Da’Vine Joy Randolph & Miss Lawrence Interview: United States vs. Billie Holiday

Everyone knows the iconic jazz singer Billie Holiday, but Hulu’s upcoming biopic called The United States Vs. Billie Holiday introduces viewers to her friends. The film, which lands on the streaming service on February 26, follows the legendary crooner during her 1940s trial and rejoices as her best friends stand tall by her side.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Miss Lawrence play those two friends to perfection, and the performers spoke to Screen Rant about what made their triumvirate so heartwarming.

Both of you play characters that are really a part of Billie’s inner circle and like her family. Da’Vine, you play Roslyn, Billie’s closest friend and a real ride or die. Can you describe Roslyn and her relationship with Billie?

Da’Vine Joy Randolph: Yeah, you hit it right on the nose. Our characters were both that to Billy. I think, historically, it’s stated that Rosalind was her childhood best friend and who she knew the longest. But we were a family; we were a family unit. The men and women may come and go throughout Billie’s life, but we were the ones that were – like you said – ride or die.

I guess her job title would be hair and makeup, if you would, but also a cook, auntie, sister, mom, dad sometimes if need be, pastor… Whatever it is. It was really a family unit, and with such genius as Billie Holiday, you need a team around you that you can trust; a family of support.

Miss Freddy is an unapologetic gay man living in the 1940s and 50s, and Billie’s written about Miss Freddy a little bit [in terms of] borrowing Freddy’s clothes and putting the looks together. Can you talk to me about Miss Freddy and what inspired you to take on and tackle this role? 

Miss Lawrence: Yes, well, you said it. Unapologetic. Just out there. What you see is what you get with Miss Freddy. What inspired me to really do Miss Freddy justice is the fact that you didn’t know much about Miss Freddy other than what Billie had to say.

I felt like Miss Freddy’s story and who he was very important to my culture; my black gay culture. Because defied what it meant to be conformed by society, and he wasn’t afraid to go up against the police, who constantly harassed him for being what they say is overdressed. Basically meaning, he extracted involvement in women’s culture with his fashion, and he used it whenever he felt like it.

He also took care good care of Billie, as one of Billie’s close friends, along with Roslyn. But Freddy was that one friend who got in trouble with Billie – they were one of one. You know what I mean? They were two of the same brother. Miss Freddy was important. That whole group – the dynamic trio, I’m gonna call us – we were movers of a culture.