Actress and musician Niecy Nash has proven over and over that she is, quite simply, unstoppable. She recently won an Emmy for her portrayal of Glenda Cleveland in Dahmer-Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, and earned rave reviews for FX's Grotesquerie, and even has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Next up? A reunion with producer Ryan Murphy for Hulu’s All’s Fair, in which she will star alongside a dazzling cast that includes Kim Kardashian, Naomi Watts, Sarah Paulson, Teyana Taylor, and Glenn Close. Nash discusses her variety of projects and talents, as well as the release of her new single, below.

How did you first find your way into the acting world, and how did you know that this was something you wanted to pursue as a career?
When I was five years old, I was watching television with my grandmother and I saw the most gorgeous black woman I had ever seen in my little five years of living - she had on a long red dress and her eyelashes look like butterflies. I said, "Grandmama, who is that?" and she said "Baby, that's Lola Falana." In that moment, I felt like God had stamped my destiny on the canvas of my imagination. I looked at my Grandmother and I say, "That's what I want to be when I grow up. Black, fabulous and on TV." And here I am!

You're reuniting with producer Ryan Murphy for All’s Fair on Hulu (alongside an amazing cast). Can you give us a sneak peek into your role and what audiences might expect from the show?
Well, I play a character named Emerald Green and I am a mother of three, I have three boys (triplets) who she had on her own. She's very tough and is very fashion-forward. She does not hold back what she's thinking AT ALL. What audiences can expect from this show is what modern-day sisterhood looks like for women who are accomplished, strong, smart. A gathering of the gals; myself, Kim Kardashian, Naomi Watts, Sarah Paulson, Glenn Close and Teyana Taylor and people are going to really lean into the complexities of the friendships of these women with the backdrop of the law. It's all based in an all-women legal firm. Its going to be really good and I hope people stay on the ride with us.

Your incredible portrayal of Glenda Cleveland in Dahmer-Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story won you an Emmy. How did you approach preparing for such an emotionally dense role?
First of all I didn't have a lot of time to prepare because Ryan called me and said, "I have this thing I want you to do..." and I said yes without knowing what it was. Once I got the Dahmer scripts I was shocked! But the one thing that was important to me is when you are portraying real people is to get it right; so I did as much research as I could to prepare for that role. Evan Peters was an amazing scene partner and Ryan Murphy was there every day and every single step of the way to make sure tonally I delivered what he wanted.

**Left:**
Dress: Miscreants at Revolve
**Right:**
Dress : Sol Angel

Do you have a genre preference, or do you love switching between them?
I don't have a preference! I just like to work. As a matter of fact, I was filming Dahmer at the same time that I was filming the Reno: 911 movie - how about that for multitasking. I love making people laugh but it's cool to make people cry too.

Is there anyone you haven’t worked with yet that would be a dream collaboration?
I would love to do a project with Ryan Coogler - I have met him casually but would love to work with him professionally.

Dress :Stolen Stores
Hat: The Residency Experience
Gloves: Vex Latex

You've taken on producing and directing roles in addition to just acting. How have those experiences changed your perspective as an actress?
It makes me understand that everyone on set has a part to play. It's not easy to do and it makes me extend grace as an actor because I have been on the other side of it.

How does it feel to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?
AMAZING. I love it. I remember when I was 8 years old and I was out on the Walk of Fame with my dad and I saw an actor that I recognized a man and I said to my dad, "I know that guy from TV". He said, "Baby, that's Ed Asner." I walk over there and say "Hello, sir, I know you don't know me YET but I am going to be an actor and my name will be on this ground." And he said "Okay, kid... Scram!" And I was screaming "Remember my name!" And in Ed Asner's lifetime, I was able to invite him to my star ceremony, and he said yes and that he of course remembered my name. He came to the ceremony and I couldn't even look at him because I thought my fake eyelashes would fall off from crying. One of the best days of my life!

Your first single, “Winner Baby”, is being released soon. What inspired you to make this foray into the music industry?
It's out! My spouse took my Emmy-winning speech for Dahmer and she turned it into a song - she revealed it during my birthday party and I was so shocked and so happy. One of the kindest things anyone has ever done for me. Shortly thereafter, Meghan Trainor did a song called "I Want to Thank Me" that I am also on. But the reason I like being a part of the music business is because I believe that's how I am going to my G in EGOT. Come on, somebody!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, and who gave it to you?
Very simple - Ava DuVernay, one of my dear friends said to me "Onward" with a period after. Onward to me, speaks to so many different situations in my life. If a project is canceled, onward. If you want to grow in your body and mind and evolve to a higher version of yourself, onward. If you are down and out and having a tough time, yes you feel that emotion but you can't stay there, so onward. It's simple but impactful. Maybe I will get that tattooed somewhere. Onward. Thank you, Ava DuVernay.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Blessed. Chosen. Kind.

CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Niecy Nash
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer: Mike Ruiz
Producer: Alison Hernon
Fashion Stylist: Alexis Fyall
Hair: Davontae Washington at Opus Beauty
Makeup: Naima J. at crowdMGMT
Photography Assistants: Ozzie Gutierrez, River Chad
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Logan Dutra, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Location: Hype Studios, SPECIAL THANKS TO HYPE STUDIOS

Onward with Niecy Nash