Generation: Genesis
A NEW YOUNG TALENT FROM “THE CHI” BY KAYLA HOLLOWAY, MORGAN PARK HIGH SCHOOL, CHICAGO, IL
C
hicago native Genesis Hale is doing it all at 13. She is a singer, poet, and actress currently having a recurring role as “Maisha” in the Showtime hit drama “The Chi.” As an actor who started at a young age, Hale shines through her performances, continuously showing others her personality. True Star Jr. was able to talk with the young actress about herself and her career. True Star Jr.: When did you start performing? Genesis Hale: I think I started performing at 4 or 5 years old. I kept watching my mom and dad through their shows; seeing them on stage, the energy of the audience, and the reactions they got and I thought that was cool. I started performing, and I started getting the same reactions, so I kept on doing it. TS: Briefly describe your role on “The Chi.” GH: I play a girl named Maisha who is a tough, bully-like child who likes this kid named Kevin, but he likes her cousin Andrea instead. Maisha is overprotective, very heavy set, snappy, has an attitude, but is lovable all at the same time. TS: What is the best part about playing your role? GH: The best part about playing that role is bringing her to life and making the name “Maisha” really something, rather than just being a person on TV.
TS: How do you feel that you relate to your character? GH: With me being a heavy-set girl also, I can relate at that level when being labeled sometimes, like a stereotype. She sometimes has to prove herself, which I feel that I can relate to. TS: What advice do you have for people wanting to go into the performing industry? GH: If you want to go into the industry, there are a couple of things you have to have, but you have to have something that you believe in or something that you are good at. It all depends on what you want to specifically do, and you have to showcase your talents. TRUE STAR JR. 15