When Simone got the call that she had landed a lead role in MGM+’s The Institute, her first instinct was to dial her mother. The moment her mom answered, tears of joy came spilling through the receiver — and Simone couldn’t hold hers back either. It wasn’t just another audition win; it felt written in the stars. “Somehow the character already felt like she was mine when I first auditioned,” she recalls. “When I got the call, I was abundantly grateful and so excited to dive in. My mom burst into tears, which set me off as well. That moment felt… perfect.”

Now, with The Institute officially streaming, Simone is being hailed as one of the breakout stars of Stephen King’s universe.

The series, adapted from King’s bestselling novel, is an eight-episode psychological thriller that explores the horrors lurking in plain sight. At its center is Luke Ellis, a child genius kidnapped and imprisoned in a facility designed to exploit kids with supernatural gifts. Among the prisoners is Kalisha Benson, played by Simone, whose razor-sharp wit and quiet ferocity make her both a lifeline and a leader.

Simone brings Kalisha to life with a performance that’s both haunting and deeply human. “I never wanted to let the extraordinary circumstances or powers conquer her humanity,” she says. “Ultimately, it’s Kalisha’s capacity to love and hope fiercely that gets her through the Institute. That’s what I wanted people to see in her.”

Working alongside Hollywood heavyweights Mary-Louise Parker and Ben Barnes under the guidance of director Jack Bender (Lost, Mr. Mercedes) and writer Benjamin Cavell (Justified, The Stand), Simone treated the experience like a masterclass. “I have evolved immensely through The Institute in how I approach character prep, blocking, even how I read a script. Drama and thriller are savory beasts — they require grounding and complexity. I’m forever indebted to this production for everything I’ve learned.”

But The Institute is more than just a career milestone — it’s also a cultural one. “It’s not often enough that we see young Black girls in leadership roles,” Simone reflects. “Growing up, I would’ve loved to see more characters who looked and felt close to me. If even one Black girl watching feels a little more seen and represented, I’ll be more than fulfilled.”

Beyond acting, Simone is a singer-songwriter whose artistry bleeds across mediums. During filming, she found herself unblocked creatively after a long struggle. “On my days off, I was so inspired that I’d lose myself at the piano. I was able to pull from my character’s emotions and tie them to my own experiences.” One lyric from her upcoming single “Fucking Crazy” captures her raw, unflinching honesty: “Van Gogh paints the scream. For you I am subject to bleed, still you’re not listening. Only seen when going fucking crazy.”

Her influences reflect that same blend of fearless artistry — from French New Wave pioneer Agnès Varda to her favorite songwriter, Lizzy McAlpine. Both, she says, embody the unapologetic storytelling she strives for.

And as for what comes next? Simone’s eyes light up when she talks about new challenges. She dreams of stepping into action roles, experimenting with stunt work, and one day even performing in musical theatre. “Music videos and musicals feel like creative playgrounds,” she says. “There’s so much room for experimentation, and I’d love to tap into both my passions again.”

For now, though, Simone is reveling in the moment — and inviting audiences to step into Kalisha’s world with her. The Institute may be a story of captivity and control, but through Simone’s performance, it’s also about hope, love, and resilience.

“Stephen King is such an inspiration,” she says softly. “Every day, I’m just so grateful to be part of his legendary universe.”

Photography Credit: Kristina Ruddick