Kearran Giovanni is a talented individual who excels in the fields of fashion, style, and performance. Her captivating performances and unique style have established her as a brand that keeps us enthralled on screens, mobile devices, and stages alike. She is an accomplished performer who has played roles in popular shows such as Major Crimes (TNT), The Rookie (FOX), and Black Lightning (CW). Additionally, she has also performed in Broadway productions including The Lion King, Sweet Charity, Tarzan, and Catch Me If You Can. I had the exciting opportunity to have a conversation with her regarding her recent portrayal of Kelly in the popular CW series, Walker. During the interview, she shared valuable advice and tips on how to maintain a successful career in the competitive entertainment industry. Additionally, she provided insights on how to make your personal fashion style unique and distinguishable from others.

I would love to know who Kearran Giovanni, the actress, is. Where did you get your start and your love for the craft?
I am from a small town. Born on a farm in a little town outside of Lafayette, LA, I lived in a little town called Duncan, Oklahoma. not my favorite place; I was mostly raised in Katy, Texas. My father was working his way up at a company, and moving was part of the deal. I learned to make friends quickly and be up for anything. Gymnastics and dance entered my life when I was young, and I remember artists being my favorite people. After entering HSPVA in Houston and spending some summers at the Alvin Ailey School in NYC, I knew that I wanted to perform. 4 year stop at CCM-UC for a BA in musical theater, moved to New York City, and started The Lion King soon thereafter. The rest is history, as they say.


How has the journey been for you in this tough industry? Do you have any memorable moments you would love to share?
This business is tough. It is not for the sensitive or impatient. Do the work, and don’t take anything personally. I remember working with GW Bailey, and we knew Major Crimes was ending. He said, “You’ll work. You’re young and talented. But there will be a span.” “Maybe 18 months… maybe a couple of years where you don’t have steady work and you will pass location sets and trailers and think you’re not an actor and you should quit… don’t!” And so I don’t.


You can be seen currently as Kelly on the CW’s hit show Walker. Tell me about your character and the show.
Yep, I play Kelly James (for the second time). Kelly is one of those women—she’s a fierce mama, a boss at work, and a loving partner. I love playing someone who has it all together. Kelly has made her way back to her ex-husband, Captain James, and is bringing her sports recruiting business back to Austin. She’s here to stay!


Your credits range from shows like Major Crimes, The Rookie, Black Lightning, All Rise, and more. What do you attribute to your longevity in this industry?
I guess it’s a little of what I mentioned earlier. Just don’t quit. You may not be “working,” but auditioning is working, staying in shape is working, and networking is working. I also think making connections when you are working is very important. The longer you are in this business, the more people you will meet and the more opportunities you’ll have for those people to say, “Yeah, I worked with her or him; they’re great, or they would be right for this other project I’m working on.”


You have also been on Broadway. What was that like, and how does it compare to being on film?
Yes, when I left New York, I was leaving my 7th Broadway show, which was about to start on my 8th. Broadway is a badge of honor. The amount of work, sweat, and time that goes into opening a show is unimaginable. I was lucky enough to originate in most of the shows I did, which was just incredible. Most people that don’t do Broadway don’t know that we do these things called 10 out of 12,” where we literally rehearse for 10 hours. Or that during the holidays we can have 12 or 14 show weeks. It’s bananas. All that being said, there is absolutely nothing like it, and I would do it in a heartbeat. The family that is created within that rehearsal space and within the theater cannot be duplicated. Having an audience look at you and respond with emotion instantly eight times a week is really special. Flipside: film is magic. Having new storylines and writing every week to work with is a gift. To do something more than once is something you don’t get on Broadway. This might sound petty, but having a weekend with your family is something I never had on Broadway. We work 3 or 4 shows on the weekend and only get a week off every 6 months (that we have to request and have approved). She’s a beast!


Would you say you and Kelly have more things in common, or the opposite?
Oh, I’d say besides the divorce part, we have a LOT in common. I’m a working mama. I love her fiercely. I’m from Texas. She has a wicked sense of humor. Random, but Odette and I are already friends. When we first moved to LA, we were neighbors for six years. At the time, I had little ones, and they didn’t, so they would throw these epic parties, and we would live vicariously through them.
 
You are definitely known for your fashion sense. I would love to know what some of your go-to styles are for spring and summer.
Sooooo excited for summer. Living in LA is perfect for me, as I hate the cold. I love an easy summer dress. I opt for natural materials to stay cool, and I’ve been really into these monochromatic short sets paired with a big hat from Abby Arad!


From a fashion perspective, how can someone find their own go-to style?
I’ll tell you what I tell my teenage daughters. Don’t follow the crowd. If it feels good to you and catches your eye, that’s your style, no matter what the influencers say! Find something special and pair it with something neutral. Like a black dress, but with a vintage cuff or scarf that you love.
 
You are a lifestyle brand with a love for cooking and traveling. Tell me some of your favorite dishes to make and places to visit.
I feel like I only work, so I eat out and travel! Kidding, but I do love them both. As far as travel… my favorite close by would be Mexico. I just love the culture and the food. And far away, I would say southeast Asia. I spent some time there when my parents moved to Jakarta, Indonesia, for work. Bali, Singapore—very special places We are heading to Japan for the first time this summer, and we are SOOOOO excited. We have never been to this part of the world and are looking forward to seeing a different culture and hearing a different language. Cooking… I’m a southern girl, but I like a little more flair and a little less calories! I love cooking traditional French or Italian food, but I still make gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish etouffee per my family’s request.
 
Last question: What’s next for Kearran?
Good question! lol. Walker was recently picked up for season 4! Very exciting. Unfortunately, because of the writers’ strike, we aren’t sure when we will start back up. I’m starting a little YouTube cooking channel, so that will be fun. But I think mostly in the off time I’m going to enjoy my family and be present. I have been working for 20+ years, and sometimes the universe gives you a little break exactly when you need it.


Thanks for the chat.

Photo Credit:
Photographer: Ben Cope
Stylist: Jordan Grossman
Hair: Diane Dusting
Makeup: Liz Briseno