Ryan Destiny Spent 5 Years Bringing Claressa Shields' Story To Life In 'The Fire Inside'
From the beginning, Ryan Destiny's perfect face and buttery voice on the show Star captivated me. There was always something special about her, and I've been a fan ever since.
The Detroit-born star's most challenging role yet is playing the role of Claressa Shields, a trailblazing boxing champion, in the movie The Fire Inside. Ryan, known for her roles on television and as an R&B singer, had to learn to fight for this role, embodying Shields' journey from a tough childhood in Flint, Michigan to winning two Olympic gold medals. This role marks a significant achievement in Ryan's acting career, as she spent five years dedicated to the film, never giving up on the project she so deeply believed in.
Directed by Rachel Morrison, The Fire Inside stars Ryan Destiny as Claressa Shields, who won the gold medal for women's boxing at the 2012 Olympics in London. The film also features Brian Tyree Henry as Shields' coach. The screenplay was written by Barry Jenkins, and the film marks Morrison's feature-directing debut.
'The Fire Inside': Ryan's Training
She's a fast learner, as evidenced by her conversation with Colman Domingo andInterview Mag, where they discussed her journey from growing up with brothers to finding her place in Hollywood. As the “most tweeny, itty bitty, innocent kid,” Ryan wasn’t the first to squabble up. She told Colman that since she was an artsy kid she didn’t know about Claressa’s story until she started creating the film, which also hurt her to miss out on such amazing Black history.
And ironically both Ryan and Claressa are both from Detroit and share a similar goal of trying to do something in the world.
Ryan told Third Coast Review, “When you see people trying to box for the first time, it looks like it, and that’s what I looked like. But I had enough of something that they thought they could work with.” She continued, “Then I trained with a boxing trainer for months and months, and I think it was great because he really treated me like a fighter and not an actor. He went in fully. He also trained Michael B. Jordan for Creed, and he was incredible. So he trained me the first go-around before the pandemic, and then after the pandemic I did some more months.”
Her portrayal of Claressa Shields required extensive preparation and training. Destiny underwent months of rigorous boxing training to embody the character's journey accurately. The preparation was physically demanding, and there were times when her body shut down. She appreciated having a physical therapist on set to assist with injuries and ensure proper care. Destiny's dedication and commitment to the role shone through in her performance.
Ryan also connected emotionally to Claressa’s story in many ways. “The struggle that she would have and feeling of overlooked, I connected to that a lot,” she told Third Coast Review. “Little scenes here and there that she had with her family, I saw it in my head how I would execute it. I tried not to overthink it or over-rehearse, but there were definitely moments that I had reading it where I could see myself. I think that’s also a testament to Barry’s writing; he did such a great job of making things feel very human and grounded, and that shows in what we did.”
A Five-Year Journey
The 2024 boxing biopic took five years to make due to a number of factors, including the film's production was delayed by the pandemic, it went into turnaround and was picked up by a new studio and Ryan's primary scene partner was recast.
The timing of the film's release feels meant to be. Although it would have been well-received in 2021, aligning its release with the current peak in women's sports feels like destiny. Even at its Toronto premiere, critics claim that it was clear the film perfectly captured the current moment.
Ryan told The Playlist, “That’s another echo to the fact that things really do happen for a reason. We were also supposed to come out last year. Those things like that also kept pushing. Even when we were done, things kept getting pushed and pushed still. So, I think it all needed to happen this way. I think the way that women’s sports have just progressed within the last year even is really, really cool to watch and see. So, hopefully, this is just an extension of that.”
The actress absolutely names this role as being the “toughest thing mentally, emotionally, and physically.” She also shared with The Playlist, “Having to spend five years on this was not something that I thought was going to happen. And I think it really changed me in so many ways.” When she watched it for the first time, she was really nervous. Ryan thought, “Oh my God, if I do all of this and I hate it, that would suck so bad.” While she had to brace herself and hope that she wouldn’t hate everything and every shot that she saw, she walked out of it in tears.
