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ButBeale Streets relative obscurity is about to end, along with that of 26-year-old actress KiKi Layne.
For me, Tish and Fonnys love was the draw, Jenkins says.
It was just so very pure.
Id never read anything quite like it.
Which meant finding the right Fonny and Tish.
I didnt have an image in my head of who she was.
There wasnt an actress I saw as I was writing her, which happens sometimes.
The gift of Baldwin was that Tish could be so many different women.
That was last July.
Not three months later, she was up for the role of Tish.
So I got in there and thought,This was meant for me.
The room felt her confidence and her talent.
I just remember they kept offering me water, as a courtesy, and I kept turning them down.
Barry eventually was like, She dont need no water.
Shes not thirsty, she hungry.
And I said, Yes, I am.
I am very hungry for this opportunity.
It makes you question just what has to happen for progress, Layne says, sighing.
Its the one non-upbeat moment in our conversation.
Tish is a young woman faced with extraordinary obstacles who rises to the occasion, says Jenkins.
Its not that we need examples to recognize the possibility in our own lives.
But seeing someone conquer the burdens before you?
I dont know that theres ever been a bad time to see or hear that.
Production Credits
If Beale Street Could Talkwill be in theaters on November 30.
