childhood memories and guilty pleasures to their latest ventures and upcoming projects, our goal is to bring you closer to the people who inspire and entertain us.
Regan Aliyah has spent the last few years cementing the foundations of a promising acting career and it’s all paying off. She may have started out in short film projects a decade ago, but the American talent’s hard work and dedication is clearly working in her favour. In 2023, Aliyah joined the cast of Netflix’s hit young adult drama-comedy, XO Kitty, in the role of Juliana Porter. The third season has been streaming on Netflix from April to stellar reviews.
However, she’s also appeared in the Marvel Studios/Disney+ miniseries Ironheart, opposite Dominique Thorne and Anthony Ramos last year, and appeared in the psychological thriller Please Don’t Feed the Children alongside the iconic, Giancarlo Esposito. Proving to be multifaceted, Aliyah is also pursuing an exciting music career as one half of the hip-hop and rap duo, RYBE, with her sister, Ryan.
In conversation with 1883 Magazine for our 18 Questions With feature, Regan Aliyah answers questions on acting, making music with her sister, and her go-to karaoke song.
What’s one exciting thing that happened to you this week?
I released a single titled “JERRY SPRINGER,” along with a visual, for my music duo, RYBE. I did the creative direction plus the treatment for it and actually co-directed it with our DP, Lily Burke. It’s just so cool to see something you envisioned fully come to life. I’m super proud of it.
What was the last thing you read?
Oof, I definitely need to do better this year! The last thing was a re-read of a Walter Rodney book that I first read in high school. Back then, I used to go through books like paper towels…and only nonfiction. Maybe I should dabble in some fantasy this year.
Favorite memory growing up?
Anything that includes my family. To this day I think they’re the coolest people on this planet. I grew up with my grandma playing congas, my aunt playing bass in the apartment, and all the kids of the family just dancing around, putting on our own little living room shows.
Where was the last place you travelled to?
Far away would be filming in Korea last May but a “closer” last place would be Vegas. It was my first time there as an adult. I really vibe with the loud noises and music playing at any time of the day. I swear I’m not being sarcastic; you can place me anywhere there’s loud music and I’ll have a great time.
What was the last thing that made you laugh?
I used to have a habit of falling asleep scrolling on TikTok or Instagram. I accidentally reposted an extremely photoshopped picture of Zac Efron. It was up for like 12 hours on my page. I woke up with texts asking if I meant to repost it. It was so funny but I’m so sorry to Zac Efron.
What’s your nighttime ritual?
Watching funny videos? I honestly don’t have one. I’m really chill when it comes to stuff like that. I just make sure I wash my face and put my bonnet on. Other than that, I wear whatever, go to sleep at whatever time…I don’t think it’s that deep for me.
Who would be on your dream dinner party guest list?
Beyonce — B E Y O N C E — Beyonce Giselle Knowles.
Favorite quote from a film or TV show?
“What is grief, if not love persevering?” Vision says it in the Marvel/Disney+ series, WandaVision. They know they ate that line up.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Fergalicious. WITH choreography.
Favorite item in your closet?
My old dirty converse and my bottle cap belt. The buckle on it is like a seatbelt lock.
What was the audition like for XO Kitty and how has this project elevated your career?
I remember my team sent the audition and said they needed it back as soon as possible, so I did my self-tape right before going to a tattoo convention in Philly. I didn’t think too hard on it which I think is a superpower in this industry. I just trusted my gut with the limited amount of info I had, and like a week later I was doing a chemistry read with Gia. Then, two weeks later, I was on a flight to Korea. It was so wild, especially it being my first big acting job. It’s changed a lot for me in the best way and I’m very thankful for the community it’s brought into my life.
What were your favorite moments from filming season three?
Cards. We played card games like, every single day. It was usually in my room. Just us, a bunch of snacks, cards and the most laughter you could imagine. This cast is truly my family now, so any moment of us being together and bonding is my favorite.
When a project is released, how do you tend to celebrate?
I’ve gotten together with some cast members before but I’m usually just with my family and we order some food. I don’t think I’ve done anything super exciting on my own for any release yet. Maybe one day!
How do you and your sibling find navigating a music career together? Does it make it easier or harder when working with family?
Making music with my sister is the best thing ever. We often joke that we share one brain cell cause we genuinely are the same person in different fonts. We will talk at the same time, laugh at the same thing, and usually agree on all the same ideas. It makes working together very easy. Of course, we have our little sibling bickering moments but rarely anything that goes beyond 5 minutes. It’s just nice to know you’re navigating such a tough industry right next to someone who has your best interest always.
What are your hopes for RYBE moving forwards?
Taking over the world…a tour and releasing an EP soon…but taking over the world.
What’s on your rider for a show?
I’m not sure if I’m there yet. I don’t know if I’ve ever really asked for specific things. Maybe fruit snacks, starburst, and lemonade.
Returning to acting, what did you learn from working on Ironheart and how does it feel to be part of the MCU?
I grew up with Marvel. I was reading comics with my mom and standing in lines every opening night to see all the films, so being apart of the MCU is genuinely a dream come true. I got to join this universe in the coolest way possible for me…I mean, a Ryan Coogler project, Cree Summer as my mom, playing a character with a full comic origin tied to Doctor Strange…it’s just so crazy. It feels crazy but at the same time it’s made me feel so calm. That was such a dream and now that I’ve done it, I feel like it has released a lot of pressure for me in this industry. I go about things differently. I truly am letting my soul guide me through and not external pressure of making it, because if I could get my childhood dream, I can do anything and there’s no timeline for that.
Finally, what is one thing you would like to manifest for yourself and why?
Happiness. I think I can want a lot for myself in every facet of my career. I can try to manifest awards, TV shows, and movies..and I do, I think that’s a lovely thing to do. But above all, I’m manifesting and hoping that I can return to happiness at every phase and level of my career and my life. It’s a very scary and tough industry where having discernment and grounding elements is key. I don’t know man. I just want to try to be happy as much as I can.
Watch the third season of XO Kitty on Netflix now.
Interview Cameron Poole
Photography Timothy Fernandez
Hair Jeelan Aleem
MUA Matthew Taylor
Styling Cameo Adele