“I think I cried during, too, because I saw how much I transformed, and it’s different being in it versus seeing it. And that was my first time truly seeing it, and it made me very proud. I was really happy about the work. I was proud of everyone who was a part of it, our cast and crew. Everyone did such an amazing job, and it just filled me up with a lot of joy.
"And then, when I watched it the second time, I really understood the importance of how crucial this is to have this moment again and for people to see this story and learn about it. So, it made me cry for a completely different reason, and I was just so honored to be a little part of that and understand that this is so much bigger than me.”
Hollywood Sisterhood
When Colman asked Ryan if she’d found her sisterhood, she named Dominique Fishback and Chloe x Halle as some really good people in her life. Ryan went on to say, “And I’m thankful for that, because it can be tricky. But I think if you step into a lot of these rooms and situations open to people and actually nurture them, they can form into something important. I had to learn that because I’m somebody that, again, likes to sit back and be out of the way.”
In some ways, Ryan also built a bond with Claressa as she spoke to her about the role and gems she learned along the way. For example, Ryan notes Claressa’s resilience as a major inspiration. She told The Playlist, “She didn’t look at her life as being the victim of anything. And I think it’s easy to think that with everything that she’s been through and to think that it’s a sad story in some way, that she worked this hard and didn’t get her just due and didn’t get the things that she deserves, but she does not look at it like that.”
Ryan added, I honestly had to look at this whole journey itself in that way, too. I knew that things were happening for me and not against me. And I think that that’s one of the things that she does all the time, and that’s how she looks at her life. So it’s very inspiring to talk to her.”
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Joce Blake is a womanist who loves fashion, Beyonce and Hot Cheetos. The sophistiratchet enthusiast is based in Brooklyn, NY but has southern belle roots as she was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Keep up with her on Instagram @joce_blake and on Twitter @SaraJessicaBee.
Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney & Jill Marie Jones On 'Games Women Play' & Dating Over 40
What do you get when you mix unfiltered truths, high-stakes romance, and a few well-timed one-liners? You get Games Women Play—the sizzling new stage play by Je’Caryous Johnson that’s part relationship rollercoaster, part grown-woman group chat.
With a powerhouse cast that includes Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney, Jill Marie Jones, Carl Payne, Chico Bean, and Brian J. White, the play dives headfirst into the messy, hilarious, and heart-wrenching games people play for love, power, and peace of mind. And the women leading this story? They’re bringing their whole selves to the stage—and leaving nothing behind.
From Script to Spotlight
The road to Games Women Play started over 20 years ago—literally.
“This script was written 20 years ago,” Jill Marie Jones said with a smile. “It was originally called Men, Money & Gold Diggers, and I was in the film version. So when Je’Caryous called me to bring it to the stage, I was like, ‘Let’s go.’” Now reimagined for 2025, the play is updated with sharp dialogue and modern relationship dynamics that feel all too real.
Demetria McKinney, no stranger to Je’Caryous Johnson’s productions, jumped at the opportunity to join the cast once again. “This is my third time working with him,” she shared. “It was an opportunity to stretch. I’d never been directed by Carl Payne before, and the chance to work with talent I admire—Jill, Claudia, Chico—it was a no-brainer.”
Claudia Jordan joked that she originally saw the role as just another check. “I didn’t take it that seriously at first,” she admitted. “But this is my first full-on tour—and now I’ve got a whole new respect for how hard people work in theater. This ain’t easy.”
Modern Love, Stage Left
The play doesn’t hold back when it comes to the messier parts of love. One jaw-dropping moment comes when a live podcast proposal flips into a prenup bombshell—leaving the audience (and the characters) gasping.
Demetria broke it down with honesty. “People don’t ask the real questions when they date. Like, ‘Do you want kids? How do you feel about money?’ These convos aren’t happening, and then everyone’s confused. That moment in the play—it’s real. That happens all the time.”
