My New Internet Crush...Grace Gealey aka Anika Calhoun (Empire)
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Caymanian
* he crazy like a fox
Trai Byers, who plays the eldest Lyon son, Andre, has taken that vibe into the real world. Us Weekly reports that the actor is dating his co-star and TV stepmother Grace Gealy (a.k.a. Boo Boo Kitty). Into it. They make an unnaturally beautiful couple — besides, she's not related by blood, only by near marriage.
Trai Byers, who plays the eldest Lyon son, Andre, has taken that vibe into the real world. Us Weekly reports that the actor is dating his co-star and TV stepmother Grace Gealy (a.k.a. Boo Boo Kitty). Into it. They make an unnaturally beautiful couple — besides, she's not related by blood, only by near marriage.
Q&A: Empire's Grace Gealey Doesn't Want to be Called "Bae," OK?
The actress on her newfound fame, Twitter insults, and Internet porn addictions
Be warned, gentlemen: Empire's sexy star Grace Gealey can read your body language. But she's a low-maintenance kind of gal at heart. Just make sure that you work out, know how to dance, and wax your back (but not your brows). And hey, whatever you do, don't call her "cutie." Or "bae," for that matter. Got it?
DETAILS: You're from the Cayman Islands. What separates you from city girls?
Grace Gealey: Honestly, I'm very much a tomboy. When I'm not on set, I don't wear makeup. I'd put on a baseball cap if I could. I'm really easy to please and not high-maintenance at all. I like that chill, not stressed-out kind of lifestyle.
DETAILS: That's hard to believe for anyone who has seen you on Empire.
Grace Gealey: I know, right? But when I first showed up on set and we were going over wardrobe options with the amazing costume designer, I think there was a part of her that was like: Will we be able to sell her in these heels? I'm not sure they were convinced that I could really sell it.
DETAILS: Sell what exactly?
Grace Gealey: Just the bougieness of [my character] Anika. She's completely bougie—super-classy and elegant. At least she starts off that way.
DETAILS: You moved to the U.S. when you were 18. What surprised you the most about American women?
Grace Gealey: For me personally, it's the whole light-skinned/dark-skinned dynamic [for women of color]. I mean, there's competition among women everywhere you go. But back home we understand that you can look like a variety of things and still be from the same culture. What I'm saying is that I've never felt like I was a light-skinned black woman. Never felt that way because we shared the same culture back home. But when I came to America, that's when I started to feel that there was a lot of push-back from women. I was definitely made aware that I am light-skinned. I realized that was a thing here.
DETAILS: What kind of thing?
Grace Gealey: It was something that people felt the need to point out. I guess maybe it's a form of intra racism: I was discriminated against for being light-skinned and there were a lot of labels. Some people assumed that guys might like me more because of my complexion or that I had it easier in general. Which is funny because I've been a victim of prejudice as well: There were times when I have walked into a Rite Aid at 12 o'clock at night and had the store manager stand in the corner and stare at me while I was looking at nail polishes.
DETAILS: You've said that your character on Empire allows her man to be "the king" and to rule as he sees fit. Do you believe in that approach to relationship dynamics in real life?
Grace Gealey: I was raised by a single, black, deaf woman, so I am as independent as they come. I think it took some time for me to allow room for someone else to be there for me. But in my recent years, I've learned that it's okay to be vulnerable and to allow someone else not to take care of me but to love me in a way that's not limited. I feel like I have gotten much better at that.
DETAILS: Your character has to deal with her fiance's fidelity issues. Would you forgive a man who cheated on you?
Grace Gealey: I did when I was younger. I was able to draw on my own experience for the show—to know what it's like to deeply love someone who has wronged you time and time again. It's a situation that I should have exited. Once I finally came out of that situation, I did some work on myself and realized there were some parts of myself that were lacking—and that's why I had stayed in that situation. But today? At this point in my life? Absolutely not. And that feels great.
DETAILS: One character refers to you as a "fake-ass Halle Berry." Did that sting since it was in reference to your looks?
Grace Gealey: I've been called worse in my real life. It's better than being called a low-down skank ho. I'll take fake-ass Halle Berry. That's a compliment.
DETAILS: Who was your first celebrity crush?
Grace Gealey: I remember doing my family tree when I was thirteen and I was looking through magazines to find my potential husband. I will never forge cutting out a picture of Larenz Tate [O-Dog from Menace II Society]. He's on House of Lies and he was in the movie Why Do Fools Fall in Love.
DETAILS: What is your type of guy?
Grace Gealey: I'm a very spiritual person and I believe in God and all that kind of stuff. So my perfect type of guy would be spiritually grounded, extremely respectful and funny because I love to laugh.
