Notlim Taylor Talks New Show, Marlon, Making Change, & Anti-Bullying Advocating
Notlim Taylor is a fifteen-year-old actress who is already dominating the spotlight in her own right. Wise beyond her years and undeniably gifted, this California-bred newcomer is certainly on the rise, noted for her impressive catalog of television and film appearances, such as ABC‘s award-winning comedy series, Black-ish and Nickelodeon’s Instant Mom. If you don’t know her name, by now, we’d definitely suggest that you get acquainted. Notlim Taylor is gracefully navigating her way through Hollywood, becoming one of the new generation’s most prized young stars. Without a doubt, we can assure that you haven’t seen the last of her yet.
Introduced to the world of entertainment by her father—a budding actor, himself, Taylor began learning the ropes of the business early on in life. Commercials, modeling, school plays… Taylor was made for the center stage. As she continued to seek guidance from her father, she became more indulged into the acting arts, eventually leading her to her breakout role. In 2013, Taylor made her television debut, portraying the recurring character ‘Lola’ on the critically acclaimed BET original comedy series, Real Husbands of Hollywood. Since then, things have only been going up for the youngster. From her first film, Grace Stirs Up Success—based on the American Girl doll franchise, in 2015, to a variety of guest starring roles, this young lady is steadily taking her career to new heights.
A writer, a singer, a performer, and an advocate, Notlim Taylor continues to shine.
Her latest role happens to be in Marlon Wayans’ new primetime sitcom, Marlon. Taylor portrays the oh-so-quick-witted ‘Marley Wayne’, ‘a 4.0 student who relates to the calm, composed nature of her mother in contrast to the crazy, larger-than-life personality of her father.’
Catch Marlon Wednesdays, at 9/8c on NBC!
Check out our exclusive interview with Notlim Taylor as we discuss her role on Marlon, her aspirations to leave a positive impact, and more…
Parlé Mag: So, let’s jump straight into your latest character, ‘Marley Wayne’, in the new comedy series Marlon, which premiered in August. Tell us a little bit about your audition process for this role.
Notlim Taylor: It was a very long process! I went in several times with different actors, and then, as we kept going in, later on, I auditioned with Amir O’Neil—who’s, now, my co-star. I kept reading with him, kept reading with him, and they were like, “Okay! Let’s see what happens.”, and then we got it! We booked it.
Parlé Mag: Marlon Wayans, and the whole Wayans family, in general, are definitely pioneers in the world of acting, comedy, and entertainment, overall. So, how was it, being able to work alongside someone of such high caliber? Is Marlon Wayans as funny off set as he is on set?
Notlim Taylor: I love working with Marlon! He’s really funny and crazy, but he can be very professional, at the same time. What made it easier to transition into the comedic atmosphere was my dad, because my dad is always cracking jokes—just like Marlon. These two are so alike, I mean, I swear. They crack jokes; they’re not afraid to say what’s on their mind. It also made it easier for me to work with [Marlon] because he made the set environment so comfortable for me.
Parlé Mag: Nice! So, I take it as, aside from the character, he kind of played the role of another father figure to you, behind the scenes, while on set, as well?
Notlim Taylor: Yeah, he’s a really big inspiration! He’s such a hard worker, and he’s such a helper. He put a lot of love and hard work into the show, so I hope everyone reading watches because it’s going to be crazy! You don’t know what he’s going to do next! [laughs]
Parlé Mag: What did you enjoy most about portraying your character, ‘Marley Wayne’?
Notlim Taylor: I think my favorite thing about my character is how we’re so alike. It’s crazy because she has a little brother, and he’s annoying, too. [laughs]
Parlé Mag: [laughs]
Notlim Taylor: You know, all little brothers and sisters fight, but they can’t live without each other! It’s been an amazing experience, though. I think just being able to work with this amazing cast and crew is what made me so happy and so enthusiastic about working on set and coming to work so happy every day. They kept me going every day; whenever I was tired, they would come up to me and give me a big hug, and I would be fine!
Parlé Mag: I know that had to make work all the more enjoyable!
Notlim Taylor: Yes!
Parlé Mag: So, why do you think it will be important for younger viewers to tune into Marlon?
Notlim Taylor: There are two kids on the show, which happens to be my character and my co-star’s [Amir O’Neil] character. I feel like the issues that they face and the challenges that they face in school, back home, and with their personal issues, there are others, who may be watching at home, going through the same things. This show also teaches you that you could put a positive outlook on divorce, rather than a negative outlook on divorce. You know?
Parlé Mag: Right.
Notlim Taylor: We’re doing divorce the Marlon way! [laughs] It’s different because he’s a bit crazy and, when it comes to his kids, he’ll do anything to protect his kids. No matter how overprotective or crazy it might seem, he loves his family and his kids so much. He wants to keep the family together. As the season continues, you’ll notice that the relationship between the parents and kids grows even stronger.
Parlé Mag: We definitely can’t wait to tune in!
Notlim Taylor: Thank you! Yeah, I’m really excited for it.
Parlé Mag: To be as young as you are and already hopping into these bigger roles, it’s truly amazing. As a young, rising actress, how do you hope to be represented in Hollywood through your work?
