You might recognize Tawny Newsome from Netlifx’s hit comedy Space Force (Newsome stars opposite Steve Carell and Lisa Kudrow in the satirical series), but the multi-hyphenate talent isn’t new to the entertainment scene. 39-year-old Newsome is also a comedian, musician and co-host of independent podcast “Yo, Is This Racist?” To celebrate the second season of Space Force, we sat down with Newsome to chat about all-things space travel, self-care and the magic that is mountain living.
It must be exciting making a name for yourself with names like Steve Carell and Lisa Kudrow on Space Force. How has that experience been?
“Strange! Before COVID, I moved to a really remote area in the mountains in Southern California. Our first season came out in May 2020. My castmate Jimmy O. Yang told me my IMDb rating shot up to like the top 20 that week and asked me if I was getting recognized out in the world. At that point, there was so much uncertainty with COVID, we had stocked our freezer, grabbed a couple of close friends and holed up at the compound. I hadn’t left the mountain in six weeks when he asked that, so I was like…. ‘Uhh no. No, I have not been recognized.’”
Do you have much in common with your character Angela Ali?
“In the ways that count, yes. I’m strong willed and determined and an advocate for things that are important. However, I don’t think I’d be very good in the military, and I would never play a full-size drum kit in an apartment complex. I’m not a monster.”
Are there any hair or makeup tips you’ve picked up on set?
“Cleansing, cleansing, cleansing. Double, triple, whatever it takes. Also, sunscreen, even if you’ll be inside all day. Windows are sneaky as hell and will show up out of nowhere.”
Between your acting, comedy, podcast and music, you have so much going on. How do you carve out time for self-care and what does that look like?
“Living in the mountains makes it pretty easy to take the time I need. Every morning, there’s a spectacular sunrise, followed by a pretty great wildlife parade. I sit by the firepit with a coffee and watch all our little neighbors run around—rabbits, ground squirrels, quail, ravens—while I very slowly decide whether to go for a walk or run or just keep sitting there a while longer.”
If you could travel to space, what would you bring with you?
“A weapon, because I’ve clearly been abducted. Much respect to those who do it, but you will not catch me in outer space.”
Any favorite beauty or wellness products?
“My favorite brand is Missha. I was turned on to their Time Revolution Essence almost 10 years ago, as a convincing dupe for the very expensive SK-II Essence. I’ve since used both and I can honestly say it’s just as good, if not better in some ways. SK-II, no disrespect! You’re the Queen, but I just can’t take out a line of credit every time I need to wash my face, girl!”
