In partnership with the Princess Grace Foundation-USA, Monaco Life is proud to present a monthly series spotlighting the lives and artistic work of the Foundation’s remarkable Award winners. This month, writer Kelli Acciardo speaks with award-winning actress, writer, and artist Danielle Deadwyler who has long captivated audiences with her emotionally rich, genre-defying performances.
In 2021, she received a Princess Grace Award for Film, joining a legacy of artists supported by the Foundation founded by Prince Rainier III in memory of Princess Grace of Monaco. Monaco Life caught up with Danielle for an intimate conversation about purpose, beauty, future projects, and what an ideal day in Monaco might look like.
Monaco Life: Congratulations on receiving a Princess Grace Award! Can you share what that moment meant to you?
Danielle Deadwyler: It was a critical moment to define myself as an artist—where I had been and where I was going. These types of recognitions help refine your practice, intellectually and spiritually. It was a big affirmation: a call to continue with rigor and love, and to know that the community you come from is valid and capable of expanding. Being welcomed into this network of extraordinary creators—it was a big “yes, and.”
Princess Grace bridged Hollywood and royalty, glamour and purpose. How does her legacy resonate with your own artistic philosophy?
I think a lot about purpose. Glamour, perhaps, can be redefined as clarified beauty—and beauty, in the words of scholars I admire, is about creating something meaningful out of what is given. That’s what artists do. Every Princess Grace Award winner is working to expand the meaning of vulnerability and humanity. That’s what I strive for in my own work.
You move effortlessly between film, television, and performance art. What draws you to a role regardless of medium?
Intelligence, beauty, and purpose. Complexity of character is essential, and so is the team. My work is always collaborative. Whether it’s an experimental film or a big production, I look for grace and kindness in the creative process. I want to dig into what it means to be human—whether it’s a couple of scenes on The Bear, or a full-blown apocalyptic horror.
You’ve played roles that are deeply layered and emotionally intense. What’s your process for embodying those characters?
It begins with the words. I’m devoted to writers. If I can feel the emotional integrity in the writing, I can find it in myself. I read it and ask: do I feel this in my bones? If I do, then I begin to embody it.
Are there particular roles that have changed you as a person—or ones you still dream of playing?
Definitely. The Bear was a lighter role, but it was such a gift. People often assume I live in dramatic territory, but I come from a jokester spirit. I’m the biggest fool in new ways. That playfulness is necessary—it brings balance and justice to the body after more intense roles. You have to be able to shift.
There are still so many genres I want to explore. I talk a lot about romantic drama and romantic comedy—but it all has to be smart and intentional. I can be soft. I can be a light partner. We just manifested it, so it’s coming.
Your performance in Till was transformative. What did that project teach you?
That was a watershed moment. It merged everything I’d done before into one powerful act of purpose. To embody Mamie Till’s strength and discipline taught me about the rigor of beauty—and how deeply transformative it can be. That performance is a legacy I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
What upcoming projects are you excited about?
There’s a lot in the works. I’m doing an HBO comedy series with Steve Carell, so I’m living in the light now—there’s a shift! I also have projects in post-production like The Saviors with Adam Scott, and a film adaptation of Ann Petry’s The Street. Everything is different, but all of it ties back to community and exploring how we challenge and support one another.
What do you hope your legacy will be, not just as an actor, but as a creative force?
I want to be intentional about what I leave behind and who I reach toward. It’s not just about the work I do—it’s about enabling others to do the same. I taught for years, and I believe in the power of intimate, one-on-one conversations. Art doesn’t have to live on a grand stage. Sometimes the most powerful work happens in small spaces, on the street, or in conversation. That’s part of my legacy: the shadowy spaces matter too.
What advice would you offer to young actors dreaming of a career like yours?
Study the lives of the artists you admire—not just the glamorous parts, but the intimate ones too. And know that you are crafting your own path. You’re not cosplaying as an artist. You’re chiseling your own steps.
If you could imagine a perfect day in Monaco, what would it include?
Just living in the garden. I love nature. To be surrounded by it—especially in Grace’s rose garden—would be a dream.
Follow Danielle Deadwyler on Instagram.
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