Zazie Beetz graced the digital cover of Essence Magazine in October 2021, spotlighting her rising star power and her role in the Netflix film The Harder They Fall.
In the feature, titled “A Reluctant Star,” she opened up about her journey in the entertainment industry, emphasizing her pursuit of artistic excellence over fame. Styled in bold fall trends like moto-inspired looks, including a standout Moschino Couture gown with faux leather accents, Beetz exuded confidence and edge. The accompanying photoshoot showcased her natural beauty and versatility, aligning with her reputation for bringing depth to characters like Stagecoach Mary, the singing outlaw she portrayed in the all-Black Western.
In her interview with Essence’s Senior Entertainment Editor, Brande Victorian, Beetz reflected on her rapid ascent—highlighted by an Emmy nomination for Atlanta in 2018 and a role in the billion-dollar-grossing Joker in 2019—while grappling with what “arrival” means in today’s fame landscape. She expressed a desire to keep growing as an artist, stating, “There’s a lot more I want to do,” and distancing herself from chasing celebrity status. The feature also tied into her work on The Harder They Fall, which reimagined Black cowboys and cowgirls as central figures, a project that resonated with her creative goals. For more details, the full story and shopping info were available in the September/October 2021 issue of Essence.Zazie Beetz career highlightsBlack Western films
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