ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 21: Bailey Tippen attends the Beauty in Black Special Screening at IPIC Atlanta on October 21, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Netflix)
Bailey Tippen, a rising young star, is making waves in Hollywood with her standout role in Tyler Perry’s latest Netflix series, Beauty in Black. In the series, Tippen plays Sylvie, a character she describes as unapologetically authentic and confident.
“Sylvie is such an interesting character. I love how she shows up as her true self,” Tippen said. For the 21-year-old actress, this role marks a significant milestone in her career, allowing her to showcase her range and depth as a performer.
Beauty in Black, released this fall, follows the lives of two women from different walks of life, exploring themes of resilience, ambition, and survival. Tippen is thrilled to be part of the project, especially under the direction of Tyler Perry, a figure she’s long admired. “Working with Tyler Perry is a dream come true. His ambition is incredible and fast-paced, but he’s humble and kind to everyone on set,” Tippen shared.
This role follows several notable appearances on television, including STARZ’s BMF and BET+’s First Wives Club. However, Beauty in Black has allowed Tippen to take her career to new heights, and she’s excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
“It’s been amazing to be part of a project that tells such powerful stories,” she said. “There are so many twists and turns in the series, and I can’t wait for viewers to see it all unfold.”
Growing up, Tippen was always drawn to the spotlight. From an early age, she loved performing for family and friends, finding inspiration in Disney Channel shows, musicals, and James Cameron’s Avatar. “I was always dancing, singing, and talking,” she said, laughing at how her natural chatty nature sometimes got her into trouble in school. But it also set the stage for her acting career.
Bailey Tippen Credit: Andrzej (Anjay) Lawnik
With the support of her family, Tippen began acting at a young age, which she believes gave her unique advantages.
“Starting early allowed me to soak up everything I was learning,” she said.
An acting convention led to her first big break—securing representation with an agency in Atlanta. From there, her career began to take off, leading to roles in various television series and films.
Since then, Tippen has steadily built her resume with roles that showcase her versatility. Despite her busy acting schedule, she has also explored other creative outlets, including singing, dancing and DJing. Tippen describes music as a core part of her creative process, even creating playlists for her characters to get into their energy.
“All my passions blend together,” she said. “Whether I’m acting or DJing, it’s about staying creative.”
Cast members pose with Tyler Perry during the Beauty in Black Special Screening in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Netflix)
Looking ahead, Tippen has big plans beyond acting. Inspired by Tyler Perry, she aspires to step behind the camera one day. “I’d love to direct and produce,” she said. I want to tell stories that connect with people and bring something new to the industry.”
While excited about the future, Tippen uses her platform to inspire others, particularly young Black girls. “I want them to see themselves in me and know they can make it, no matter where they come from,” she said. It’s clear that Tippen’s goals go far beyond personal success—she’s passionate about giving back and paving the way for others.
Though she’s still in the early stages of her career, Bailey Tippen’s drive, talent, and vision are undeniable. Her star is only beginning to rise, and with projects like Beauty in Black under her belt, it’s clear she’s poised for even greater success. And if you ask Tippen, studying the greats will help get her to the top.
“I’d love to collaborate with Viola Davis someday,” Tippen confessed. “She’s phenomenal. That’s definitely a dream.”