DETAILS: What is the best character trait that a man can have?
Grace Gealey: I would say to be a gentlemen. A lot of women want the bad boys and we've all gone through that. But I want a man who is respectful, and I don't just mean in the beginning of the relationship. It's a part of who he is: He always opens doors and speaks to me like I am royalty and respects me in that way, even in times of conflict or stress. There is just nothing more attractive.
DETAILS: On a scale of one to ten, how important are firm abs on a man?
Grace Gealey: Maybe a six or a seven. I have dated people who didn't have firm abs and I was super in love with them. I mean, firm abs are nice and we all really want them. But it's not a make or break if you're a dream.
DETAILS: So if you met a spiritual guy with a beer belly, would that be a deal-breaker?
Grace Gealey: I don't know if it would be a deal-breaker. But it would take me a little time to see if I was attracted to him.
DETAILS: What about back hair?
Grace Gealey: Oh, my God. I can't stand back hair. It feels weird! I can't take it.
DETAILS: So if a hirsute guy wanted to be with you, he'd need to get waxed first?
Grace Gealey: Yes. And the hair on the back of his neck, too. I'm not judging, but I've got my style, you know?
DETAILS: Have you ever been with a guy who was overly manscaped?
Grace Gealey: Overly groomed? I was once was with a guy who had his eyebrows done and I was like: "Did you just do your eyebrows?" And he was like: "Yeah. Someone I dated before said they look better this way." I was like: "Leave them alone." He was such a manly man, so it was weird seeing his eyebrows with an arch. They were really done; it wasn't just a clean-up. He had them shaped and stuff. And I was just like: "Uh, that's not necessary."
DETAILS: If you were to suddenly find yourself in man's body, what is the first thing you would do?
Grace Gealey: Take a look at my junk.
DETAILS: And I hope that you would be well-endowed.
Grace Gealey: Yes! So would I.
DETAILS: What is a pick-up line that has actually worked on you?
Grace Gealey: I love to dance. So I do a lot of ballroom dancing. When I was an undergrad, I remember dancing at a salsa club. A guy literally bent down, put his hand out and said: "Would you mind if I danced with you?" And it was a little thrilling and kind of exciting. He was really charming. And I was like, "Okay." And we ended up dating for some time, so it worked.
DETAILS: Sounds like a Cinderella moment. Speaking of which: Do girls still fantasize about finding Prince Charming?
Grace Gealey: Deep down somewhere we all do. I love being an independent woman but sometimes it can be overwhelming. So the idea that there is someone to catch you and not allow you to fall? There is something really darling about that. We all have our weak moments as women so to know that there's someone who loves us when we're feeling insecure and is ready to pump us up when we feel like we didn't give the best presentation at work?
It feels great to know that we're enough in today's society considering the way that the media has spun the woman-man dynamic—because women start to feel like we're not enough for the men out there.
DETAILS: Especially when the men are looking at online porn all day. What is your favorite body part on a guy?
Grace Gealey: An amazing back. I have always loved a nice broad back. I think it has to do with being held and holding someone. When a guy has a nice broad back, it's beautiful. I love to put my face in the crease of the back and rest it there.
DETAILS: What will guys never understand about women?
Grace Gealey: That we're actually very easy to read. Men are always like: If something is bothering you, just say it! But if you're paying attention, then you'll know what bothers us. And half the time if we don't mention it, then it's something we're really vulnerable about. So we're not gonna come out and say: "Hey, I noticed the way you spoke to that girl and it made me feel like you're attracted to her." No woman is going to say that. But we're much either to read than you think. That's the biggest conversation both men and women have in their individual circles. It's like: "I don't understand them at all! Just say what you mean. I'm not a mind reader."
DETAILS: What do you wear to bed?
Grace Gealey: Nothing. God, my mom is going to die.
DETAILS: Your mom won't read this. What is your hidden talent?
Grace Gealey: I do sign language because my parents are deaf. It makes me way more compassionate. I have so much more grace and patience for other people. There have been situations where I've been shocked by the way that people have treated my mom because they are unaware that she's deaf—or they don't care. We live in an instant gratification kind of world and so we don't have patience for anybody anymore. If someone is taking their time walking up the stairs and making you late for work, we don't stop to think, Well, maybe they're going though something—or maybe they just can't hear you. So I am interested in understanding other people's stories before I judge.
DETAILS: Can you read body language, too?
Grace Gealey: Like a dream. It's a gift because of my parents. I can tell when someone is scared. I can tell when someone is lying. I can tell when someone is fake. It's so bizarre. I can tell when someone is hesitant—or has a little bit of trepidation—and no one else in the room can read it in that moment. But I can tell.
