Taylor Polidore Williams Finds Power and Purpose in Netflix’s ‘Beauty in Black’
Taylor Polidore Williams is standing tall—both literally and figuratively. Recently, she visited the Empire State Building to celebrate the return of Beauty in Black, Tyler Perry’s hit Netflix series now in its second season. “I thought I was going to be scared, but I wasn’t,” Williams said. “It was beautiful.”
That moment at the top of New York City reflects where Williams is in her career—unafraid, grounded, and grateful. As the star of Beauty in Black, she has reached new heights while staying true to who she is. “I’m trying to be present and take it all in,” she shared. “It took years to get here, and I don’t want to rush through it.”
Stepping Into Her Power On and Off Screen
In Season 2, Williams’ character Kimmie transforms from an underdog into a confident business leader and wife. Once dismissed as an outsider, she is now the COO and new Mrs. Bellarie, standing firm in her worth. “Kimmie starts the season letting everybody know she’s not going to be disrespected anymore,” Williams said. “She’s stepping into her power.”
That same confidence mirrors Williams’ real-life journey. She describes working at Tyler Perry Studios as “theater on steroids.” The production’s fast pace pushed her limits but also proved her resilience. “This role has stretched me in ways I haven’t been before,” she said. “It made me realize that I can figure anything out.”
Behind the Scenes: Sisterhood and Strength
The chemistry on Beauty in Black extends beyond the screen. Williams credits her connection with co-star Crystle Stewart, who plays her fierce rival, for making the show’s intense moments believable. “I adore Crystle,” Williams said. “She’s the sweetest woman, which is funny because her character, Mallory, is not. We trust each other completely—it’s all love.”
That mutual respect, she says, helps her bring her full self to every take. “At Tyler Perry Studios, it’s not about perfection—it’s about truth,” Williams explained. “You have to show up fully every time.”
From HBCU Roots to Hollywood Grace
Long before Netflix fame, Williams’ foundation was built in Atlanta. A proud graduate of Clark Atlanta University, she earned her degree in Mass Media Arts and joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. “I don’t know what my life would be like if I hadn’t chosen an HBCU,” she said. “It’s a family. Those relationships helped me navigate my career and my life.”
Williams credits her HBCU experience for giving her confidence and grounding—qualities that have guided her through Hollywood’s challenges. “At an HBCU, you feel seen,” she said. “And that makes all the difference when you’re trying to build a career in this industry.”
Living Fully, With Gratitude and Grace
Today, Williams balances her rising career with married life in Atlanta, where she continues to live with purpose and faith. “Sometimes we move so fast in this business that we forget to appreciate where we are,” she reflected. “I just want to take it all in.”
From Houston to Clark Atlanta to Hollywood, Taylor Polidore Williams has built her success on authenticity, hard work, and self-love. Standing tall at the top—like her moment at the Empire State Building—she’s not afraid of the view. She’s embracing it.
