Q&A with Actress Dr. Tonea Stewart

Exclusive Interview by Karen Beishuizen
Photos courtesy of Dr. Tonea Stewart

Dr. Tonea Stewart is an American actress and professor. She was the first African American female to receive a doctorate from the FSU school of Theatre and the first McKnight Doctoral Fellow in Theatre Arts. She worked in education for 48 years: a professor and a dean. Dr. Stewart played Aunt Etta Kibby in the show “In the Heat of the Night” and Samuel L. Jackson’s wife Gwen in the movie “A Time to Kill”.

KB: Did you always want to be an actress or a teacher as a kid? I read you were interested in being a doctor too.

It is true that I desired, as a child, to be a medical doctor. My desire to help others is simply a part of my DNA. It is gratifying to bring joy, hope and clarity to others, perhaps the medicine of the theatre has granted me that opportunity.

KB: How did you get the part as Aunt Etta Kibby in the show “In the Heat of the Night”?

After auditioning and being cast as Mrs. Grey in an earlier episode, Carol O’Connor and Ed Ledding remembered me and auditioned me for Aunt Etta. In addition to seeing a likeness in my features and Howard Rollins, also they appreciated my love and attention to children. Being on that set was truly a gift.

KB: How did you get the role as Gwen Hailey in “A Time to Kill”?

From time and again I helped producers and directors as they developed movie projects in my community. I found myself coaching children and adults who auditioned for projects and guiding them through the Do’s and Don’ts of the industry. Such was the case with “A Time to Kill”. There was a serious search for the children in the show. I had trained hundreds in the Montgomery area and the Film office directed the casting directors to me.

After several weeks of searching, we were very successful. The casting director was focusing on the role of Gwen Haley and observed my work with the children, she further researched my vitae and discovered my track of experience. I received a call from the Hollywood Office to meet with the Director Joel Schumacher. When I arrived, he greeted me by saying “Hello Gwen”, my reply was, “Tonea”. He then invited me to sit and chat with him and two other people. To my surprise, one was the author, John Grisham. We laughed, talked, cried and told each other stories. I never read or formally auditioned. When I returned home, my agent called and offered congratulations…I was so very pleased and happy. That experience was most memorable and life changing.

KB: You worked in education for 48 years: a professor and a dean. What did you like about teaching and what is your opinion about states banning books at schools?

I loved teaching as much as I loved acting and directing!!!! The joy of seeing in the eyes of young people, the promise, the hope, and the desire to learn and achieve is God inspiring. Each day I felt guided by God to reach the students. To help them to believe in themselves. To validate their vision of themselves. To guide them to the truth of being complete. To offer the confidence needed to face the world. To open their minds to the many possibilities in life. I valued fulfilling my role as a vessel of God. I enjoyed being that extension of hope.

To ban books is to me cruel, evil and another form of slave entrapment. This notion should not survive. It is an unfair and stagnating practice.

KB: If you were to star in a movie, you could choose the director and 2 co-stars. Who would you pick and why?

To star in a movie directed by Ava Duverney alongside Patty LaBelle, Angela Bassett and Samuel L. Jackson would be a joy. Patty and I often joke that we look like sisters. Angela Bassett and I worked on The Rosa Parks Story and remain friends, same as Samuel Jackson and I continue to be friends. I admire them both. As for Ava Duverney, I believe she has just the right project in her secret bag that is right for me. She is powerfully gifted.

KB: Are there any current actors you would love to work with, or you wished you had?

God is good! I have worked with the best: Frank Silvera, Beah Richards, Margaret Walker Alexander, Morgan Freeman, Louis Gossett jr., Cicely Tyson, Della Reese, Henry Winkler (The Fonz),Claudia McNeil, Carroll O’Connor, Denise Nicholas, Claudia McNeil, Angela Bassett, Octavia Spencer, Chuck Norris, Howard Rollins, Charles ‘Roc’ Dutton, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Matthew McConaughey, Mahershala Ali, Whitman Mayo, Andy Griffith, Judith Light, Michelle Shay, Ruby Dee, Ozzie Davis, Clifton Davis, Curtis King, Ester Rolle, Satchel Paige, & George C. Scott, to name a few.

KB: You had a long career. Is there anything you have not done or tried yet, but you would love to?

I would love to direct and produce with my son a TV series, movie projects, and create a facility that would offer the opportunity for brilliant and patient minds like my son, Thomas Stewart, Maximus Wright, and Robert Walker, so that they could soar as they work and train others for the Film and Entertainment Industry.

Thank you, Karen, for this opportunity.

Check out Dr. Stewart’s website: HERE

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