DETAILS: Do you feel like on some level guys just can't help themselves?
Grace Gealey: Don't get me wrong: If something catches your eye, it catches your eye. But there is something you can do to curb that. Like if you see a beautiful woman, then curb your staring. Be classy with it. Don't make it seem like you're not happy to be with the woman you're with.
DETAILS: What are your thoughts on the manspreading trend?
Grace Gealey: Like when men take up all the space on the subway? It pisses me off. Oh, my gosh. I could could easily sit down and spread my legs if I were a man, but I can't do that. So you feel entitled and egotistical enough to spread? And by the way: I'm standing! Shouldn't you be offering me your seat? Again: Gentlemen! They have something between their legs—I guess they've got to give it room. But it doesn't need to be extreme.
DETAILS: What's the meanest tweet you've ever received?
Grace Gealey: I was live tweeting with audience members during Empire's finale and people hate my character. I had a bajillion people tweeting me and asking: "When is Anika gonna show up? We're looking forward to Boo Boo Kitty!" So I wrote: "Don't worry, guys. Anika is on her way." And there was one person who said: "Fuck you, bitch! Ain't nobody waiting for you."
DETAILS: But "bae" is totally dead, right?
Grace Gealey: Bae? In my life, yeah. But I think it's still very alive in the world, unfortunately.
http://www.details.com/blogs/daily-details/2015/03/empires-grace-gealey.html
The actress on her newfound fame, Twitter insults, and Internet porn addictions
Be warned, gentlemen: Empire's sexy star Grace Gealey can read your body language. But she's a low-maintenance kind of gal at heart. Just make sure that you work out, know how to dance, and wax your back (but not your brows). And hey, whatever you do, don't call her "cutie." Or "bae," for that matter. Got it?
DETAILS: You're from the Cayman Islands. What separates you from city girls?
Grace Gealey: Honestly, I'm very much a tomboy. When I'm not on set, I don't wear makeup. I'd put on a baseball cap if I could. I'm really easy to please and not high-maintenance at all. I like that chill, not stressed-out kind of lifestyle.
DETAILS: That's hard to believe for anyone who has seen you on Empire.
Grace Gealey: I know, right? But when I first showed up on set and we were going over wardrobe options with the amazing costume designer, I think there was a part of her that was like: Will we be able to sell her in these heels? I'm not sure they were convinced that I could really sell it.
DETAILS: Sell what exactly?
Grace Gealey: Just the bougieness of [my character] Anika. She's completely bougie—super-classy and elegant. At least she starts off that way.
DETAILS: You moved to the U.S. when you were 18. What surprised you the most about American women?
Grace Gealey: For me personally, it's the whole light-skinned/dark-skinned dynamic [for women of color]. I mean, there's competition among women everywhere you go. But back home we understand that you can look like a variety of things and still be from the same culture. What I'm saying is that I've never felt like I was a light-skinned black woman. Never felt that way because we shared the same culture back home. But when I came to America, that's when I started to feel that there was a lot of push-back from women. I was definitely made aware that I am light-skinned. I realized that was a thing here.
DETAILS: What kind of thing?
Grace Gealey: It was something that people felt the need to point out. I guess maybe it's a form of intra racism: I was discriminated against for being light-skinned and there were a lot of labels. Some people assumed that guys might like me more because of my complexion or that I had it easier in general. Which is funny because I've been a victim of prejudice as well: There were times when I have walked into a Rite Aid at 12 o'clock at night and had the store manager stand in the corner and stare at me while I was looking at nail polishes.
DETAILS: You've said that your character on Empire allows her man to be "the king" and to rule as he sees fit. Do you believe in that approach to relationship dynamics in real life?
Grace Gealey: I was raised by a single, black, deaf woman, so I am as independent as they come. I think it took some time for me to allow room for someone else to be there for me. But in my recent years, I've learned that it's okay to be vulnerable and to allow someone else not to take care of me but to love me in a way that's not limited. I feel like I have gotten much better at that.
DETAILS: Your character has to deal with her fiance's fidelity issues. Would you forgive a man who cheated on you?
Grace Gealey: I did when I was younger. I was able to draw on my own experience for the show—to know what it's like to deeply love someone who has wronged you time and time again. It's a situation that I should have exited. Once I finally came out of that situation, I did some work on myself and realized there were some parts of myself that were lacking—and that's why I had stayed in that situation. But today? At this point in my life? Absolutely not. And that feels great.
DETAILS: Would you put up with a guy who had a bad online porn habit? Because they all do.
