Angie Martinez welcomed Marsai Martin to the studio during her press run for her new movie G20, where she stars alongside EGOT legend Viola Davis in what she calls an “action-packed, intense film.” In G20, Marsai plays the rebellious and unpredictable daughter of the President of the United States, portrayed by Davis.
“It’s so intense—we talk terrorism, deepfakes, AI,” Marsai explained. “These are stories that need to be told.”
When Angie asked if she had to do a chemistry read with Viola, Marsai revealed: “I haven’t auditioned in a very long time… but with this one, I only did one read-through. I was ready to take on the challenge.” And while the two powerhouse actresses don’t share much screen time, she hinted that the emotional connection between their characters still hits hard.
At just 20, Marsai continues to challenge the way people view her. “It’s always going to be like that—even if I’m a wife with kids! I get it… I was basically 2 when y’all met me,” she joked, referencing her breakout role on Black-ish. But make no mistake—she’s all about growth. “I just want to do what makes me happy. It’s my natural progression of growing up. People are gonna say what they wanna say anyway.”
Right now, that means living in her soft girl era. “I’m prioritizing my peace and my happiness. I’m a happy girl most of the time,” she said with a smile.
And yes—she can sing. When Angie brought up karaoke Marsai laughed: “I’m an actress that sings. I did Masked Singer, but do I see myself doing an album? Probably not.”
As for the typical 20-something turn-up phase? Not really her vibe. “I don’t like people like that,” she admitted playfully. “I’m a homebody. I like being with my person, cooking at home, just chilling.” She shared that turning 21 doesn’t feel like it’s going to change much either, although she’s planning a GTA-themed birthday party. “I want to make it more intimate. I feel like I miss so much at my own birthday party.”
Looking ahead, Marsai teased an upcoming father-daughter movie she co-produced with Jamie Foxx, though it’s still untitled. She reflected on how she’s grown into her role as a producer. “It comes from how long I’ve done it… I jumped into Little not knowing what a producer really does. I was learning. I’ve had to break boundaries within my own team. You’re constantly growing.”
When people still treat her like a child, she keeps it real. “I’m gonna let you know… so you keep it in the back of your head,” she said with a laugh.
Though she has a crash pad in L.A., Marsai spends most of her time traveling and still lives with her family. One place that’s close to her heart? Houston, Texas—her home state and the upcoming location for her HBCU-centered destination festival, which celebrates Black student creatives and will take on a cookout-style vibe this year.
Marsai also spoke on prioritizing her health and wellness, saying, “I work out every day with a trainer, I have my meal preps—I’m into it.”
From blockbuster roles to producing and giving back to her community, Marsai Martin is clearly grown and glowing—and she’s just getting started.