Joy Rovaris has delivered a show-stopping performance in Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black, Netflix’s newest sensation that premiered on October 24, 2024. As Gillian, a cunning and enigmatic assistant in the high-stakes world of the beauty industry, Rovaris brings depth to a character central to the show’s complex web of ambition and deceit. With 8.7 million views in its first week and a spot at the top of Netflix’s trending series, Beauty in Black solidifies Rovaris’s place as a rising star.

A Rising Star: Joy’s Career Journey

Rovaris’s journey to this pivotal role has been marked by determination and a dynamic body of work. From her breakout performance as Whitney Houston’s daughter in the TV One biopic Bobbi Kristina to her horror role in Saint Clare with Bella Thorne, Rovaris has continuously demonstrated her range as an actress. She has also appeared in major TV hits like CBS’s The Neighborhood and Fox’s The Resident, building a portfolio as versatile as the characters she portrays.

Reflecting on her journey, Rovaris credits her growth to seizing every opportunity. “Every role I’ve taken has added another layer to my understanding of what it means to embody someone’s truth,” she said. Her ability to balance vulnerability and strength was crucial in crafting Gillian, who Rovaris describes as “a storm brewing in the Gulf.”

Joy’s Connection to Beauty in Black

For Rovaris, landing the role of Gillian was not only a career milestone but a dream fulfilled. “I’ve always admired Tyler Perry’s ability to tell stories that resonate with so many people,” she shared. “Working with him has been an experience that’s inspired me to dream even bigger.”

To bring Gillian to life, Rovaris drew on her New Orleans roots and her admiration for characters who thrive under pressure. “Gillian is layered—someone who always has a plan, even if she’s pretending she doesn’t. She’s patient, strategic, and full of surprises,” Rovaris said. Her inspiration came from both the calculated resilience of Jay-Z and the unapologetic ambition of The Devil Wears Prada. “She knows how to survive in a world that isn’t always kind to women like her.”

Creating Magic on Set

Behind the scenes, Rovaris found herself immersed in the collaborative energy that Tyler Perry is known for. Each day at Tyler Perry Studios began with prayer and affirmations, fostering a familial atmosphere where creativity thrived. “Tyler creates a space where you feel valued not just as an actor but as a person,” Rovaris said.

One particularly memorable moment involved a tense scene where Gillian confronts Mallory, played by Crystle Stewart. The emotional intensity of the scene was balanced by Perry’s humor, which kept the cast grounded. “We laughed so hard after Tyler made a joke about a line—it’s moments like those that remind you how special this experience is,” Rovaris recalled.

Life Beyond Acting

Outside of her acting career, Rovaris leads a vibrant life that fuels her creativity. Competitive bowling became an outlet for her after filming Bobbi Kristina, helping her decompress while fostering a sense of community. “Bowling taught me patience and focus—skills that I carry into my work as an actor,” she said.

Rovaris is also deeply passionate about advocacy. She works to raise awareness for dementia, inspired by her grandmother’s battle with the disease, and supports veteran mental health initiatives, stemming from her experiences with her Navy veteran ex-husband. “Advocacy is about using your platform to make a difference, no matter how big or small,” she explained.

Joy’s Aspirations and Impact

Looking ahead, Rovaris is determined to keep pushing boundaries. “Working with Ava DuVernay again would be a full-circle moment for me,” she said, referencing her experience as a stand-in on A Wrinkle in Time. Beyond personal aspirations, she hopes to use her roles to inspire audiences and ignite conversations about resilience and ambition. “If my work sparks joy or reflection in even one person, then I’ve done my job,” she added.

Rovaris remains deeply grateful for her role in Beauty in Black and the opportunity to grow as an artist. “This show has opened doors I didn’t even know existed. It’s a blessing, and I’m ready for whatever comes next,” she shared.

With her talent, ambition, and grounded outlook, Joy Rovaris is not just a star in the making—she’s a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.