From the complex medical drama DOC to the animated world of Arcane, Amirah Vann commands attention. As brilliant neuropsychiatrist Dr. Gina Walker, she delivers a nuanced portrayal of an Afro-Latino professional in the medical field, and the actress takes her representation seriously.
“To be able to represent the small population of neuropsychiatrists of color is a great honor,” Vann told EBONY in a candid interview. “There are very few neuropsychiatrists of color, so the questions continue: What are their particular struggles? Do they have support? How do they handle micro and macro aggressions?”
Vann continues to champion a realistic portrayal of her character on screen and in the writer’s room. Here, she discusses drawing boundaries for her character, the synergy of her African American and Puerto Rican upbringing, and how more representation of Afro-Latinos can come to the stage and screen.
EBONY: You play Dr. Gina Walker. What do you love most about your character? What do you have in common and the biggest differences?
Amirah Vann: I love that Dr. Gina Walker is someone who consistently strives to do the right thing. Making mistakes along the way adds to her humanity and reveals a beautiful vulnerability. It is always her agenda to help someone reach their potential—however they define that—or if they are open to expanding that idea beyond what they thought was possible. I also love that she does this as a neuropsychiatrist.
In the Season 1 finale, she had to draw a boundary with Amy. What was it like to shoot that scene—and how will it affect her relationship with Dr. Larsen? What else can we expect from Dr. Walker this season?
It was great to set that boundary, which directly said to Dr. Larsen: ‘I love you and we are best friends, but I have my own life and struggles.’ Gina wants her best friend to be there for her. Similarly, I’m fighting that Black best friend trope by advocating and collaborating with our creative team for a true dive into Gina’s journey.
Dr. Walker represents Afro-Latino professionals who work in the medical field. How did you prepare for this character?
I conduct the same research I do for every role: I prepare by baking—first is the recipe or real-life representations. Then the ingredients: their experiences, a day in the life, any potential high-stakes situations. Finally, the oven, or the real world, dealing with their unique challenges, struggles, accomplishments and joys.
You have a Puerto Rican mother and an African American father. How did both cultures play in your life growing up and today?
I am so grateful for my childhood. I attended a Baptist church that really became the soul of who I am. My desire to be the best person I can be, my love of God, and my respect for my elders all came from my church experience. In my household, it was my sister braiding my hair, while my mother and family filled our home with music and poetry through our Spanish language, bringing joy and laughter. Both cultures provided divine cuisine— so it’s been a good life and one I pass on to my girls: “Plátanos and collard greens” for real.
It’s been mentioned that you bring “Latina mother vibes” to the set. Please give examples!
I think from one mother to another, when we see things that are familiar, it can be great fun celebrating the similarities because it’s an amazing and tough job. One minute I may be on bended knee, hugging my child, attending to her age-specific hurt. The next minute, saying you need to rephrase that, and then the next, grabbing a chancleta. You chose which you relate to.
You’re also featured in the animated world.
I had the pleasure of playing the role of Sevika in the multiple Emmy award-winning animation Arcane. It has been celebrated for its amazing achievements in animation and much more. I loved the storyline of an undercity fighting for its rights, and the stark differences between the wealthy and poor seemed familiar and continue to be worthy of analysis.
How have you made sure Afro-Latina culture is represented on screen?
Artists can continue to speak up for their characters, creators can make sure their writers’ rooms are diverse (in a whole way), and we can all support creators of color in leadership roles who have lived the experience of the people they are dreaming up.