Lilli Kay is quickly making a name for herself in the entertainment industry, thanks to her standout performances in popular television series like Your Honor and Yellowstone. With her talent and passion for authentic representation, Kay has captivated audiences and critics alike. Here are six things you need to know about this rising star.
1. Lilli Kay’s Breakout Roles in Your Honor and Yellowstone
Lilli Kay first captured widespread attention with her role as Sofia “Fia” Baxter in the crime drama Your Honor. Appearing in both Season 1 and Season 2, Kay portrayed the daughter of a notorious crime family, a role that demanded emotional depth and nuance. Her performance earned her critical acclaim and set the stage for her next big project: Yellowstone.
In Yellowstone, Kay joined the cast in Season 5, playing Clara Brewer, an assistant working for John Dutton, the character portrayed by Kevin Costner. Clara’s role in the Dutton family drama added another layer to the already complex narrative of the show. Kay’s ability to hold her own alongside industry heavyweights like Costner is a testament to her acting prowess.
2. Lilli Kay Strives for Accurate LGBTQIA+ Representation
Lilli Kay is not just an actress but also an advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. As a vocal member of the community, she is deeply committed to promoting authentic and accurate on-screen representation of queer individuals. According to her Coverfly profile, Kay is naturally drawn to stories that feature “messy, brutal, unconventional femmes”—feminine-appearing lesbian women who break the mold of traditional female characters.
Kay is passionate about bringing gender non-conforming women into the spotlight more frequently, ensuring that the LGBTQIA+ community is represented in a way that mirrors real life. She believes in the power of storytelling to challenge stereotypes and push for greater inclusivity in Hollywood. Her commitment to this cause is evident in the roles she chooses and the way she approaches her craft.
3. Lilli Kay Wants to Dive Into Music
Beyond her acting career, Lilli Kay has a deep love for music and is eager to explore this passion further in her work. In an interview with Photobook Magazine, Kay expressed her desire to take on a role that involves music, saying she’s a “nerd” for music history. She is drawn to stories that incorporate music and is interested in roles that allow her to combine her love for acting with her musical talents.
Kay’s interest in music isn’t just a passing hobby—it’s a significant part of who she is. As she continues to build her career, she hopes to find more opportunities to integrate music into her on-screen performances. Given her enthusiasm and talent, it’s only a matter of time before we see her in a role that showcases her musical abilities.
4. Lilli Kay’s Other Major Projects
While Your Honor and Yellowstone are the roles that brought Lilli Kay into the spotlight, she has also appeared in several other notable projects. Her filmography includes appearances in the television series Madam Secretary and Chambers. In Chambers, Kay was credited in all 10 episodes, further demonstrating her versatility as an actress.
One of her most recent and exciting projects is the Netflix film Rustin (2023), where she plays Rachelle Horowitz, a 22-year-old who played a key role in organizing the 1963 March on Washington. Rustin tells the story of Bayard Rustin, a close advisor to Martin Luther King Jr., who was nearly erased from the history books due to his sexuality. Kay praised the film’s lead actor, Colman Domingo, and expressed her excitement for the film’s release, highlighting its significance in telling the stories of overlooked heroes of the civil rights movement.
5. Yellowstone Features Lilli Kay’s Whole Family
For Lilli Kay, Yellowstone is more than just another acting gig—it’s a family affair. Her father, Stephen Kay, is a director and executive producer on the series, and her stepmother, Piper Perabo, plays the role of Summer Higgins, an environmental activist. This unique situation allowed Kay to work closely with her family, making the experience even more special.
In an interview with Deadline, Kay recounted how her father would often talk about his days on set, working with horses and talented actors. Being a horse enthusiast herself, Kay was naturally drawn to the idea of joining the cast. When a role became available that suited her, she jumped at the chance, calling it “literally a dream come true” to work alongside her father and stepmother.
Kay’s excitement and joy at being part of Yellowstone are palpable. She described the experience as emotional, often finding herself moved to tears by the sheer happiness of working with her family. The opportunity to collaborate with her father, whom she deeply admires, was both nerve-wracking and incredibly rewarding.
6. Lilli Kay Worked Through Being Starstruck on Yellowstone
Working on Yellowstone also meant sharing the screen with Hollywood legend Kevin Costner, an experience that Lilli Kay found both thrilling and intimidating. In an interview with Variety, Kay admitted that she was “absolutely terrified” on her first day acting opposite Costner. The fear stemmed not only from Costner’s towering presence in the film industry but also from her admiration for his talent.
However, Kay quickly discovered that Costner was the “kindest, most generous scene partner” she could have hoped for. His willingness to collaborate and delve into scenes before shooting put her at ease, allowing her to focus on the work rather than her nerves. Kay’s experience with Costner taught her valuable lessons about the importance of collaboration and the benefits of overcoming intimidation to create better work.
One of the most memorable moments for Kay on Yellowstone was filming the show’s first-ever LGBTQIA+ kiss. The kiss, which happened to be with her real-life partner, was a last-minute decision due to the challenges of filming during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kay explained that since her partner was already in the testing cycle, they decided to include them in the scene.
Kay appreciated that the moment was treated with the normalcy it deserved, without any unnecessary fanfare or sensationalism. To her, it was important that the kiss was simply part of the story, reflecting the reality that queer people exist and should be represented authentically on screen.
Conclusion: Lilli Kay’s Bright Future in Hollywood
Lilli Kay is a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. Her dedication to her craft, her passion for authentic representation, and her willingness to push boundaries make her one of the most exciting talents to watch. Whether she’s taking on complex roles in series like Your Honor and Yellowstone, advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights, or exploring her love for music, Kay brings a unique energy and perspective to everything she does.
As she continues to build her career, there’s no doubt that Lilli Kay will keep making waves in the entertainment industry. Her commitment to storytelling, both on and off the screen, ensures that she will remain a powerful voice in Hollywood for years to come. Whether she’s working alongside her family, tackling new challenges, or breaking new ground in representation, Lilli Kay is a star on the rise, and her journey is one worth following.
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