We were given the opportunity to interview Daryl Edwards about the upcoming last season of Manifest, with the first 10 episodes coming to Netflix November 4. He shared a first look of Season 4 with us, answered some questions to get to know him, and also took his time for some fan questions. Are you ready for this? Make sure to fasten your seatbelt.
Manifest: Synopsis
A commercial airliner suddenly reappears after being missing for five years. As those aboard reintegrate into society, they experience guiding voices and visions of events yet to occur, and soon a deeper mystery unfolds.
Manifest
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe the last season of Manifest?
Daryl Edwards: So many surprises.
Q: What steps do you take to fully understand the importance of your character to the story?
DE: When reading each script, I ask myself three questions: What does Vance want, why does he want it, and what will he do to get it?
Q: Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue in Season 4?
DE: “You can waltz in anytime.”
Q: Do you have any personal rituals that you do before filming a scene, e.g. for Manifest?
DE: I thank two teachers I had in high school, Jerome and Libby Eskow.
Get to know Daryl Edwards
Q: Can you describe what influenced you to pursue a career as an actor?
DE: A New York City public school guidance counselor suggested I audition for the High School of Performing Arts, and I loved it!
Q: How do you maintain confidentiality about plot twists and other developments in TV productions before they air?
DE: I personally hate spoilers, so that makes it a little bit easier. I just think to myself, “the fans are going to go crazy when they see this!“
Q: Who do you consider your acting role model, whose career you would like to emulate, and why?
DE: There are so many, I suppose the first role model would be Sidney Poitier. When I was a kid, I saw the movie, “In the Heat of the Night“, at a movie theater in Georgia. It made a huge impression on me, still does. His performance was so powerful! He was subtle, he was grounded, and he was just beautiful to watch. When I was a boy, we rarely saw black actors as authority figures and expert problem solvers. I always try to channel Virgil Tibbs, the character Sydney Poitier played, when acting the role of Director Vance.
Q: How do you want to serve as a role model for young black actors getting started in the business? What advice do you offer them?
DE: Maybe there are some young actors out there who look at Vance and feel the same way I felt about Virgil Tibbs. I would tell them to find a good acting program at school, get trained, work hard, but make sure you’re having fun. Even with the disappointments, find a way to enjoy it.
Q: How has the business changed in your experience from the time you were a young black actor starting out to the present day?
DE: In my opinion, the advent of Netflix is the single biggest change in the industry. Streaming has created so many new opportunities for actors. People love binge watching.
Q: What do you believe is the most challenging aspect of being an actor?
DE: Staying positive when you hear the word “no“ so often. Most things you audition for you’re not going to get. When you hit a dry spell, it can be tough.
Fan Questions
Q: What would you choose: to have been on flight 828, lose 5,5 years of your life, and have callings? Or not have any callings and lose your loved one(s) for 5,5 years?
DE: Wow, well you know some of the passengers who had callings wound up losing loved ones anyway, I guess there’s something exciting about living up to the responsibility of solving callings. But, Mandy, you know what they say, “be careful what you wish for“.
Q: Who’s the biggest prankster on set?
DE: Rachel, I would say it’s a tie between Josh and J.R.
Q: Your favorite thing about Robert Vance? What advice would you give him?
DE: He’s smart and resourceful. I would tell Director Vance to trust the Stone family, it’ll save you a lot of time.
Q: How did you find out that you’re going to be a regular? What has that been like?
DE: I received notification from my agent and manager. That moment was amazing! Highlight of my professional career!
Q: How did it feel to have Vance return from “the dead” in season two?
DE: Louise, it was the coolest thing ever! Shooting that scene with Ben, the one where I say, “you’re not the only one who can come back from the dead“, is probably my favorite line of dialogue ever!
Thanks again to Daryl Edwards for taking your time to do this interview. Don’t be shy to tell us your opinion about this interview on our Social Media accounts.
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Rike is a very optimistic person who's trying to make the best out of everything. She's passionate about traveling, concerts, football and conventions. Most of the time she’s carrying her camera around to capture some moments. Her favorite football club is Borussia Dortmund and if she’s not watching the games on tv she's probably being in the stadium supporting the team.
