When Courtney Taylor sat down to chat with Essence GU on Zoom, her infectious energy lit up the screen. The actress and content creator, who hails from Philadelphia, has built a career defined by her versatility. Equally at home in a viral Instagram sketch as she is in roles on Insecure, Abbott Elementary, and now starring in Prime Video’s Ballard, a spin-off of the series Bosch, it’s clear that Courtney embodies creativity and expression.
Her creative roots run deep. Growing up, Taylor’s family had a tradition of putting on Christmas showcases, complete with choreographed performances and music video reenactments. “My dad would organize these shows where we’d revamp The 12 Days of Christmas or mouth the words to a popular song and act out the video,” she says. “I wanted so badly to be in the performance. So we got our jackets on, put our sunglasses on, had our little cousins doing backup, and we performed Christmas in Hollis for our family. We came down the stairs in our little rapper costumes, fully committed. It was the best time.”
That early spark eventually led her to start creating content online, writing and starring in her own sketches. After moving to Los Angeles, she landed her first big TV role as Quoia on Insecure. Originally meant for a three-episode arc, her portrayal of Issa Dee’s hyper-efficient assistant became a fan favorite.
Taylor’s comedic timing is undeniable, and her journey as a content creator has been just as defining as her on-screen roles. From candid Instagram skits to clever TikToks, she’s built an online community by being herself — though she admits her approach has evolved.
“There was a time when I was just yelling into the screen, saying anything, being super open and out there,” she reflects. “Now I think I try to be a lot more clever with my content. I try to talk about what’s happening right now. I used to do a lot of political commentary, and I want to get back into that.”
Content creation has also become a tool for organically amplifying her acting projects. “I’ll do a skit about a show I’m in, like Out of My Mind on Disney, and people will say, ‘Oh my gosh, I forgot you were in that!’ It’s a fun way to remind people of the work I’m doing,” she says.
Still, finding the balance between creativity and professional promotion is a work in progress, Taylor admits. “There are times I’m like I need to make a couple of posts about an event or premiere I went to because I want people to know I’m working — but then I watch reality TV, and then I make a couple of Love Island posts. So, I haven’t found the balance yet, but I do know that I try to make sure that I stay active with my people as much as possible online.”
Promoting her work, especially in such a collaborative industry, hasn’t always come naturally. “I used to doubt myself about asking others to make content with me. I’d think, ‘They’re not gonna want to do a silly video.’ But every time I ask, they’re like, ‘Let’s do it!’ So I’m learning to lean into that more.” She credits actress Danielle Pinnock as a source of inspiration for blending self-promotion with fun. “She’s showing that you can promote your work and still have a good time with it.”
Taylor’s advice to young creatives? “Don’t let thinking you don’t have enough stop you. No camera? Use your phone. No fancy lighting? Find some daylight. There are so many ways to create.”
Courtney also credits mentors like Issa Rae, Quinta Brunson, and Maggie Q for showing her what leadership looks like on set. Watching these industry pioneers up close, she says, was a surreal experience. On Ballard, Taylor says Maggie’s presence made a lasting impact. “She was there every day, giving her all, making sure the entire cast and crew felt seen. She’d organize workouts, team-building activities — that’s the kind of energy I want to carry with me on set.”
There’s been real progress in making space for Black women to thrive in the industry, and while Taylor agrees, she also believes there’s still more work to do. “I don’t want to say that it’s fully encapsulated, because I think we have a lot more work to do for people of color in general. I think we’re missing out on a lot of good stories,” she says.
As for what’s next, Courtney has her eyes set on directing. “I’ve been directing my skits long enough — get me behind a real camera,” she laughs. Taylor has played assistants, close friends, and sisters, but she’s eager to explore new territory. “I’ve been writing heavily, but I will say, in regards to acting, I really want to play a villain. Everyone knows I’m a comedy and drama girl, but I would love to be the bad guy.”
With her ambition and range, it’s clear Courtney Taylor’s future is unfolding on her own terms. In a world that often emphasizes finding a niche, Taylor is carving out space to embrace all of her talents — and thrive in every one.