Ashley Love-Mills is a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. From her captivating performance as Constance Reed in Toxic Harmony to her ventures into directing and producing, Love-Mills embodies the essence of a true storyteller. Her journey, driven by passion and resilience, showcases her ability to shine across various creative mediums. Whether she’s acting, directing her own projects, or championing narratives that give voice to the marginalized, Love-Mills is paving her own path in an industry where authenticity and determination are key.
ITCM: Constance Reed in Toxic Harmony is such a layered character. How did you prepare to bring her emotional depth to life, and what aspects of her journey resonated most with you personally?
Ashley: From the moment I got the audition for the role of Constance, I was intrigued. The script was still a work in progress when it came my way, but her story—a young girl chasing after her dreams—really struck a chord with me. Though the specifics of our career paths differ, her relentless pursuit of success as a singer mirrors my own journey as an actress. That emotional resonance helped me understand her struggles on a deeply personal level.
As for preparation, I focused on understanding her intentions and the story I wanted to tell through her. I didn’t get the final version of the script until the morning of my first day on set, so I spent a lot of time developing her backstory, journaling, and really immersing myself in her mindset. By the time the script landed in my hands, the lines came naturally because I was already living in her world.
ITCM: From Too Close to Home to directing your own short film Glaciers, your career spans a wide range of roles and projects. What drives your passion for storytelling across different mediums, and how do you decide which stories to tell?
Ashley: Storytelling has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I told my parents I wanted to be an actress when I was just three years old! Growing up as an only child and a latchkey kid, I spent a lot of time alone, watching my dad’s massive VHS collection. Those films shaped my perspective on storytelling—not just the narratives themselves but the unique ways they were told.
I’m drawn to projects with a message—stories that entertain but also uplift, inspire, and give voice to marginalized communities. If a project moves me emotionally or challenges me intellectually, I know it’s something I want to be part of. I gravitate toward narratives that push boundaries and create meaningful conversations.
ITCM: As someone wearing multiple hats in the industry—actress, writer, director, and producer—how do you balance these creative roles, and which one feels most like home to you?
Ashley: Honestly, they all feel like home to me. Acting has been my heart since I was a child, but I’ve also been modeling for years, so being in front of a camera is second nature. It’s funny because, in real life, I’m actually quite shy.
My work comes in seasons—sometimes I’m immersed in acting, while other times I focus on modeling or producing. It keeps things fresh and allows me to stretch different creative muscles. That said, acting and filmmaking will always be my first loves. Even when I’m old and grey, you’ll still find me acting on a set or stage somewhere.
ITCM: Hollywood can be a tough industry to navigate. What challenges have you faced as a multi-talented Black woman in entertainment, and how have they shaped the way you approach your work?
Ashley : Being a Black woman in Hollywood—and in the world—comes with its own set of challenges. Sometimes, you’re overlooked for opportunities, but other times, you’re chosen specifically because of your identity. It’s a constant push and pull, and you really have to be ten times as good just to be seen.
Social media has amplified this in some ways, where mediocrity can thrive while talent gets overlooked. Add in the last five years—strikes, a tanked economy, and the pandemic—and it’s been a whirlwind.
But my biggest challenge has always been myself. I’m incredibly hard on myself and often get in my own way. Over time, I’ve learned to let go of what I can’t control and focus on protecting my peace. That mindset shift has been transformative. At the end of the day, we’re here for a short time, and I want to spend that time doing work I love while maintaining my inner calm.
ITCM: With your starring role in Toxic Harmony and a growing portfolio of projects, what’s next for you in your journey to becoming Hollywood’s next leading star? Any dream collaborations or stories you’re eager to bring to life?
Ashley: 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year! I’m looking forward to the premiere of Tempted, which I was filming when I booked Toxic Harmony. I also have a production company and am close to completing some original content of my own—stay tuned for that!
As for collaborations, while it would be incredible to work with legends like Denzel Washington or Viola Davis, I’m most excited about working with other passionate artists. Names like Issa Rae, Barry Jenkins, Jason Bateman, Sterling K. Brown, Nicole Beharie, and Bryan Cranston come to mind. They’re all so talented and captivating to watch. If I find myself working alongside them, I’ll know I’ve truly arrived.
As Ashley Love-Mills steps into 2025 with a slate of exciting projects, her focus remains steadfast on creating meaningful stories and collaborating with equally passionate artists. From Tempted to her upcoming original productions, Mills is proving that her talent knows no bounds. With her eyes set on inspiring audiences and working alongside Hollywood’s finest, Ashley Mills is undoubtedly a name to watch—a star who not only entertains but also uplifts, challenges, and transforms the landscape of modern storytelling.
Photo credit: Anthony Tyus
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