"My Moments Are Many Because I Believe on This Career Path, You'll Need Many Reminders and Encouragers to Go for Your Dreams Day In and Day Out." - Joy Brunson
Joy Brunson is an actress that has long captured my attention. Her personal approach to storytelling transcends the screen and pulls you into her craft. I first witnessed this ability in her nuanced portrayal as Shauna in ‘This Is Us’, a performance so intriguing that I knew I wanted to interview her for Linger Magazine. Time passed and my to-do list grew, as our team spent most of 2024 in a rebranding overhaul. With my calendar filled with strategy meetings and partnership negotiations, I couldn’t make it happen, so I planned to get it done in 2025. When her publicist presented me with the opportunity, it felt like more than mere coincidence. The stars seemed to align with a greater purpose, revealing that some stories are worth waiting for.
When Joy and I finally connect, her warmth immediately fills our conversation. She begins by expressing her appreciation for being featured in Linger. Her voice carries a melodic warmth that instantly puts me at ease. Joy’s passion for the arts is clear as she discusses her latest role in the psychological thriller ‘Both Eyes Open.’ She plays Cara, a seemingly friendly face who befriends the film’s protagonist Ally. The film delves into a complex territory that keeps audiences guessing. A soft laugh punctuates her words as she mentions working alongside her close friend Gail Bean, who plays Ally.
“Both Eyes Open is a psychological thriller about a woman named Ally who works hard to rebuild her life after an abusive relationship,” Joy explains. “I play Cara, a new friend of Ally’s that might be seeking more than just a friendship.” She explains an intriguing layer to her portrayal of such a potentially manipulative character. “As actors, we’re taught to never judge our character. To me, Cara has her reasons for making the choices that she does—reasons revealed over the course of the film.” Embracing the complexity of the role, Joy notes that it gave her “a lot more time and dialogue to play with,” allowing her to “build the character’s arcs that will keep the audience guessing.”
A passionate performer, Joy shares her dedication to building a place for talent to grow and thrive. She founded The Joy of Acting Studio in Los Angeles as more than just an acting school—but a creative safe haven she once sought for herself. “I have always wanted to create the acting studio that I wish I had when I first started—and even now!” she shares with characteristic enthusiasm. “The Joy of Acting was created for the artists who care deeply about their craft and have a strong desire to grow.” Her teaching philosophy is refreshingly straightforward. “I want to help you get out of your own way,” she shares with every new class, “so that you can make choices and decisions that are surprising and interesting to watch.”
Joy’s artistic soul shines through in her attraction to complex characters. Asked whether she’d rather play a superhero or supervillain, she answers without missing a beat, her voice taking on a playful tone. “Supervillain, definitely. Simply because you get a backstory on how they became a villain, and often we get to see them strive to overcome their afflictions. It can be really dynamic to play a character that has a longer way to go than our protagonist.”
Reframing Representation Through Film
Joy speaks excitedly when sharing about her latest venture, the Black Girls Cinema Club (BGCC) launching in Summer 2025. “Black Girls Cinema Club is a social film club for Black girls and those who love Black girls,” she explains. The concept goes beyond traditional film screenings, creating a unique educational and social experience. “Our events feature films that center around the Black womyn’s (sic) experience and are followed by a talkback with both an academic and an industry insider to discuss emerging themes from the film.” It is evident that the true intention behind BGCC is Joy’s commitment to meaningful representation and critical engagement. What inspired her to create this innovative project is simple. “Our goal is to educate, entertain and encourage Black womyn (sic) to challenge and question the ways in which they are represented on screen.” This initiative seamlessly connects to her academic background in Women’s Studies from Spelman College and influences her approach to choosing and developing characters.
I asked Joy about the moments that linger and continue to shape her path forward, and Joy’s responds reflectively. “My moments are many because I believe on this career path, you’ll need many reminders and encouragers to go for your dream’s day in and day out. Moments shared with my artistic community, moments shared in nature, and moments reflecting on how far I’ve already come and being excited for what is yet to come.”
From acting in psychological thrillers to nurturing the next generation of artists and cinephiles, Joy Brunson demonstrates that success isn’t just about being in front of the camera—it’s about creating spaces where others can thrive. As she moves between her roles as actress, mentor, and founder, she continues to challenge both herself and industry norms. With ‘Both Eyes Open’ set to showcase her range as an actor (open now at select AMC Theatres), The Joy of Acting Studio shaping emerging talents, and Black Girls Cinema Club preparing to launch in Summer 2025, Joy proves that when you keep both eyes open to possibility, the view ahead is limitless. Like that long-awaited interview that finally aligned with perfect timing, Joy Brunson reminds us that some stories—and storytellers—are worth the wait.
Share this:
