‘Lady in the Lake’ Star Y’lan Noel Dishes On What He Loves About Black Women

In the new Apple TV series Lady in the Lake, one of our favorite BAEs from Insecure Y’lan Noel steps into the role of a Black man navigating a world dominated by systemic racism during the 1960s—a struggle that still resonates today. In a candid conversation with HelloBeautiful, the actor shared his thoughts on the show’s portrayal of Black resilience, the strength of Black women, and how the series sheds light on the enduring challenges the Black community faces.

The Strength of Black Women: A Central Theme

At the heart of Lady in the Lake lies a powerful narrative that centers around the strength and resilience of Black women — one we know all too well. “The character of Cleo embodies so much of what I admire about Black women,” Noel shared. “There’s a grit, a sort of steadfastness, a relentlessness in Cleo that echoes the strength of Black women in my life.”

He went on to explain how the show portrays the duality of challenges faced by Black women: “The show distills quite well some of the issues that Black women face… but there’s also this grace and solution-orientedness that Cleo has that definitely speaks to a lot of the women I know.”

The actor highlighted the importance of recognizing and celebrating the diverse experiences of Black women, noting, “What I love most about Black women is that they’re so different… Their experiences, their strength, their resilience—it’s all so multifaceted and powerful.”

Y’Lan Noel On Portraying a Black Man in a Racist System

Lady in the Lake is set in the 1960s, a time when systemic racism was overt and pervasive. For Noel, portraying a Black man in such an environment was both a challenge and a responsibility. “One of the greatest qualities that Ferdie had is that he isn’t willing to compromise,” he said. “He’s a good cop amongst not-so-good cops. Maintaining your integrity as a Black man in a systematically racist structure… I just found it very admirable.”

The actor drew parallels between the historical context of the show and the ongoing struggles faced by the Black community today. “Those similar qualities are something that we can continue to use to transcend the given circumstances of our modern environment,” he emphasized.

Exploring Black Liberation Through Fiction

The series delves into the dynamics of the Women’s Liberation Movement, intersecting with the struggles of Black women. “The 1960s wasn’t that long ago,” Noel reflected. “We still have a lot of those major issues. One of the interesting things about the show is how these two women, Maddie and Cleo, from completely different backgrounds, go about liberating themselves.”

He pointed out the broader implications of these personal struggles, noting, “The show also plays into the concept of being mindful of what our neighbors are struggling with. One’s liberation affects the other’s liberation.”

This theme of interconnectedness is crucial to understanding the broader context of Black liberation and its impact on society as a whole.

Interracial Relationships: Challenging Taboos

The series also explores the complexities of interracial relationships, particularly during a time when they were heavily stigmatized. Noel discussed how his character navigates this taboo: “For Ferdie, that taboo… meant resisting authority, which is kind of ironic because he’s a cop.”

He elaborated, “One of the ways he resists authority is by engaging in an interracial relationship. It allowed him to be noncommittal. But it ultimately evolves into something more about personality versus the color of their skin.”

This narrative not only challenges societal norms but also highlights the personal struggles faced by individuals caught between love and societal expectations.

Honoring Black Women On and Off-Screen

Throughout the interview, Noel continually returned to the theme of honoring Black women, both in the context of the show and in his personal life. “You are the foundation upon which so much of our culture and community is built. Your strength, your resilience, your love—it’s all so necessary and so appreciated.”

He expressed his deep respect for the Black women who have shaped his life and career, stating, “I am who I am because of the Black women who have supported me, challenged me, and loved me.”

A Broader Perspective on Black Culture

In addition to his role in Lady in the Lake, Noel is venturing into new creative spaces, including a role in the upcoming Call of Duty video game. However, his focus remains on contributing to stories that uplift and celebrate Black culture. “What excites me most is telling stories that resonate with our community,” he said. “Stories that show our strength, our beauty, our complexity.”

As he continues to explore diverse roles and projects, Noel remains committed to using his platform to honor and elevate Black culture. “If I was an Olympian of acting, I’d be the decathlete,” he mused. “I want to be able to go into any particular space and bring these words of any character into the physical realm—especially those that reflect our culture.”

A Final Tribute to Black Women

The interview concluded with a heartfelt message from Noel to Black women everywhere: “Dear Black women, I see you. I love you.”

Lady in the Lake is more than just a television series; it is a powerful exploration of Black culture, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of Black women. Through his role, Noel hopes to contribute to a larger conversation about race, liberation, and the enduring strength of Black women.

Watch Lady in the Lake on Apple TV.

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