Anjelika Washington is starring as Beth Chapel/Dr. Mid-nite in the newest DC superhero show, Stargirl. An advocate for social justice and a rising actress, Washington is a superhero on and off screen. Washington plays intelligent and reserved Beth Chapel who soon finds her beat becoming fierce and compassionate Dr. Mid-nite whose mission is to save the world from harm along with Justice Society of America members, Courtney Whitmore, Yolonda Montez, and Rick Taylor. FLAUNT chats with Washington about her newest role and life on and off screen.
**How did you start your acting career, and why did you choose to go into it?**
My mom put me in my first play when I was 8-years-old. I loved it. When I got to high school, I joined the drama class and fell in love with acting. I knew I wanted to make acting my career, and I am so happy I did.
**Did you have to do any special preparations to play the role of Beth Chapel/Dr Mid-Nite?**
I worked out a lot more than I usually would to have more endurance to carry the super suit for hours and hours. The rest I learned on set before shooting.
**What is your favorite part about playing Beth Chapel/Dr Mid-Nite? Can you relate to her at all?**
I love Beth. My favorite thing about her is her bravery. She is often afraid or nervous about the missions to fight injustice, but she gathers courage and does it anyway. I relate to her a lot because I fight injustice in the real world too. Sometimes I get nervous about being so vocal of human rights and social justice, but I do it anyway because I know it's the right thing to do.
**Given today's current reality, how does it feel to be playing a superhero as a young Black woman, something that many of us, unfortunately, did not see on the television growing up?**
Grateful! It's such an honor. I wish I had seen a live-action, black teenage superhero when I was a little girl. I hope every black girl is reminded that YOU ARE ENOUGH AND PERFECT EXACTLY THE WAY YOU ARE.
**How does Beth change as a character when she finds out she is Dr Mid-Nite?**
Beth is opened up to a world that she never knew existed. She becomes more self-sufficient and makes friends, which she has never had before.
**Have you learned anything so far while filming the first season?**
I learned SO much! The main thing I learned is to be myself.
**What is your favorite DC superhero, and why?**
Wonder Woman! Because she is just badass!
**What is Beth's relationship with Courtney, Rick, and Yolanda like? How has the relationship changed since they first met?**
Their relationship changes a lot now that they are JSA. They now have to trust each other with their lives! They go through some struggles navigating how to work as a team, that's for sure.
**Have you encountered any challenges or hardships while filming Stargirl?**
The 16 hour days and night shoots are challenging, but I love it! I love being on set. The blessings kept flowing because I have the BEST cast. I genuinely like them as people and I am proud to call them my friends on and off the screen. It is much easier to get through a scene at 4 am, after already being on set for 12 hours, if you love the people that you are around. Time flies when you're having fun!
**Are there any scenes in particular that you liked filming or felt was important?**
I love all my JSA scenes. In episode 8, I got to film with just Luke Wilson, that was a lot of fun! We did some improv, and it all made it into the final cut of the episode.
**All of the characters have a cool superpower, if you could pick to have one, which would it be and why?**
If I could have any of them in real life, it would still be my goggles. I would hack into the United States Government budget and give money to low-income communities and families, house the homeless, feed the hungry, pay teachers and nurses more, and pay off all college debt in the U.S.
**When you're not saving the world on screen, what other hobbies do you have?**
I try to save the world as much as I can off-screen too. I also love food, so trying new restaurants and recipes make me happy.
**What's on your current playlist?**
Right now, Chole x Halle's new album 'Ungodly Hour' is on repeat. I'm still in love with Ariana Grande's 'Thank U, Next' album. My new favorite new artist during quarantine is Snoh Aalegra. But Beyonce & Drake are always my go-to's.
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