Atlanta native and actress Bailey Tippen is currently starring in STARZ’ BMF, which follows the story of Black Mafia Family founders Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory and Terry “Southwest T” Flenory and is executively produced by 50 Cent under G-Unit Films and Television. Bailey Tippen plays Kitina “Tina” who was introduced in season 2, with episodes of season 3 currently airing. The show has already received much success, receiving nominations for two Hollywood Music in Media Awards and a Black Reel Award for Outstanding Music Supervision.
Recently, Bailey can also be seen in BET+’s “First Wives Club” as Megan, the rebellious daughter to a senator, and is also known for her role in CW’s “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow”, NBC’s “Constantine”, Fox’s “Sleepy Hollow”, Hallmark channel’s “The Watsons Go to Birmingham”, and WGN America’s “Underground.” She was also a featured actress in COOKING UP CHRISTMAS, one of the three original holiday films the OWN network released during the Christmas season in 2020.
Besides being an actress Bailey Tippen is a singer, dancer, and emerging DJ who hopes to bring further her instructs to working behind the camera as a producer and director.
Hi Bailey! Welcome to OLC! BMF has been a significant success on STARZ. How has playing Kitina “Tina” in the series impacted your career, and what drew you to this role and how did you get the opportunity to audition for it?
I love how Tina’s character allows me to showcase more range in my development as an actress. From her involvement with the world of BMF to her epic stunt skills. This character has really helped me grow into more mature themes in my own career, and making a transition from child actress to a young adult actress. What drew me into this role was definitely the storyline. It was a show that was so easy to watch and the themes of family and dedication felt even easier to relate to. I binged the whole season in a couple of hours upon receiving the audition. Despite Tina and I coming from two different worlds, I was able to really connect with her sense of character like no other. Tina is young, but well beyond her years mentally. She moves through mature settings and situations with ease. She’s wise, stylish, fierce, and a true team player at heart, always sticking by Meech’s side to protect his mission. I received the audition from my agents and the rest was history!
You have an extensive background in various TV shows and films, including “First Wives Club,” “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow,” and “Underground.” How do you approach the diversity of roles you’ve played?
Each character is different from the next, but their goals all remain the same: to win their objective. I approach the diversity of roles by understanding the character’s world first and then finding the persona that I can resonate with in any role I take on! It can be a challenge, but this is also the fun part.
As someone who started acting at a young age, how have your experiences in the industry shaped your approach to your craft today?
I feel that the gradual steps into the industry extended me an opportunity to develop who I was and how I wanted to show up. Working alongside impressive people very young gave me insight into how the business ran. It helped me see who had great work ethic and what qualities to develop. I took every experience as an opportunity to grow.
You’re also a singer, dancer, and emerging DJ. How do these other talents influence your acting, and how do you balance all these different aspects of your career?
I love staying creative so It’s very simple to balance. They all require rhythm and finding the flow in whatever you put your mind to. I try finding that in every aspect of my life, and with acting, I feel it gives me more strength in my capabilities having those talents in my back pocket.
You’ve expressed an interest in working behind the camera as a producer and director. What kind of stories do you hope to tell, and what inspires you in this new direction?
Stories that are inspiring, fresh, and exciting! I’d love to tell a story that moves people.
Fashion is another passion of yours. How do designers like Kimora Lee Simmons, Betsey Johnson, and Rihanna influence your personal style and your work in the entertainment industry?
Growing up I admired their attitudes towards fashion. They all taught me to make bold choices in my own style. They exemplify the go big or go home personas through their ideas and willingness to take risks and show up authentically in their fashion choices. I feel like fashion gives me another opportunity to show exactly how I feel. It’s always my favorite way to feel more into a role and set the tone of how a character is portrayed.
You’ve worked with several well-known networks, including FOX, NBC, and the Hallmark Channel. What have been some of your most memorable experiences working on these various projects?
It’s always the fun behind the scenes and bonding with the cast and crew From the conversations and jokes, to dance routines, or crafty. I won’t ever forget the time I heard Jill Scott sing on set or teaching Lil Baby a dance routine for a TikTok.
Who are some of the actors and actresses you admire and hope to work with in the future, and why do they inspire you?
I hope I can work with Angela Basset, Halle Berry & Viola Davis. I’m so inspired by their wisdom from the industry and how dedicated they are to the craft.
With BMF renewed for a fourth season even before the third season premiered, what can fans expect from Tina’s character development in the upcoming episodes?
You’ll have to tune in to find out!
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
