Kron Moore isn’t a villain, but she’ll be the first to tell you she loves playing one on TV. “It’s like adult recess,” the 44-year-old Detroit native says of playing First Lady Victoria Franklin in BET’s political-drama The Oval. Returning for season two tonight, the series hangs its hat on being one of the first scripted television shows to resume production (via a Tyler Perry–approved strict quarantine bubble) in the U.S. last summer. Moore recently chatted with us about the “well thought-out” glam setup and shared some beauty secrets—including her sensitive-skin steps for removing 12-plus hours of makeup—from behind the scenes.
The Oval was one of the first shows to go back to production during the time of COVID. Anything especially precautionary the crew did to get you back up and running?
We are all very concerned about safety measures for the cast and crew. The makeup department was particularly careful, because they are the most hands-on with the cast. Social distancing was interesting with hair and makeup, so we had to be creative. At Tyler Perry Studios, our hair and makeup department is in a building—unlike typical sets, where they’re usually in trailers. It’s a beautifully well thought-out salon setup with roughly 20 stations, high ceilings and plenty of space. Every other station was in use, and some actors’ makeup stations were moved to their own rooms. There was a mandate for everyone interacting directly with the cast to wear KN-95 masks, face shields and gloves. Actors had dedicated tools, only for their individual use, during production. In-between use, my tools were sanitized in a UV light box. It was love at first sight, and I knew it was a must-have as soon as I laid eyes on it!
What is it like playing a female in the White House during this time of so much political change?
The role of Victoria is so much fun to play because it’s an opportunity to escape from our crazy reality and hop into an alternate universe. When we’re on set, the outside world disappears. I think we are lucky to get a little reprieve from it. While order, social justice and social equality are of paramount importance, a brief break from it all is also important for our mental health.
You like to post BTS shots of yourself in the makeup chair with glam. Any go-to products you use on set?
One of my favorite go-to products is Fenty Mademoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick. It glides on and stays put without drying my lips. I also have very sensitive skin, and we’re in makeup for 12 hours sometimes. At the end of the day, I have to gently and thoroughly remove Victoria’s deliciously wicked beat, so I use Neutrogena makeup cleansing wipes, followed by Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water, CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser and finish with Neutrogena Oil-Free Sensitive Skin Lotion. Mine is the only face I’ll ever have, so I need to be kind to it.
You are a big mental-health advocate. What have you been doing for wellness during this time?
Over the past year, I have come to learn the power of “no.” As an empath, it’s easy for me to take on everyone else’s problems as my own. I had to learn to draw boundaries and adhere to them. I’ve also learned that it isn’t selfish to practice self-care. I like to take long showers, binge Netflix or curl up with my puppy, Nefertiti, and a good book. We all deserve to slow down a moment, breathe and do something that not only centers us but helps us find our happy place! It’s better for our well- being, as well as the people who depend on us to be our best productive selves.
