After her graduation in 2014, Layne worked in various theater productions across Chicago before landing her first on-screen role in the sci-fi drama film, “The Alienist” in 2018. However, it was her breakthrough role as Tish Rivers in Barry Jenkins’ adaptation of James Baldwin’s “If Beale Street Could Talk” that brought her into the limelight.
In “If Beale Street Could Talk,” Layne played the lead role of Tish Rivers, a woman who fights to prove her fiance’s innocence after he is falsely accused of a crime. Her portrayal of Tish was highly praised by critics and audiences alike, earning her a nomination for the NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture.
Layne’s success in “If Beale Street Could Talk” led to more opportunities, and she was soon cast as the lead in the Netflix sci-fi film, “The Old Guard.” In the film, she played Nile Freeman, a US Marine who discovers she has the ability to heal herself and others after being killed in action.
Despite her success, Layne is still humble and grounded. In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, she explained that she strives to stay true to herself and her values, saying, “I’m just trying to navigate all of this while still being the KiKi I was two years ago.”
Layne’s next project is the highly anticipated film adaptation of August Wilson’s play, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” In the film, Layne plays Dussie Mae, a young woman who becomes involved with Levee, a trumpeter in Ma Rainey’s band, portrayed by Chadwick Boseman.
Sadly, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” would be the last film that Boseman would appear in before his untimely death in August 2020. Layne recently paid tribute to Boseman during an interview with E! News, saying, “He embodied the kind of human being that we all want to be.”
In addition to her acting career, Layne has also used her platform to advocate for social justice causes, including the Black Lives Matter movement. In June 2020, she joined a group of actors in a PSA supporting the movement and calling for racial justice and equality.
Looking ahead, Layne’s career is set to continue on an upward trajectory with several exciting projects in the works, including a leading role in the upcoming HBO series, “The Gilded Age.” With her talent, ambition, and passion for social justice, it is no surprise that KiKi Layne has become a rising star in Hollywood. We can’t wait to see what she does next!