Teyana Taylor says critics called her music to movies career pivot 'dumb'

Taylor remembers saying, 'I am going to be a great actress. One day, I am going to be a great director'

Teyana Taylor is opening up about the backlash she faced when she made the bold decision to pivot from music to acting, revealing that many people in her circle initially questioned the move. In a recent interview, the multi-hyphenate star shared that when she stepped back from music in 2020, she was met with skepticism from those around her who didn’t believe the transition would work.

“Everybody told me it was dumb,” Taylor recalled, explaining that despite the criticism, she stayed focused on her long-term goals. “And I was like, ‘No, I am going to be a great actress. One day, I am going to be a great director.’”

Taylor, who first rose to fame in the music industry as an R&B singer and songwriter, said she ultimately felt undervalued and unsupported in that space, which pushed her to rethink her career path and focus on acting opportunities. The shift proved to be a turning point, as she has since earned critical acclaim for her performances on screen and built a new chapter in film and television.

The entertainer’s acting career has grown significantly in recent years, with standout roles that earned her awards recognition and solidified her as a serious presence in Hollywood. Her transition has also expanded into directing and other creative pursuits, reinforcing her earlier confidence that she could thrive beyond music.

Looking back, Taylor’s story reflects the risks that come with redefining one’s career in the public eye. What some once dismissed as a misstep has now become one of her biggest successes, with the star continuing to prove that trusting her instincts paid off.