Jill chimed in, noting how the play speaks to emotional disconnect. “We’re giving each other different tokens of love. Men might offer security and money. Women, we’re giving our hearts. But there’s a disconnect—and that’s where things fall apart.”
And then Claudia, of course, took it all the way there. “These men don’t even want to sign our prenups now!” she laughed. “They want to live the soft life, too. Wearing units, gloss, getting their brows done. We can’t have nothing! Y’all want to be like us? Then get a damn period and go through menopause.”
Dating Over 40: “You Better Come Correct”
When the conversation turned to real-life relationships, all three women lit up. Their experiences dating in their 40s and 50s have given them both clarity—and zero tolerance for games.
“I feel sexier than I’ve ever felt,” said Jill, who proudly turned 50 in January. “I say what I want. I mean what I say. I’m inside my woman, and I’m not apologizing for it.”
Demetria added that dating now comes with deeper self-awareness. “Anybody in my life is there because I want them there. I’ve worked hard to need nobody. But I’m open to love—as long as you keep doing what got me there in the first place.”
For Claudia, the bar is high—and the peace is priceless. “I’ve worked hard for my peace,” she said. “I’m not dating for food. I’m dating because I want to spend time with you. And honestly, if being with you isn’t better than being alone with my candles and fountains and cats? Then no thanks.”
Channeling Strength & Icon Status
Each actress brings something different to the play—but all of them deliver.
“I actually wish I could be messier on stage,” Claudia joked. “But I think about my grandmother—she was born in 1929, couldn’t even vote or buy a house without a man, and didn’t give a damn. She was fearless. That’s where my strength comes from.”
For Jill, the comparisons to her iconic Girlfriends character Toni Childs aren’t far off—but this role gave her a chance to dig deeper. “If you really understood Toni, you’d see how layered she was. And Paisley is the same—misunderstood, but strong. There’s more to her than people see at first glance.”
Demetria, who juggles singing and acting seamlessly, shared that live theater pushes her in a new way. “Every moment on stage counts. You can’t redo anything. It’s a different kind of love and discipline. You have to give the performance away—live, in the moment—and trust that it lands.”
Laughter, Lessons & Black Girl Gems
The show has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments—and the cast isn’t shy about who steals scenes.
“Chico Bean gets a lot of gasps and laughs,” Claudia said. “And Naomi Booker? Every scene she’s in—she’s hilarious.”
But the play isn’t just about humor. It leaves space for reflection—especially for Black women.
“I hope we get back to the foundation of love and communication,” said Demetria. “A lot of us are in protector mode. But that’s turned into survival mode. We’ve lost softness. We’ve lost connection.”
Claudia agreed. “We’re doing it all—but it’s not because we want to be strong all the time. It’s because we have to be. And I just want women to know: You can have peace, you can be soft. But stop bringing your old pain into new love. Don’t let past heartbreak build walls so high that the right person can’t climb over.”
Final Act: Pack the House
If there’s one thing this cast agrees on, it’s that this play isn’t just entertainment—it’s necessary.
“Atlanta is the Black entertainment hub,” Claudia said. “We need y’all to show up for this play. Support the arts. Support each other. Because when we pack the house, we make space for more stories like this.”
Games Women Play is more than a play—it’s a mirror. You’ll see yourself, your friends, your exes, and maybe even your next chapter. So get ready to laugh, reflect, and maybe even heal—because the games are on.
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It’s officially Miss Keri, Baby season again—and if you ask us, it’s been a long time coming. After 15 years away from the music scene, Keri Hilson has returned not only with a brand-new album, but also a captivating new role in Lifetime’s Fame—the latest installment in The Temptations film franchise.
Between the album We Need to Talk: Love and her leading role in Fame, this isn’t just a comeback—it’s a rebirth. The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter turned actress is letting us into her world like never before, unpacking themes of vulnerability, healing, and inner strength with grace, grit, and raw artistry.
