Millan Tesfazgi

How did you approach portraying Sasha’s evolution from a young, wild mom to a compassionate and mature woman in Mary J. Blige’s Family Affair?

Through Sasha’s character development, I found the transition from a young, wild mom to a mature, compassionate mother to be enjoyable.

I realized that her compassion was what facilitated her maturity. By making room for other situations and being there for her family, she was able to understand people on a deeper level, which ultimately contributed to her growth.

What was it like working on a project executive produced by Mary J. Blige, and how did her influence shape the series?

Incredible! I grew up listening to Mary J. Blige, and being part of her projects has been an amazing experience. She is a legend.

Sasha’s relationship with her sister Kendra is a key part of the story. How did you prepare to bring that sisterly bond to life on screen?

I believe the key aspect was connecting with the actress playing my sister. We were able to establish our own bond off-screen, which allowed us to convey a more authentic on-screen connection for the audience.

Across the three-part series, Sasha goes through significant personal growth. Was there a moment in her journey that resonated with you personally?

I think the part where Sasha wants to do better for her daughter is significant. In life, we are constantly striving to improve for the people around us, but it’s also important to make room for growth and acknowledge all of our accomplishments along the way.

From playing Cami in Siren to Skyler in Sight Unseen, you’ve portrayed a wide variety of characters. How do you choose roles, and what attracts you to complex, multi-layered characters?

I feel like the roles choose me, and that’s the beauty of it. When you audition for a character, you never really know what to expect, and sometimes you’re surprised. Something that seems so far from who you are can end up being the role you convey the best.

What was the most challenging scene to film in Mary J. Blige’s Family Affair, and how did you overcome it?

I can’t speak for “Family Affair” just yet, but for “Real Love,” I will say that the scene in the kitchen, where Sasha notices something is wrong with Kendra, stands out to me. Sasha could tell that Kendra was hiding something. It was tough for her to see someone she loves in emotional pain, but it was also beautiful to witness the love between the two sisters.

Jasmine in Wild Cards is a very different character. How do you balance the contrast between roles like Sasha and Jasmine?

I always say that the environment and the people you work with play a significant role in helping you tap into the character you’re portraying. Since both characters are very different, I believe that actually made it easier.

You mentioned knowing you wanted to be an actor at the age of four. How did growing up in Edmonton shape your journey toward becoming an actress?

Growing up in Edmonton and aspiring to be an actor was definitely an interesting experience. I had to become more creative and curious in finding ways to pursue my passion, which has equipped me with the tools to navigate my journey now.

What advice would you give to young actors who aspire to take on such dynamic roles in their careers?

Keep pushing forward. Work hard, but also allow yourself to maintain balance and enjoy life. Life truly is the best teacher, and as an artist, the more life experience you have, the more tools you’ll possess as an actor.

Looking ahead, what kinds of stories or characters are you most excited to explore next in your career?

I’m excited to explore more roles that either scare me or challenge me. There’s something thrilling about stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things. So, we shall see!