By Andrew Cristi
For almost a decade, the juggernaut hit “Suits” dominated the airwaves as a game-changer for USA as part of an influx of scripted shows that would eventually lead to every network trying to also get a piece of the pie. Now, nine seasons later, the beloved series got ready to say goodbye- but not without welcoming Katherine Heigl to the show, watching Meghan Markle bid farewell to turn into a princess, and pave the way for a successful spin-off; “Pearson,” which has been equally as adored by fans and critics alike. But, while the new legal drama shares many similarities with its juicy predecessor, this installment of the franchise is really its own entity due to the emphasis on strong women, the more honest and benevolent tone, and the gripping and reality-based side stories outside all the politics- particularly in the case of Jessica Pearson’s cousin Angela, played superbly by swiftly rising star; Chantel Riley.
Tackling issues somewhat unfamiliar to “Suits,” Pearson’s story is more centered on the dichotomy of a power-player female and the moral compass she seems to be developing, and whether or not her denial of that moral compass makes her truly in the wrong, or doing what she has to in order to get ahead- and Riley’s untrusting character is the perfect contrast for that journey. A single mother working as a nursing assistant to support her two children, and a dedicated member of the tough Chicago community, Angela is the blue-collar mirror of her cousin, and an equally relatable mirror for many working women of the world. The relationship between these two tell a much larger story of social constructs, feminism, social classes, righteousness, and family, and both Riley and Torres are lighting up the screen with their talent and chemistry as they dive right in to the meaty stories written for them.
But, it should come as no surprise that the native Canadian can attract attention from audiences- especially seeming as though in just these past two whirlwind years, she has already scored major roles on three different successful shows. From “Wynona Earp,” to “Frankie Drake Mysteries,” and now with “Pearson,” Riley has proven to be a force to be reckoned with on screen with a major ability to steal a scene, and it’s no real surprise that she continuously keeps getting booked. A seriously strong performer with clearly a very diverse range, the talented artist has in such a short time already conquered every genre from mystery, to fantasy, to grounded drama- immediately breaking free of any thoughts of pigeonholing in two short years, which is something most actors fail to do in a lifetime.
And if all that’s not enough to fall in love with the “Pearson” beauty, she also is a major fan-girl! Not only has Riley already been nominated for a BTVA Award for her work voicing Layla Hassan in “Assassins Creed: Origins,” her dream role is to be part of the ever expanding Marvel Universe! And, having already played Nala in Germany and on Broadway in “The Lion King,” the gifted actress is clearly familiar with the Disney parent company, and would certainly be a warmly welcomed addition to their superhero world.
Talented and versatile, clearly hard-working, and as beautiful as can be, it’s easy to see why Riley keeps rising on the star meter as she consistently makes a name for herself all over Tinsel Town, and with a strong dedication toward building schools and helping to provide education to children outside the mainland in Nigeria, the well-traveled and benevolent actress seems very worthy of the platform she is swiftly attaining. With “Pearson” already a bona fide hit, two other huge shows under her belt, and plenty more undoubtedly on the way, Wingman knew we had to sit down with the USA star and talk all about her hot new show, her skyrocketing career, and her work overseas. Read on to see what Riley had to say!
WINGMAN: So, “Pearson” has really fulfilled its destiny as far as being a hit worthy of carrying on the “Suits” legacy. Were you a fan of “Suits” before getting the role?
CHANTEL RILEY: I don’t get to watch much TV, but I did have a chance to catch wind of a couple episodes of “Suits,” especially when my best friend kept telling me she thought Gina and I could be related. Now here we are!
WINGMAN: What particularly drew you to the character of Angela?
RILEY: What I liked about Angela was that she was someone I’ve never played before. She’s a fighter, complex, and has a lot at stake. Angela is a single mother living in the South Side of Chicago with a dream of getting her family out and giving them the life they deserved. It’s a story of many women in the world, so I was looking forward to getting a chance at telling the same story from Angela’s point of view.
WINGMAN: You also get to work with Gina Torres- she’s been a bit of an inspiration for you, correct?
RILEY: Working with Gina has been a dream. To see an Afro -Cuban woman take the lead in front and behind the cameras (as an Executive Producer) is very inspiring. I’ve definitely taken some notes from her.
WINGMAN: This has really been a huge year for you. Not only do you have “Pearson,” you also work on “The Frankie Drake Mysteries.” It must be exciting to do a period piece like that and play in the 20’s, right?
RILEY: Working on Frankie is a ton of fun. Not only do I get to wear cool costumes, hair, makeup, and be as though I have been teleported into the 20s because of our awesome Set Designers and crew, but I also get to work with an incredible cast of women like Lauren Lee Smith, Rebecca Liddiard, and Sharron Matthews all summer long. Not a day goes by that we aren’t laughing our heads off. Thank God for them.
WINGMAN: You also acted on fan-favorite cult series “Wynonna Earp,” as well. You’re a major fan of things like X-men, right? Being a part of a fantasy show like that must have been a dream come true! Are you particularly drawn to action, sci-fi, and fantasy?
RILEY: Working on “Wynonna Earp” was so dope! I got to play a glammed up, Tarot Card reading Vampire! I love the sci-fi / fantasy genre because you literally get to do whatever you want. Nothing is impossible in the sci-fi world so there’s this sense of “no holds barred.” I love action as well. I grew up reading mangas and comics, and watching Anime and shows like Power Rangers and X – Men. Being a part of the Marvel Universe has always been a dream of mine, so hopefully one day that dream will come true.
WINGMAN: You also were nominated for a BTVA award for “Assassins Creed: Origins.” Are you a huge gamer?
RILEY: Working on “Assassins Creed” has given me a new appreciation for video games. I played my fair share of Super Mario, Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter and Sonic, just to name a few. I don’t think it’s enough to call myself a gamer though. I’ve seen gamers, the dedication is surreal! I will say though, that I enjoy watching people play. I especially like watching my brother play Metal Gear Solid. It’s so intense, it gives me anxiety! Snake….Snaaaaaakkeee!
WINGMAN: You also do a lot of traveling, and have partnered with the Khan foundation. Tell fans a bit about your work with that organization.
RILEY: Safe to say I am addicted to traveling. One of the best things about travel is the people you get to meet. On one of my trips to Nigeria, I got to visit a community called Makoko. Makoko is essentially like Venice, a city built on water however, it is considered to be the slums of Nigeria. The Khan Foundation has dedicated it’s time to raising money to build schools in this community and provide education for the thousands of children who are not able to get to the mainland to get it. While volunteering at one of the schools that the foundation built, I knew I had to do something. I decided to start a partnership to help the organization earlier this year and start a GoFundMe (https://www.gofundme.com/f/khan-foundation?rcid=r01-156942694602-a1d7e2dfec6f461c&pc=ot_co_campmgmt_w)with efforts of raising funds and building more schools. I am so happy to say that school #3 just opened in mid September welcoming about 150 new students.
WINGMAN: You are certainly a star on the rise. Who else would you love to work with, and what other types of roles would you love to play?
RILEY: I would love to work with other artists like Viola Davis, Ava DuVernay, Meryl Streep, Ryan Coogler. I would love to play a Super Hero. Being a part of the Marvel Universe has always been a dream of mine, so I am patiently waiting for my dream to come true.
Riley joining the Marvel universe? Certainly sounds like a dream come true!
Mike McCarthy