S.A.M Series Presents: Cynthia Kaye McWilliams | The Hustle, The Humor, The Heart
- Samantha Ann
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Award-winning actress and voiceover artist Cynthia Kaye McWilliams talks hustle, rejection, creativity, and her new series Messy Lola in this exclusive SAM Series interview for DIA'ANI TV | MIAMI.
Acclaimed actress. Voiceover force. Creative entrepreneur. Cynthia Kaye McWilliams is a powerful name in the credits and the kind of multi-hyphenate shaping the narrative in front of the camera and behind the scenes.
From starring in Real Husbands of Hollywood and The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey to voicing characters across the Marvel, Cyberpunk, and Halo universes — Cynthia’s range is undeniable. But her story doesn’t stop at performance. Through CynCity Creative and CynCity Productions, she’s building infrastructure for other artists to thrive. And with her latest series, Messy Lola, she’s stepping into her most dynamic role yet: the woman who creates the table, pulls up the chairs, and invites others to eat.
In this exclusive interview with Samantha Ann for the SAM Series, Cynthia gets candid about hustle, joy, rejection, and what it really means to “walk into the wall so hard they have to rebuild it around you.”
The Interview: Cynthia Kaye McWilliams
SAM: So tell me, was there a single moment where you thought, “Yeah… this is it?"
CKM: I was 11, working at the local public library shelving books. I kept getting lost in the 812 stacks—plays. Yes, that’s a Dewey Decimal system reference! I’d start reading Miller or Hansberry and completely lose track of time. My boss would find me sitting on the floor, utterly transported. I knew then—I didn’t just want to read stories; I needed to live inside them.
SAM: From the stacks to the stage — but not without a stop at pretty much every job in between. Looking back, which of those early gigs taught you the most about people... or performance?
CKM: Honey, I’ve had more jobs than a Swiss Army knife! Like most actresses, I’ve worked in all manner of hospitality- catering, of course, waitressing at a 24 hr hour diner, a hole in the wall that only served taxi and limo drivers, and swanky digs with sommeliers! I’ve taught in afterschool programs with economically, socially, mentally and physically challenged youth and with the Dramatic Aids Education Project, using the arts to educate young people from private middle schools to juvenile detention centers.
Aaaaaaaaand more hospitality. I even worked at the BP Gas station behind that bullet proof glass. Every job taught me how to sell a story—even if it was just convincing someone they definitely wanted a glass of wine with their meal and to try both desserts after dinner.
SAM: Sounds like you were getting real-world training the whole way. Was there ever a single piece of advice — or even just a line — that helped you push forward through all that?
CKM: I can’t remember who said this…maybe I just heard it in a movie. I do that sometimes, think something I watched or dreamed really happened. Anyway, it was “if you’re going to walk into a wall, walk into it so hard they have to rebuild the wall around you.” Basically, make an impact, even when you mess up. I hear that in my head every time I walk into an audition, networking event or pitch session.
SAM: That’s a powerful mindset. So now that you’re the one walking into rooms with that energy — and running your own company — what’s a typical day look like in your world?
CKM: Chaos, darling, but with intention! Up at no later than 6:30 AM—thank you, anxiety and ambition! Review the list I wrote the night before for my day’s schedule, I’d love to say I do a meditation or devotional…I always mean to but then before I know it, it’s a whirlwind of CynCity meetings, script reads, tasks to carry out (seriously, running your own business is really just being a handyman, accountant and janitor half the time). I usually have some voiceover auditions or gigs, try to always follow up on business and personal calls and emails for at lease two hours for the day and just generally am always hustling to create opportunities. I also squeeze in a “dance break” around 3 PM. It’s mandatory. And never recorded.
SAM: And somewhere between meetings, voice gigs, and that sacred 3 PM dance break, you’re filming entire episodes. What’s the process like behind the camera — how long does it really take?
CKM: It can range from a brisk few days to a grueling 10, depending on the project. TV moves like lightning; film sometimes feels like watching paint dry—beautiful, artistic paint, but still. The magic (and the craft services table) makes it worth it.
SAM: You’ve clearly figured out how to create your own “yes.” What would you say to someone who’s hoping to carve out their own lane in this business?
CKM: The hardest part is the “no.” You hear it more than your own name. The most thrilling part? The “YES.” And better yet, creating your own “YES” by building your own table. Nothing beats the rush of making something from nothing and hiring your friends to do it with you.
SAM: What advice would you give to the next Cynthia — someone with a voice, a dream, and no blueprint?
CKM: Don’t walk in my footsteps, sweetheart—make your own path right next to me! Hustle with joy, fail with grace, and always pack a snack. And create your own opportunities. The world is waiting for your voice, not a carbon copy of mine.
SAM: Outside of work, or maybe still kind of inside it — what are you into these days? Any surprising hobbies or guilty pleasures you want to admit to?
CKM: I’m a connoisseur of terrible reality TV, an aspiring pottery enthusiast specializing in abstract mugs, and I’m learning to play the ukulele. NONE of that is true. I hate reality tv. The only thing I know about mugs is the coffee I pour into them every day. I’ve only ever played one instrument, the saxophone, and I was 3rd chair. I just wanted to tell you something interesting, but the truth is…I don’t have many hobbies. I love my job-I’m consumed with it because I love it. I love watching films and attending plays. I will travel for great theater. But that’s kind of my job too. I’m a true foodie but I don’t know if that’s a hobby, probably more of an indulgence. I work out but only because of how much I love food, so again, not a hobby just a necessity. I’m pretty simple. I love creating. I love good conversation and good food with good people.
SAM: When you were growing up, what did you imagine you’d become — and how close is this life to that dream?
CKM: A lawyer-detective-space traveler-interior designer-president. I had range! Acting lets me be all of those things, just with more makeup and less space travel. So far.
SAM: When it comes to representation and power, who are the women — or people — that continue to inspire and ground you?
CKM: Oh, a tribe! Ava DuVernay, for rewriting the rules. Shonda Rhimes, for owning Thursday nights. Issa Rae, for that iconic “rooting for everybody Black” energy. My mom and Dad, for teaching me that empowerment starts at home.
SAM: Now, what’s one message you hope your journey leaves with the world?
CKM: Keep your light so bright that others have to adjust their shades. Now go be great—and take a nap if you need one. Even bosses need rest! With love, chaos, and coffee, Cynthia.
Featured: Messy Lola — A CynCity Original
Cynthia steps behind the camera and into her next era with Messy Lola — a 10-episode, Chicago-based comedy-drama series produced by CynCity Productions and created by Kevin Douglas.
Starring Cynthia in the lead role and executive produced under her own banner, the series follows a woman who is gloriously imperfect, fully human, and endlessly managing the chaos of life with style, sharpness, and soul. Messy Lola recently wrapped filming and is scheduled for release in early 2026.
“Messy Lola is all of us — trying, failing, laughing, and still getting up with our lashes halfway on. She’s the most honest character I’ve ever played.”— Cynthia Kaye McWilliams
Follow @cyncityforever for behind-the-scenes, updates, and launch news.
Hollywood said “wait your turn,” and Cynthia Kaye McWilliams said “cool story, I’ll start my own company.” Stay tuned for updates and more in-depth coverage of your favorite celebrities and entertainment news! Create a free membership account with us today!
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