Check out our interview with actress Elisha Davis who is becoming a name to know. In 2022 alone, ‘Eli’ has made appearances in some of the largest shows on television, including Peacock’s “Killing It” and HBO Max’s original series “Queer As Folk”.
Elisha’s gearing up for her role as Mike Tyson’s daughter ‘Mikey Lorna Tyson’ in the highly anticipated Hulu series “Mike”.
Follow Elisha @EliTheCreative
Hi Elisha, please tell us a little about you?
My name is Elisha Davis. I go by Eli! I was born November 27th, 1999 in St. Louis Missouri and was raised in Houston, Tx. I am now a New Orleans based actress working y way up in the industry. I aspire to continue working in front of and behind the camera as well.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Outgoing, optimistic, passionate
How did you get started into acting?
One day I saw people filming near campus. I asked how to get involved and not long afterwards ended up as an extra on HBO’s “Queer As Folk”. My experience on the show was great, I met a lot of amazing creatives and I looked for more opportunities to be on set whenever and however I could working on Disney and AMC productions. Khris Davis is one phenomenal actor I met that started off as a silent star. I took a similar approach to start my career too. My first time on television was as a silent star on the show “Queer As Folk”. These past few months I’ve spent most of my time on set filming and preparing for my upcoming role.
How has this changed your life?
Before I chose to follow my true passion and pursue a career in television and film, I graduated high school with honors at the top of my class and attended Xavier University of Louisiana as a pre-med student. I worked in the college of pharmacy doing diabetes research. I decided that I would be happier doing something else and wanted to contribute to the world in a different way that allowed me to be more of myself. I am very glad I made the switch and believe everyone should follow the path where they can get the most out of life.
What is the best and worst part of being an actress?
The best part about this industry is working with the people I grew up watching on television! I have learned so much from some of the best actors in the industry including Jamie Foxx. Each time I go to set, I try to learn something new. I have picked up a lot of acting techniques like method acting that I now use too. I have a pretty good idea about what looks good on camera.
But when I was first starting out, the art of self-taping was something I had to learn. I watched my friends’ auditions who have landed roles & listened to advice from casting directors. Set up wise, the more you audition the easier it becomes. It is helpful to have actor / theater friends so you can help each other. They can be a reader for you, which is great. Make sure you have good lighting and a neutral background as well. My advice is to fully commit to your character. Also, have a demo reel available.
How do you prepare for a role?
I actually have two upcoming roles one for a tv series and one for a film. One way I prepare for a role is by learning more about the culture surrounding my character and making the things that influence that character a part of my everyday life. For example, if I am playing a Vegan character, I will indeed go vegan.
Tell us about your work in Peacock’s “Killing It” and HBO Max’s original series “Queer As Folk?”
These projects were my introduction into the world of television and film. I was a college student on the show “Queer as Folk” and after standing in longest line ever on “Killing It” I worked my way up in the industry to land a few speaking roles.
And about your work as Mike Tyson’s daughter ‘Mikey Lorna Tyson’ in the highly anticipated Hulu series “Mike?”
I can’t say too much about this project until it comes out but I had a phenomenal experience on set and worked with amazing people!
What other projects you have been part of?
I finished working on “Interview with a Vampire” not too long ago. Be sure to check out the trailer! I’ve worked on some pretty neat productions. I was casted to play a famous boxer’s daughter on two separate projects. On one of them, I ended up with another role instead. Recently, I was also offered a role for another upcoming project and will be filming out of town for a while.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
Typically, I get casted for young adult roles. My character range is about 16-24 years old. I have a youthful appearance.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part of my work is accomplishing things I did not know I could do and being at the table with people I never knew I could sit with. Because then my mindset changed. I had to make bigger goals and go after more.
What’s your advice for the newer actors?
Stay the course and believe in yourself even if no one else does!
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
The greatest lesson I have learned is to be a sponge and make the most out of every opportunity.
How would your best friend describe you?
My best friend would describe me as someone who never quits.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
I really would like to come out with a book titled “The Book of Eli”. I have a Biblical name; my name is Elisha but the people call me Eli!
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
I would tell my self to stop worrying about what others think because as soon as I did that I became a lot happier.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
I love books with a great life lesson. A few of my personal favorites are “Conversations with God” by Neale Donald Walsch, “When a Woman Finds her Moment” by Lisa Davis and for teens, “Joana” by Trinity Davis is a great read.
What’s next for Elisha Davis in 2022?
This year I have a lot going on, a lot of “behind the scenes” work to do. But also, you can anticipate seeing me on screen in a few projects this year as well as next year! I try to stay booked, busy and am always up to something. When I am not working I enjoy traveling and immersing myself in a new culture.
What is your favorite healthy food?
My favorite healthy food is Sushi! I also discovered a vegan spot in New Orleans I really love called Carmo.
And your favorite cheat food?
My favorite cheat food is Tres Leche cake!
What is your own definition of happiness?
My definition of happiness is freedom. Time is expensive and I feel the happiest when I have the freedom to do what I want with my time.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would meet Viola Davis because she inspires me as an actress and a human being as well!
Best advice ever given?
Lamman Rucker told me to “stay in the game & be a sponge.” I’d pass the same advice along to new actors.
Do you support any charity?
The Animal Rescue New Orleans “ARNO” is one of my favorites. If you are ever in the New Orleans area they are always looking for volunteers to walk the pups and play with kittens.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I see myself doing bigger things in the industry 5 years from now! Looking forward to booking more roles and working on more projects.
Favorite song? Why?
“Put Your Records On” by Corinne Baily Rae is my favorite song because it is very freeing to me. I like to come home and cook to this song when I have time. I also really like the remix of this song as well. I have a pretty broad taste in music though, I like to think I have a playlist for every situation.
What do you think of Social Media?
It is a good way to stay connected to people. However, I am more of an in-person type of person. I also think people should take breaks from social media because it only really shows the highlight reel of everyone’s life so comparing yourself to that is not realistic.
Where we can follow you?
You can follow me on instagram @EliTheCreative
Book: “Joana” by Trinity Davis
Quote: “You cannot live to please everyone else. You have to edify, educate and fufill your own dreams and destiny.” – Viola Davis
Movie: Dream Girls
Tv Series: How to Get Away with Murder
Favorite Food: Sushi
Travel Destination: Tulum
Sports Team: Warriors
