Mykal-Michelle Harris on Acting Inspiration and What Mixed-Ish Means to Her

Despite being just 8 years old, actress Mykal-Michelle Harris is no stranger to the acting scene.

In fact, her career got kickstarted when she was just 3 years old with a viral video about Serena Williams, and since then she's gone on to appear on The Karma Club, Big Little Lies and, most recently, Mixed-ish as Santamonica Johnson. We adore Santamonica and know Mykal-Michelle is just getting started. We simply had to know more about what acting, and being part of the series, means to her. Keep reading to find out everything she revealed to us.

Sweety High: Have you always wanted to be an actress? How did you get inspired to get into this line of work?

Mykal-Michelle Harris: The real truth is that I didn't even know what an actor or actress was when I started. See, I was a viral kid with a video called "Like Serena" when I was 3. After that video had over 15 million views on social media, the business kind of came calling to me. But once I got into it, I couldn't stop and still can't. Acting is like oxygen to me. I need it now. My first runway show was when I was 3 years old and my first film was at 4 years old. Every time the production would wrap me, I would cry and that's how my mommy knew I was meant for this business!

(Photo credit: Nicola Buck)

 

SH: How excited were you to find out that you were cast in Mixed-ish? Were you a fan of Black-ish ahead of the show? What does being part of that series mean to you?

MMH: OMG! My mom and I took the call from my manager and my agent and when she told us we both screamed. But, I also cried after hearing it. My mom didn't know it but I really, really wanted that job. My mom and I have a thing that after we audition, we forget about it and we did. But when they told me that I got it, it was just a really, really happy day. Mom always says what God has for me is for me and this was for me.

 

SH: In what ways are you most similar to Santamonica? In which ways are you most different from her?

MMH: I mean, we are similar in lots of ways. She is me and I am her. Lol! She's a leader, check—me too. She loves fashion, check—me too. She is in love with the '80s colors, accessories and hair, check—me too. Now where we are different, is that sass. She has a lot of sass. My mom would never allow it. So I have fun while on set with it.

(Photo credit: Nicola Buck)

 

SH: Do you have a favorite memory from the Mixed-ish set?

MMH: My favorite memories will forever be becoming a family with my castmates. We are a real family and we really care about one another. I will forever remember that.

 

SH: What would you say is the most fun part of being an actress?

MMH: The most fun part of being an actress is telling stories. We tell stories that inspire people, that make people laugh and even some that make people cry. But most of all, we get to tell stories that we care about. Like I am so happy I get to tell stories about little Black girls and all little girls that look like me or can relate to me. I love, love, love that.

 

SH: What do you think has been the highlight of your acting career so far?

MMH: The highlight for me is when someone comes to me and says you make me laugh or you made me reach for my dreams. We always say, it's not about the fame or the fortune, but it's about the give back for us. If we can help one person, we have done a lot.

(Photo credit: Nicola Buck)

 

SH: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

MMH: I'd like to tell children and even adults that you should never give up on your dreams. I don't care what you face or how hard it gets, only you can achieve your dreams. So you have to keep going. You can do this, I know you can!

 

Love Black-ish and all of its fabulous spinoffs? Click HERE to find out all about Black-ish star Marcus Scribner.