Grace Gealey: I know! Isn't that terrible? That's harder to say. These things aren't black and white. I would probably exit that situation as well, but it depends: If all other parts of our relationship are 100 percent perfect and this was like his one flaw? Then maybe. But I don't know how far we would get. That's a pretty hardcore addiction.
Grace Gealey: I know! Isn't that terrible? That's harder to say. These things aren't black and white. I would probably exit that situation as well, but it depends: If all other parts of our relationship are 100 percent perfect and this was like his one flaw? Then maybe. But I don't know how far we would get. That's a pretty hardcore addiction.
DETAILS: One character refers to you as a "fake-ass Halle Berry." Did that sting since it was in reference to your looks?
Grace Gealey: I've been called worse in my real life. It's better than being called a low-down skank ho. I'll take fake-ass Halle Berry. That's a compliment.
DETAILS: Who was your first celebrity crush?
Grace Gealey: I remember doing my family tree when I was thirteen and I was looking through magazines to find my potential husband. I will never forge cutting out a picture of Larenz Tate [O-Dog from Menace II Society]. He's on House of Lies and he was in the movie Why Do Fools Fall in Love.
DETAILS: What is your type of guy?
Grace Gealey: I'm a very spiritual person and I believe in God and all that kind of stuff. So my perfect type of guy would be spiritually grounded, extremely respectful and funny because I love to laugh.
DETAILS: What is the best character trait that a man can have?
Grace Gealey: I would say to be a gentlemen. A lot of women want the bad boys and we've all gone through that. But I want a man who is respectful, and I don't just mean in the beginning of the relationship. It's a part of who he is: He always opens doors and speaks to me like I am royalty and respects me in that way, even in times of conflict or stress. There is just nothing more attractive.
DETAILS: On a scale of one to ten, how important are firm abs on a man?
Grace Gealey: Maybe a six or a seven. I have dated people who didn't have firm abs and I was super in love with them. I mean, firm abs are nice and we all really want them. But it's not a make or break if you're a dream.
DETAILS: So if you met a spiritual guy with a beer belly, would that be a deal-breaker?
Grace Gealey: I don't know if it would be a deal-breaker. But it would take me a little time to see if I was attracted to him.
DETAILS: What about back hair?
Grace Gealey: Oh, my God. I can't stand back hair. It feels weird! I can't take it.
DETAILS: So if a hirsute guy wanted to be with you, he'd need to get waxed first?
Grace Gealey: Yes. And the hair on the back of his neck, too. I'm not judging, but I've got my style, you know?
DETAILS: Have you ever been with a guy who was overly manscaped?
Grace Gealey: Overly groomed? I was once was with a guy who had his eyebrows done and I was like: "Did you just do your eyebrows?" And he was like: "Yeah. Someone I dated before said they look better this way." I was like: "Leave them alone." He was such a manly man, so it was weird seeing his eyebrows with an arch. They were really done; it wasn't just a clean-up. He had them shaped and stuff. And I was just like: "Uh, that's not necessary."
DETAILS: If you were to suddenly find yourself in man's body, what is the first thing you would do?
Grace Gealey: Take a look at my junk.
DETAILS: And I hope that you would be well-endowed.
Grace Gealey: Yes! So would I.
DETAILS: What is a pick-up line that has actually worked on you?
Grace Gealey: I love to dance. So I do a lot of ballroom dancing. When I was an undergrad, I remember dancing at a salsa club. A guy literally bent down, put his hand out and said: "Would you mind if I danced with you?" And it was a little thrilling and kind of exciting. He was really charming. And I was like, "Okay." And we ended up dating for some time, so it worked.
DETAILS: Sounds like a Cinderella moment. Speaking of which: Do girls still fantasize about finding Prince Charming?
Grace Gealey: Deep down somewhere we all do. I love being an independent woman but sometimes it can be overwhelming. So the idea that there is someone to catch you and not allow you to fall? There is something really darling about that. We all have our weak moments as women so to know that there's someone who loves us when we're feeling insecure and is ready to pump us up when we feel like we didn't give the best presentation at work?
It feels great to know that we're enough in today's society considering the way that the media has spun the woman-man dynamic—because women start to feel like we're not enough for the men out there.
DETAILS: Especially when the men are looking at online porn all day. What is your favorite body part on a guy?
Grace Gealey: An amazing back. I have always loved a nice broad back. I think it has to do with being held and holding someone. When a guy has a nice broad back, it's beautiful. I love to put my face in the crease of the back and rest it there.
DETAILS: What will guys never understand about women?
