ALIYAH TURNER — A BOOK OF MAGAZINE

Meet ALIYAH TURNER, a force to be reckoned with both on and off the screen. With a captivating blend of talent, dedication, and a laid-back demeanor shaped by her Northern California upbringing, Aliyah is making waves in the entertainment industry with her dynamic portrayal of Krystal in "Power Book III: Raising Kanan."

Dive into the world of Aliyah Turner as she shares insights into her journey from the Bay Area to the bright lights of New York City, her transformation into the fierce and fearless Krystal, and her unwavering dedication to self-care amidst the chaos of the entertainment industry. From her memorable moments on set to her aspirations for the future, Aliyah invites you to join her on a journey of passion, purpose, and possibility.

How are you doing, Aliyah? What are you most excited about this year?

Hi! I am doing great, thank you. This year I am most excited to create new experiences in all aspects, including my career and personal life.

You have an impressive background in dance and singing, starting at the age of 3. How do these early experiences influence your approach to acting, especially in a role like Krystal in "Power Book III: Raising Kanan"?

Dancing taught me a level of dedication and discipline at a young age. My teammates and I put in countless hours every day of the week for years to be able to compete and win competitions. This, along with martial arts, shaped my work ethic and helped me to be fearless in my approach to anything in life. These qualities definitely help in acting by allowing me to zero in on characters and put in the work to bring them to life.

Growing up in the Bay Area, how has your Northern California upbringing shaped your personality and work ethic as an actress in the competitive entertainment industry?

The Bay Area is a very diverse and chill place to grow up. I would say it definitely contributed to my more laid-back personality. My work ethic was instilled in me by my family. They supported me in my artistic passions and encouraged me to be the best I could.

Your character Krystal in "Power Book III: Raising Kanan" is described as a primped and pompous queen bee from the Bronx. How do you relate to or differ from Krystal in your own life, and what aspects of her character did you find most challenging to portray?

I relate to Krystal in so many ways. She is passionate, fierce, hardworking, and powerful. These are qualities I strive to achieve. However, she can be aggressive! I love that she fearlessly goes after what she wants, but her attitude can get her in trouble. That’s what makes her such a fun character to play; she says and does things that I wouldn’t.

In addition to acting, you're involved in various forms of physical and mental wellness, including yoga, lifting, martial arts, and meditation. How do these activities contribute to your overall well-being, and do they impact your approach to acting and performing?

Practicing wellness for me is a way of self-regulation. I try to stay in alignment, mind, body, and spirit. Yoga and working out help me feel good physically; meditation helps me spiritually, and practices like affirmations help me to stay positive mentally.

Being mindful with making sure I feel healthy in these ways keeps me grounded in my overall well-being and makes it easy for me to peacefully step out of myself and into a character.

"Power Book III: Raising Kanan" involves a mix of intense emotions and high stakes. How do you personally navigate the emotional depth of your roles, and what techniques do you use to connect with the emotions of your characters?

I think as an actor, it's my job to understand my character on the deepest emotional level possible. I do the work to understand why they say what they say, do what they do, and all the factors that influenced them to become who they are. Once these truths are uncovered, it’s easier to navigate the emotional depth of a character.

As a triple threat with skills in acting, singing, and dancing, how do you find balance in showcasing each of these talents, especially in a dynamic role like Krystal?

I grew up practicing singing, dancing, and acting in musical theater, so I think balancing the three comes naturally. The dynamic combination adds a layer of creativity to a character that is so fun to bring out. I am thrilled when I get to play characters like Krystal who are artistically inclined because it’s a way I can relate to them.

What sparked your interest in making your debut in "Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G," and how did that experience shape your career trajectory?

Unsolved was about two icons, Biggie and Tupac. That was enough to spark my interest to audition. It was such a cool experience to step into a character who was a real person, Ayanna Jackson. My experience with the show just deepened my understanding that storytelling is what I’m meant to do and motivated me to continue to audition for larger roles.

With your background in musical theater and formal training at UCLA's School of Theater, Film, and Television, how do you think your education has influenced your approach to acting and performing on screen?

UCLA helped to groom me into a more mature actor. The roles that I played required me to dig deep. During that time, I was also heavily involved in film classes outside of college. The knowledge that I gained from the two mediums together really influenced my approach to acting.

New York is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. How has your experience been exploring the city, and do you find inspiration from the city's atmosphere for your acting roles?

My experience in New York has been pretty adventurous so far. There is so much to explore in terms of museums, restaurants, nightlife, etc. I’m going on my second year here, and one of my favorite activities is to visit jazz bars and speakeasies.

I am from California, so living in New York, I’m grateful for the inspiration I come across that helps me better play Krystal, a diva from the Bronx.

"Power Book III: Raising Kanan" is set in Southside Jamaica, Queens. How did you prepare to authentically portray the Bronx culture and environment, and did you draw on any personal experiences to enhance your performance?

At her core, Krystal is a queen bee. She doesn’t take crap from anyone. I feel like a lot of female icons in modern society are that way. I found inspiration in different artists, created Krystal’s background story, and added in my own flair. Although I don’t consider myself a diva, I grew up in competitive dance and theater which provided me with plenty of experiences to draw from.

Having started your journey at a young age, what challenges did you face in the entertainment industry, and how did you overcome them to secure significant roles like Krystal in "Power Book III: Raising Kanan"?

A significant challenge I’ve overcome is the waiting game. As an actor, there have been times where I’ve come devastatingly close to booking a role I thought was perfect for me at the time. I’ve learned over the years that what’s meant for me will find me. If I allowed disappointment or rejection to discourage me, I would have never made it to the other side where I’m now living my dreams.

Your character, Krystal, is described as someone who will do whatever it takes to steal the spotlight. How do you personally handle the pressures and expectations that come with being in the spotlight in the entertainment industry?

I use my wellness routines to keep me grounded. I also have a great supportive village who I know I can trust.

Can you share a memorable moment or experience from the set of "Power Book III: Raising Kanan" that had a lasting impact on you, either personally or professionally?

Krystal’s storyline originates from the all-girl 90s group, BUTTA in season 3 of "Power Book III: Raising Kanan. We had the opportunity to record three songs at Quad Studios NYC, and it was a great experience. It was nice to make music and memories that we’ll always carry. Our songs are out on all platforms, and that’s special for me.

Balancing a blossoming career and personal wellness projects, what self-care rituals do you prioritize to maintain a healthy work-life balance, especially during demanding filming schedules?

Self-care is essential! I love coming home from filming and taking a hot bath, lighting candles, or listening to smooth jazz. I hang out with friends and continue to explore NYC for a healthy work-life balance.

Looking ahead, are there specific types of roles or genres you aspire to explore in the future, and how do you envision your career evolving in the coming years?

I want to play roles that tell important stories. My goal is to make an impact through my storytelling. While I envision a career spanning various genres in TV and film, one specific genre that excites me is the idea of acting in a psychological thriller.

If you were a book, what book would you be and why? .

As a book, I would fall into one of two categories: either a self-help guide focused on enhancing self-love and regulation or a compelling murder mystery thriller. Honestly, there's no middle ground for me, as these are the only types of books I find myself obsessed with these days.