Interview by Paul Salfen
DOUBLE LIFE is now available on digital and on demand.
SYNOPSIS: A grieving widow learns from her late husband’s mistress that his death was no accident. The two women will form an unlikely alliance to uncover the truth behind his murder and unmask the man they both loved.
Javicia Leslie is an actress, visionary and philanthropist committed to making her mark on the world. She is best known for her reign over Gotham City as Ryan Wilder in D.C.’s “Batwoman”. Her casting made global history as the first bisexual Black actress to portray Batwoman. Since her debut in 2019, she has quickly become recognized as one of young Hollywood’s most heralded stars and was featured on The Hollywood Reporter’s highly coveted “Next Big Thing” list.
Raised in a military household, the young star knew at an early age that television and film were her destiny. It was her parents that stirred up her gift of the arts and theater by encouraging her to enroll in classes that challenged and inspired her to dive deeper into the craft. During her time at the illustrious Historically Black Hampton University, her love for performing was nurtured and put on full display. While attending Hampton she appeared in several productions including “Seven Guitars”, “For Colored Girls”, and “Chicago”. After graduating, she followed her passions of servicing military families in Washington D.C. while simultaneously producing stage productions and hosting live shows.
Leslie’s lead television roles include CBS’ #1 drama, “God Friended Me,” the beloved CBS “MacGyver” reboot and BET’s #1 drama series “The Family Business.” She is the lead in the hilarious comedy Feature Film, “Always a Bridesmaid” penned by NAACP-nominated Yvette Nicole Brown.
As a true artist and storyteller Javicia directed two short films in 2021, the award-winning “Black Excellence” and “Howl”. “Ascension”, her latest short in 2023 she stars in and is also a Producer.
Javicia filmed the holiday Rom Com “Something From Tiffany’s” which was released in late 2022 and landed in the top 5 on Amazon Prime. In 2023 she plays the lead role as Jo Czeuzot in “Double Life” for Paramount and Lighthouse Pictures directed by Martin Wood. Also in 2023 she returns to the Arrowverse in her role as Batwoman on the last season of “The Flash” in a recurring arc.
Always committed to living a purpose and spirit driven life, she founded The Chandler Foundation to serve the brightest young stars in the Prince George community. The Chandler Foundation produces an annual back to school celebration that provides students with backpacks, school supplies and haircuts to mark the new school year. She continues to work tirelessly to provide underserved youth with access to athletic resources, enrichment programs and improving the quality of life of young people. It is her ultimate passion to provide children with the space and freedom to follow their dreams at their fullest capacity. When she is not in production she spends her free time gardening in her backyard oasis in Los Angeles gathering healthy vegan recipes, working out, and spending time with her Black Lab Mix, Judah, which she rescued in 2018.