Grace Gealey: That we're actually very easy to read. Men are always like: If something is bothering you, just say it! But if you're paying attention, then you'll know what bothers us. And half the time if we don't mention it, then it's something we're really vulnerable about. So we're not gonna come out and say: "Hey, I noticed the way you spoke to that girl and it made me feel like you're attracted to her." No woman is going to say that. But we're much either to read than you think. That's the biggest conversation both men and women have in their individual circles. It's like: "I don't understand them at all! Just say what you mean. I'm not a mind reader."
DETAILS: What do you wear to bed?
Grace Gealey: Nothing. God, my mom is going to die.
DETAILS: Your mom won't read this. What is your hidden talent?
Grace Gealey: I do sign language because my parents are deaf. It makes me way more compassionate. I have so much more grace and patience for other people. There have been situations where I've been shocked by the way that people have treated my mom because they are unaware that she's deaf—or they don't care. We live in an instant gratification kind of world and so we don't have patience for anybody anymore. If someone is taking their time walking up the stairs and making you late for work, we don't stop to think, Well, maybe they're going though something—or maybe they just can't hear you. So I am interested in understanding other people's stories before I judge.
DETAILS: Can you read body language, too?
Grace Gealey: Like a dream. It's a gift because of my parents. I can tell when someone is scared. I can tell when someone is lying. I can tell when someone is fake. It's so bizarre. I can tell when someone is hesitant—or has a little bit of trepidation—and no one else in the room can read it in that moment. But I can tell.
DETAILS: What male body language offends you?
Grace Gealey: One of my main pet peeves is when you are with a guy and he's looking at other women. A lot of times when I'm walking, I'll see a couple and then I catch the guy look in my direction. It really peeves me off. You're with your woman! I don't care if I'm walking by naked. Have enough respect not to look. One time I went on a dinner date with a guy who kept staring behind me as I was speaking—he was so blatant about it. I turned around and saw all these gorgeous women. I literally called him out on it and said: "Are you staring at them?" And this is what he said to me: "I just like to look at beautiful things." He admitted that he was staring at all these women as I was talking about, like, deep life stuff. And we were on a date! It was hilarious.
Grace Gealey: One of my main pet peeves is when you are with a guy and he's looking at other women. A lot of times when I'm walking, I'll see a couple and then I catch the guy look in my direction. It really peeves me off. You're with your woman! I don't care if I'm walking by naked. Have enough respect not to look. One time I went on a dinner date with a guy who kept staring behind me as I was speaking—he was so blatant about it. I turned around and saw all these gorgeous women. I literally called him out on it and said: "Are you staring at them?" And this is what he said to me: "I just like to look at beautiful things." He admitted that he was staring at all these women as I was talking about, like, deep life stuff. And we were on a date! It was hilarious.
DETAILS: Do you feel like on some level guys just can't help themselves?
Grace Gealey: Don't get me wrong: If something catches your eye, it catches your eye. But there is something you can do to curb that. Like if you see a beautiful woman, then curb your staring. Be classy with it. Don't make it seem like you're not happy to be with the woman you're with.
Grace Gealey: Like when men take up all the space on the subway? It pisses me off. Oh, my gosh. I could could easily sit down and spread my legs if I were a man, but I can't do that. So you feel entitled and egotistical enough to spread? And by the way: I'm standing! Shouldn't you be offering me your seat? Again: Gentlemen! They have something between their legs—I guess they've got to give it room. But it doesn't need to be extreme.
DETAILS: What's the meanest tweet you've ever received?
Grace Gealey: I was live tweeting with audience members during Empire's finale and people hate my character. I had a bajillion people tweeting me and asking: "When is Anika gonna show up? We're looking forward to Boo Boo Kitty!" So I wrote: "Don't worry, guys. Anika is on her way." And there was one person who said: "Fuck you, bitch! Ain't nobody waiting for you."
DETAILS: Boo-boo kitty is another nickname for your character on the show. Is it cool when guys come up with nicknames for you?
Grace Gealey: It can be absolutely adorable as long as it's not condescending. I remember one guy used to call me "cutie" and I hated it. I was like: "I feel like your daughter—don't call me cutie." But then there was another guy who simply called me "baby" and I loved that. Isn't that weird?
Grace Gealey: It can be absolutely adorable as long as it's not condescending. I remember one guy used to call me "cutie" and I hated it. I was like: "I feel like your daughter—don't call me cutie." But then there was another guy who simply called me "baby" and I loved that. Isn't that weird?
DETAILS: But "bae" is totally dead, right?
Grace Gealey: Bae? In my life, yeah. But I think it's still very alive in the world, unfortunately.
http://www.details.com/blogs/daily-details/2015/03/empires-grace-gealey.html