Anjelika Washington Is A Hero In The Making
CW these days seems to be the place to go for your superhero needs, and their new show Stargirl, premiering May 11th, is no exception! As a superhero fan myself, I know I’m excited to see another show that focuses more on the female superheroes in the DC world. I’m particularly interested in seeing Anjelika Washington’s character, Beth Chapel (aka Doctor Midnight). This super smart crimefighter can see in the dark and kick butt! Even though night-vision isn’t Anjelika’s first choice for a super power, she is a hero in her own right. When she isn’t gracing our screens, she can be found working with sick kids, and their siblings, at the Children's Hospital of LA. To learn more about this quickly rising star, please read our exclusive interview below.
Where are you based?
I am based in Los Angeles.
How did you get interested in acting? Do you remember the pivotal moment that influenced your career decision?
My mom put me in my first play when I was eight years-old as an outlet because I talked too much in school. I was also obsessed with Disney Channel and wanted to be one of those actors. My pivotal (“this is what I want to do for the rest of my life”) moment was when I played the Magic Carpet in my school’s musical of Aladdin! I literally had one line, “Hop a carpet and fly!” After I said that one line and people laughed, I knew I had to be an actor.
You are currently part of the cast in Lena Waithe’s “Girls Room,” an anthology-style series exploring female adolescence. Can you please tell us a little bit about your character Gloria and the show?
My character Gloria is a great friend who loves everyone exactly as they are... except herself. She goes on a journey with her friends to find self acceptance through self-love. The series is about multiple women of color and their experiences in high school trying to love themselves.
What scenes feel most relatable to your experience as a maturing teen?
For me, the scene in episode 3 of Melba telling Gloria to love herself, and she is perfect the way she is. I relate to that because in my personal life, I am usually like Melba, hyping my friends up and reminding them of how awesome they are... but rarely do I stop to tell myself the same thing. I have definitely been doing more self hype since filming this series and it has had a positive impact on my confidence!
What advice would you give to a young girl trying to cope with the many issues facing adolescents today (i.e. bullying, puberty, sexuality, academics, etc.)?
I would say to try being a friend to yourself. We say such mean things to ourselves that we would never say to our friends. Next time you have a negative thought about yourself, ask yourself if you would say that to your best friend. I bet 9/10 times you wouldn’t or you would find a nice way to say it. We have to be our own friend too.
We are super excited about CW and DC’s Stargirl coming out this May, and your role as Beth Chapel, Doctor Midnight. Can you tell us a bit about your character and how you prepared for her?
I am also so excited for everyone to meet Beth Chapel! Beth is an intelligent, optimistic, bubbly girl who wants to help everyone while also trying to figure out where she belongs. I prepared for Beth episode by episode. There are a lot of technical words she uses in certain situations that I would not normally use, so I had to look up everything to know what I was talking about. It definitely expanded my vocabulary!
Doctor Midnight can see in the dark, which is an awesome superpower. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
I would choose the power to heal, especially during these times of the pandemic. I wish I could put my hand on people and heal them instantly like Jesus.
Dr Mid Nite, your precursor, is one of the oldest superheroes in the DC Universe - actually preceding DC Comics, with appearances in the All American Comics anthology. Are you currently reading any books or comics? Do you have a specific character or story that inspires you?
I am definitely most inspired by Beth Chapel because I have done most of my research on her. I am not currently reading any comics, but I am watching the other DC/CW series. Right now, I am watching Supergirl and Black Lightening.
Jejune loves that you work with the Children's Hospital of LA? How did you get connected to working with this hospital and sick kids?
I have always loved volunteering to help kids! One of my acting coaches started The Elizabeth A. MacDonald Charitable Foundation (EAMF) and she invited me to help with a makeover for a child going through chemo. My job was to just show up, be positive, talk to them, and make the child laugh. It was such a great experience I decided to volunteer for years. I eventually became the host for all events.
On top of working with sick kids, you also arrange special opportunities for the siblings of terminally ill kids. What made you realize that these kids need something special too?
There are many events at the Children’s Hospital for the actual patients. Elizabeth A. McDonald decided to create events dedicated to the siblings of the patients. We call them “Shine on Siblings” events. They are so necessary. Often, the siblings of sick children are neglected (not on purpose, but it just happens), most attention is given to the sick child, and siblings are often forced to stay with other family members. We dedicate an evening a month to pouring love and attention onto them. The results are amazing and refreshing! Kids who come in shy or sad leave the events filled with joy. And that is our goal.
We are in crazy times right now. What are you doing to stay positive during shelter in place?
Honestly, I have been watching things that make me laugh. Outside of watching superheroes fight crime and villains, I have been watching a lot of comedy. My current favorites are Black AF, Bless this Mess, and The Bold Type.
What is your motto in life?
Treat people the way you want to be treated.
To learn more about Anjelika Washington please follow her via the below platforms:
Instagram, Twitter, Tic Tok, Youtube is all @AnjelikaW
Photography by Drea Nicole.