Now streaming on Lifetime, Fame follows two superstar sisters—played by Keri and singer/actress Keshia Chanté—as they navigate the cost of stardom, sibling rivalry, and the dark side of desire. The film also stars Romeo Miller, Ecstasia Sanders, Nathan Witte, and Sophie Carriere, and is executive produced by Derrick Williams and Adriane Hopper Williams of the Seven Deadly Sins franchise.
As for the music? We Need to Talk: Love is a three-part album (Love, Drama, Redemption) that tells the story of a woman who’s been through it—and has risen from the ashes. “It was time to speak for myself,” Keri says.
We sat down with Keri to talk about her return to music, her passion for acting, the emotional depth of Fame, and how she’s learning to care for herself amidst the chaos.
From R&B Queen to Drama Star: Keri Gets Into Character
“Even though she’s famous—as am I—it was really her humanity that I wanted to portray.”
Keri plays Cherish, one half of a superstar sibling duo who must confront their fractured relationship in the wake of a traumatic robbery. For Keri, the role was more than a character—it was a psychological study.
“I enjoy departures from reality. That’s why I love acting,” she shares. “Psychology is one of my favorite things in life. I became a writer because I’m an observer of human nature, emotion, and behavior. I think I did a good job showing her humanity.”
The Fame Isn’t Always Worth the Price
“Keep the main thing the main thing.”
Keri doesn’t sugarcoat the industry. When asked about what Fame reveals about the dark side of celebrity culture, her answer is clear:
“It’s a cautionary tale. It reminds you to keep your family close and not allow anything to come between them—especially in pursuit of success. Keep the main thing the main thing. For me, that’s family, love, spirituality, and values.”
Three Chapters, One Story: Love. Drama. Redemption.
“I’ve shed the fear. It was time to tell my own story.”
Released April 18th, We Need to Talk: Love is Keri’s first album in 15 years—and a deeply personal one at that. The three-part project (Love, Drama, Redemption) represents a timeline of healing and growth.
“I’m finally in a place where I’m able and willing to open up more,” she says. “For a while, I became really guarded—shell-shocked, even—after making mistakes in the public eye. Whether it’s all your fault or not, the scrutiny takes its toll. But now, I’ve shed that fear. It’s time to tell my story.”
Cooking, Walks, and Recalibrating in the Chaos
“I’m not doing the best job—but I’m doing what I can.”
Between eight-hour rehearsals, press runs, and music releases, Hilson admits she hasn’t quite figured out the balance yet—but she’s trying. For her, the key is carving out small rituals of normalcy.
“I enjoy cooking. That’s my sanctity,” she says. “I’ll go home, take my makeup off, put on my rehearsal clothes, and cook a meal. I take walks. I run. These little things help me feel like myself again.”
Art Imitates Life (and Album Tracklists)
“Cherish goes from Love… to Drama… to Redemption.”
Asked which album chapter her Fame character would fall into, Keri doesn’t hesitate. “She fits into all three,” she says. “You see her go from love, to drama, to redemption. That arc mirrors the journey of so many women who’ve had to navigate pain and find their way back to themselves.”
No Pressure, Just Art: Keri Wants You to Feel Something
“Just enjoy the art. That’s it.”
After all the time, patience, and healing, Keri isn’t asking for much. She just wants fans to press play—and feel something.
“I just want people to enjoy what they’re seeing and hearing. Enjoy me on screen. Enjoy me through their ears. People have waited, and I feel blessed by that. That helps me keep it all pure and simple.”
As Keri Hilson steps boldly back into the spotlight, it’s clear this era is all about alignment, artistry, and authenticity. With Fame airing on Lifetime and the first chapter of We Need to Talk: Love setting the tone, we’re more than excited to see what’s next.
As she continues to unfold the album’s next two chapters—Drama and Redemption—one thing’s for sure: this isn’t just a comeback. It’s a reintroduction. And we’ll be watching, listening, and cheering her on every step of the way.
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