Notlim Taylor: Of course, I want to use my voice to support kids and talk about the issues that are important to me, but I really want to speak to someone, and I really want to get through to them. Like, ‘this is what you can do, and you can start changing the world, just by speaking up, just by getting your face out there, just by encouraging other people—collaborating with other people.’ I really want to do something, and I’m trying to use this position to my advantage. So, when I have the opportunity to speak out and to attend events where I can talk to kids and talk to teenagers, I am going to do so with so much heart and joy! I really want to get through to people, you know, my message and what I believe in. I want to support people who can’t support themselves; I want to speak up for people who can’t speak up for themselves or who are afraid to. I want to make a big difference in this world; I want to see change in my generation.
Parlé Mag: I love that! Great things are ahead for you!
Notlim Taylor: Thank you!
Parlé Mag: Of course! In such a competitive industry like entertainment, confidence in yourself and your work is extremely crucial to have. There are always people who may be a step ahead. So, how do you stay focused on your own craft without letting the pressures of being better than the next person affect you?
Notlim Taylor: I really don’t look at acting or anything, in general, as competition. I don’t feel like there is a competition because as long as you focus on you and what you’re supposed to be doing, and your goals and priorities, you’re fine. That’s how I look at it! My dad’s always got my back; he’s been a big influence in my acting career because he’s the one who got us into the business. My brother and I used to watch him act and rehearse all the time, so he’s just a big inspiration in our lives. I owe it to my dad for everything that he’s done and the position that I’m in now. I don’t really let anything bother me. I stay focused, and that’s the main thing, whether you’re trying to be an actor or a singer, or whatever. You have to stay focused, no matter what career you’re trying to achieve.
Parlé Mag: I agree! Does it ever get challenging, balancing school, your career, and also having time to just be Notlim? If so, how do you navigate through those trying times?
Notlim Taylor: Um, honestly, it’s not really hard to because, as long as I can remember, my mom and dad have always pushed me to be able to multi-task and to be able to handle big responsibilities, as young as I am and I was. So, they really pushed me, and they tell me, “Don’t freak out because the more you freak out, the worse it’ll get.” I stay focused, and I make sure I get everything that I’m supposed to get done. I stay ahead in school; I get all of my reading done and everything. I have time to relax. I try to make sure that I relax. I don’t do a lot of partying, so that’s one thing that doesn’t take up my time!
Parlé Mag: So, what do you do in your free time? When you’re not on set or anything, what do you like to do?
Notlim Taylor: I have a Frenchie, and he’s ten months old, so I play with him all the time.
Parlé Mag: Awww!
Notlim Taylor: He needs constant attention because he loves attention. It’s crazy! And, I read because I’m a bookworm; I’m like a nerdy bookworm. I love writing, so sometimes I’ll write stuff. I just go on my computer and research stuff when I’m bored, honestly. ‘Okay, I have nothing to do; let me educate myself.’ [laughs]
Parlé Mag: That’s the best way to do it!
Notlim Taylor: Yeah!
Parlé Mag: One of the things that I find interesting about you is that you’re an advocate for anti-bullying. Were you bullied as a child?
Notlim Taylor: No, I wasn’t. Surprisingly, I’ve heard more stories about actors and how they have been bullied. I haven’t been bullied. I have faced situations where I would have girls talk about my hair and what’s wrong with my hair and ‘why is it so oily?’ They would call me names because my hair was so oily, and it was so curly. I was really only the black girl in my class. I can’t associate that as bullying, to me, because that’s their opinion; I don’t see that as bullying. I’m like, ‘Okay, that’s your opinion. I’m moving on. I’m moving forward. It’s okay!’ [laughs]
Parlé Mag: What message would you send to those who may have been victims of bullying?
Notlim Taylor: Bullies, most of the time, they’ll say they’ll do something, but, when the time comes, they won’t actually do it. But, if you are being physically abused or hurt, in any kind of way, or verbally abused, or over the computer—if they’re talking bad about you, don’t pay attention to that. You have to stay focused on who you are and who you want to be and your goals and your school work. If you’re an adult, don’t focus on it either. I feel like this applies to everyone, no matter how old or how young. You have to just stay focused on you; you can’t worry about anybody else. If they are bullying you, that’s their problem. They just can’t get enough of you, obviously!
Parlé Mag: [laughs] That is so true! So, aside from acting, you’re also a vocalist and a writer. Do you have any special projects that you’re working on or hope to bring to life anytime soon?
Notlim Taylor: One day, I hope to bring out some music, some albums, maybe. I am thinking of ideas for maybe if I did do something like that. I might come out with some covers of just some songs on YouTube. So, you guys can follow me on YouTube at NotlimTaylor. But, you know, I’m just going to see what’s going to happen and see how my voice grows and how I grow as an artist and as an actress.
Parlé Mag: That is awesome, Notlim! It’s such a refreshing feeling to see someone as young as you are who are doing amazing things.
Notlim Taylor: Thank you! Thank you so much.
Stay up-to-date with Notlim Taylor on social media:
Twitter: @NotlimTaylor
Instagram: @NotlimTaylor