Amber Reign Smith (Credit: Netflix)
*Tyler Perry’s “Beauty in Black” has been a dominant force on Netflix since its debut, spending seven weeks in the Top 10 during Season 1 and hitting No. 1 across 28 countries in its second week. Season 2 Part 1 continued that momentum, topping charts in 14 countries. Now, with Season 2 Part 2 premiering March 19, the series — already greenlit for a third and final season — is delivering its most explosive chapters yet.
At the center of the storm is Rain, Kimmie’s ride-or-die best friend played by actress Amber Reign Smith. Having survived a life-threatening accident, Rain enters Part 2 with money in her pocket and ambition in her eyes. “Season 2 Part 2 is more intense if that’s even possible,” Smith says. “Definitely higher stakes. We’re seeing Rain step more into her newfound wealth and, you know, just being out of the hospital and getting into more trouble.”
Rain’s evolution this season is defined by one burning goal: ownership. “She has a little money now and she’s decided that she wants to go buy the club,” Smith explains. “She’s been on the other side of working at the club, and now she wants to own the place. She’s trying to take over.” It is a sharp pivot for a character who has spent her life surviving under someone else’s control, and Smith makes clear the road to the top is anything but smooth.
The most rewarding scene Smith filmed this season centers on Rain securing that ownership — a victory that arrives with complications. “It’s obviously not as black and white as she probably hoped that it would have been,” she says. “It definitely comes with some trouble on the other side of it, but that’s probably the most rewarding when she’s found officially the owner.”
As for what fans should brace for heading into the finale, Smith points to the season’s final episode. “There’s always a juicy cliffhanger,” she says. “The cliffhangers are always the best part because I know what’s coming next, but the fans don’t.”
Working inside Tyler Perry’s fast-paced production world has sharpened Smith in ways she did not anticipate. “It’s taught me the importance of being disciplined,” she says. “You don’t have the luxury of just hanging around and waiting for them to finally get to your scene. Doing the preparation work before you get to set is key.”
The show’s heavier themes around power and identity have also left a mark on Smith personally. She sees Rain’s most essential message as one rooted in self-acceptance. “Being confident in who you are, I think that was the main takeaway for me,” she says, “because Rain went to some extremes to be comfortable with who she is or to have a certain image that she wanted to portray.”
Smith adds that Rain’s journey is ultimately about resisting outside pressure: “Not feeling pressure to change yourself just to fit in — I think that was one of the main themes that Rain’s character is here to showcase.”
When asked how much of herself she brings to Rain, Smith does not hold back. “I’ll say a lot of it,” she says. “I feel like a lot of people, when they meet me, they’re like, you’re like Rain, but not as dumb.”
“Beauty in Black” Season 2 Part 2 premieres March 19, only on Netflix.
Watch our full conversation with Amber Reign Smith via the clip below.
*This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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