From her Oscar-nominated performance in King Richard to this year's acclaimed Nickel Boys, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor has long been an acting force in Hollywood. But beyond her undeniable talent, her name now carries an even deeper significance.
Following the passing of her beloved mother, Ellis-Taylor made the powerful decision to honor her by professionally adding Taylor to her name, ensuring that her mother’s legacy remains with her every day. “The love of my life, my mother, gave me my Daddy’s name. I was like, ‘Wait a minute, lady, I want your name,’” she told Variety. “This past birthday, I said, ‘What am I doing? I want to carry her with me every day.’” And so, she did.
On the Oscars carpet, the actress shared with Out she was holding space that day for her late mother. “I’m holding space for my mother — my mother, my sister, and my family,” she began.
“They are with me and they would be eating this moment up with a fork, a biscuit, and some syrup. So, I’m holding space for my mother, Jacqueline Taylor.”
Hollywood is known for being over-the-top with so many moments to recall, whether on film or in real time. The Origin star names one moment she thinks about often – the late actress Ruby Dee and her performance in Jungle Fever.
“The scene when her character realizes 'Gator' Purify, played by Samuel L. Jackson was having problems and accepts it – that scene stays with me everyday when I try to be acting,” she laughed.
The Nickel Boys actress then opens up about her acting journey — and hopes other actresses will follow suit.
“I’ve been on this side, this path before, and everyone else was telling me what to do, how to look, and I was so unhappy,” she shared.
“This time, I’m doing things how I want to do it and it doesn’t matter if you think it’s good, bad, or no matter what it is, I feel good, I can sleep good at night, and can be happy looking at myself in the mirror. I did it my way this time and that’s what we have to do.”
