From Taffany Doggett in the Netflix series Orange is the New Black , Cherry in Sons of Anarchy and Janeane in 8 Mile, Taryn Manning has made a name for herself as an American Actress. Also a signer, she was born in Falls Church, Virginia, daughter of musician Bill Manning and his wife Sharyn Louse.
Her breakthrough role, in 2005, was as Nola, a prostitute in Memphis Tennesse in the film Hustle & Flow. Flanelle has the opportunity to speak with her to get to know her more, and her thought about playing characters so far away from her own personality, and about her upcoming roles in Karen, and The Gateway.
Photographer : Ben Draper
Glam: Trace Watkins
Location: Casa Blanche Palm Springs
What drew you to acting as a career?
When a few of my friends at the Orange County School of the Arts began taking acting classes, I bugged my mom about enrolling me until she sorted it out. Then every Wednesday until I was about 19 I drove to Hollywood to learn and train with the likes of Kirsten Dunst and Evan Rachel Wood. My teacher was very straightforward in his assessment of my ability: I wasn’t ready. He’d told me Hollywood was really unforgiving, and that one bad audition could quickly crush a career. That, of course, drove me to get better and acting became my primary focus for a while. Then one day he told me I was ready and my confidence grew. My first part came soon after, a guest starring role on The Practice with Dylan McDermot and I was off and runnin’.
What was the experience like getting into the spotlight, after doing successful films like Eight Mile, and Crossroads?
At 21 it’s overwhelming, but I remember my mom always saying “life is nothing but valleys and mountains”, which I certainly took to heart. Especially when I was cast in “Cold Mountain”
In what ways has your acting, and the roles you choose, evolved since then?
Through experience, you refine the way you approach a role—even the small ones. You want to understand why that character was even written and explore the backstory of the character. I focus a lot on development and making the person matter to the plot.
It’s important to be poignant within the whole storyline. At the beginning of my career, I would separate myself from the part and could easily switch back to “me” at the end of the day. Now, I try to carry the role with me throughout the filming process.
How do you balance acting with your music career?
Music is another creative outlet that is so fulfilling for me. Back when I was signed to a label, there was more pressure to pick: sing or act. Thankfully it’s become acceptable to do both. The main difference is that I can write music anywhere, any time. Acting is more rigid, less flexible.
What was it like playing Pennsatucky in Orange Is the New Black? In what ways did that character challenge you?
Frankly, she was tough to play because she is so different from me but it really was such a gift to be part of the show. It was, by far, the most challenging role I’d ever played, and the writers gave me many difficult storylines. Later, when talking to fans of the show they would ask me about some of Pennsatucky’s moments, as if I’d personally experienced them. So, job done I guess.
How was that filming experience, for Orange Is the New Black?
I relocated to New York for the show which was both exciting and nerve-wracking. I learned how to be alone and that was when I truly adopted method-acting. I couldn’t even audition for other projects while on the show because I was so invested in the role. Obviously, being on set was very inspiring. You’re surrounded by an all-star cast of greatness—in all walks of life! For me, I felt the writing was ahead of its time. Mesmerizing.
What was one of your favorite filming experiences?
My favorite experiences were on “Crossroads”, then “Hustle and Flow”. The first was fun because it was the three of us girls on a road trip just joking around, sharing stories and talking about our futures. Hustle and Flow was fun due to its setting, Memphis, which is such a great place. It was my first time working with a “straight-up” director who knew exactly what he wanted. I always felt very protected and encouraged. We all had a great synergy.
Aside from entertainment, what are your passions?
Rescuing animals (mainly senior dogs) and finding them homes. I also love music, hiking, meditation and reading books.
Being in the industry for over 20 years now, what has been the biggest lesson that you’ve learned?
One thing I’ve learned is to keep a lot of your private life to yourself. “Less is more”, in terms of what you share with others. Also, there is a season for everything. You won’t always be on the top or at rock bottom. There is a natural balance to life. Also to always be grateful.
What’s next for you?
There are two films out now: “Karen”, and “The Gateway”, which are available to watch on streaming services. I’m also in “Teenage Eurhanasia”, an animated comedy on the Cartoon Network (Adult Swim). My next film, “Every Last One of Them” is coming out in theaters and on demand on October 22nd with Richard Dreyfuss. I’m really excited for that one.
Look #1 – Feathered BLACK DRESS LOOK:
Photo Credit: Ben Draper
Dress: Ong Oaj Pairam
Shoes: Aldo
Jewelry Cuff: Until.org / Until There’s A Cure
Glam: Trace Watkins
Location: Casa Blanche Palm Springs
Look # 2 – PINK SUIT LOOK:
Photo Credit: Ben Draper
Outfit (Pink Suit): Alice & Olivia
Shoes: Aldo
Jewelry (earrings): Talita London
Glam: Trace Watkins
Location: Casa Blanche Palm Springs
LOOK #3 – Pants Suit (Black Multi)
Photo Credit: Ben Draper
Metallic Print Suit: Ong Oaj Pairam
Shoes: Aldo
Glam: Trace Watkins
Location: Casa Blanche Palm Springs