Interview with Marianne Jean-Baptiste

Actor, singer, songwriter and director, Marianne Jean-Baptiste was born in London to an Antiguan mother and St Lucian father. Her career took off in Mike Leigh’s 1996 masterpiece Secrets & Lies, for which she received nominations for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress as well as the Golden Globe and BAFTA Award in the same category. Classically trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, she is as comfortable on stage as she is in television series on both sides of the Atlantic, such as her leading roles in Without a Trace and Blindspot or in movies such as Peter Strickland’s In Fabric and 2020’s Fatman with Mel Gibson. The Citizen caught up with Marianne to talk about her Antiguan heritage and her varied career in the UK and the US.

You’ve worked in film, television and theatre. Which do you find most satisfying and why?

Theatre. I have always loved theatre and the process of rehearsals where you really get to dive in and explore the characters and themes of the play. There is something quite frightening about it, but it’s also exhilarating; when you’re live on stage, no one can call cut; it’s just actors truly taking control of the piece - or the piece taking control of them in some cases. The audience is right there experiencing the play along with you. It’s magical.

Your first major role in Secrets & Lies was with the legendary Mike Leigh, who has an extremely unique improvisational approach to his filmmaking. Was it difficult to readjust to more ‘traditional’ directors after this experience?

I think I’m still adjusting! Working with Mike Leigh is such a unique experience. There is no script, and you create the character from scratch, so it’s a very long and intense experience, but for an artist, it’s extremely rewarding; I guess I miss that in the more traditional projects, the time spent and attention to detail.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste

Having written the soundtrack for Mike Leigh’s Career Girls, you are also very musical. What does music bring you that acting doesn’t? Is this something you want to do more of?

I am a huge music lover. In my opinion, it’s the purest form of expression. It transcends everything. You don’t have to come from a particular place or speak a certain language; it cuts right to the soul; it speaks to everyone. I love the solitary aspect of it, playing around with chords on the piano. I’d like to write more; it’s just carving out the time that’s challenging for me right now.

You were Britain’s first Black Academy Award nominee. Do you think things have progressed in the 25 years since the film came out for Black actors and Black filmmaking?

We are seeing some movement in the industry with Black films and artists being given more opportunities. It’s quite exciting to see. There is still room for more variety and growth, but things are shifting.

You’ve been living in Los Angeles for several years now. What do you most miss about your hometown of London and the Caribbean?

I am at home in California with the sunshine and being around nature. I miss my family in London, the galleries and fashion - Londoners are very stylish! I also miss easy access to Caribbean food; you can find it here in Los Angeles, but I generally have to cook it myself when I want it. I have grown accustomed to a slower pace and bluer skies. Funnily enough, visiting Antigua feels more like going home than visiting London does. I told one of my daughters the other day that I always sleep well and deeply when I’m in Antigua. I find I can really relax and allow life to happen. I always stay somewhere where I can see and hear the sea as the rhythm of the waves is just calming. I miss calling Roti King and ordering a whole wheat roti with conch (and tamarind sauce on the side). In fact, it’s usually my first stop when I arrive. I miss how in Antigua you can meet friends for coffee and then coffee turns into lunch and then dinner, and before you know it, you’ve spent the whole day ‘liming” - just hanging out, relaxing, chatting and laughing.

How important is your Antigua and Caribbean heritage? How has it shaped the way you approach life?

My Antiguan heritage is very important to me. I wouldn’t be who I am today without it. Having an Antiguan mother who was fiercely proud of her culture has rubbed off on me.

MY ANTIGUAN HERITAGE IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME.

Throughout my childhood, she often talked of going home. When we visited as children, we would stay in Jennings Village and become ‘Antiguan children’, running around, picking ginnips [a wild, native fruit of Antigua] and helping to turn fungee! [the national dish of Antigua] We were in our element. Knowing that I am part of such a rich culture is a source of pride.

You were named as Honorary Tourism Ambassador to the twin islands. What do you tell people about Antigua & Barbuda to encourage them to visit?

Being named Honorary Tourism Ambassador was a tremendous honour for me. I have gone out of my way to tell people about Antigua & Barbuda. It’s the perfect place to relax and refresh. The beaches are spotless and never overcrowded, and Antiguans are friendly but not overbearingly so. There is a strong sense of pride and a willingness to share the history and culture with visitors. If someone is looking for activities, there is plenty to do, but it’s also great if you don’t want to do anything at all. Several of my friends in the industry have visited and fallen in love with Antigua.

Where is your favourite spot on the twin islands?

I think this is a very unfair question! Do I really have to choose one? I love Hermitage Bay and Shirley Heights with its fantastic views of the island. Lighthouse Bay in Barbuda was also a favourite of mine with the pink-sand beaches and just the sense of peace that exists there. And last but not least, Roti King in St John’s.

What’s next for you?

I’m taking a little time off right now as I’ve had quite a busy year. I’ll be at home gearing up first for Thanksgiving and then Christmas. You’ll see me soon though in Boxing Day, a British film by Aml Ameen.