Lily Brooks O'Briant breaks down her acting, music, & more in Q&A
Between acting, singing, and creating, we’re not quite sure how Lily Brooks O’Briant manages to do it and still manage to excel! Well, in our newest Q&A with the artist, we got to learn a little bit more about how Lily balances life, making music, acting, and beyond. Enjoy our newest conversation with her below!
WWAM: How's your summer been so far?
Lily Brooks O'Briant: My summer has been amazing! I’ve been taking some time to relax with family & friends. I spent a couple of weeks in Tennessee on the lake & will be in Florida to visit Disney with a good friend. I have been working a lot on "The Young & the Restless" - My character, Lucy Romalotti, has been up to a lot this summer. I have also been writing and recording new music. It’s been a great balance of recharging and staying creatively inspired!
WWAM: You've had an impressive journey in acting, from your role in The Young and the Restless to your lead role in "Life By Ella". How did your experience in soap operas and series differ, and what have you learned from both?
Lily Brooks O'Briant: Thank you! Working on "The Young and the Restless" was such an incredible experience. Soap operas are so fast-paced. We film most everything in 1 or maybe 2 takes. I am so very grateful that my theatre training prepped me to be ready for anything and to be incredibly prepared. With "Life By Ella", I had more time to explore Ella’s story and her emotional journey. It gave me the chance to dive deep into her character and explore her personal growth, which was super rewarding. Both have taught me so much about acting—soap operas helped me build discipline and being in the moment very quickly to keep up with the filming pace, and series work let me focus more on in depth character development.
WWAM: You’ve worked alongside some incredible talents, such as Laura Benanti and Katherine McPhee. How have these collaborations influenced your craft?
Lily Brooks O'Briant: I feel so lucky to have worked with such talented women. Laura Benanti and Katherine McPhee both have such incredible work ethics and creativity, and they’ve definitely influenced me in how I approach my own work. Watching them find depth in their characters and seeing their passion on set really inspired me to challenge myself and push my own boundaries as an actress and performer. It’s been amazing to learn from their examples!
WWAM: You've recently ventured into music, releasing your debut EP and a holiday EP in 2023. What inspired you to start recording music, and how does it feel to now be recognized as a musician?
Lily Brooks O'Briant: Music has always been a huge part of my life, and I’ve been writing songs for as long as I can remember. After focusing on acting for so long, I felt like it was the right time to share my music with the world. It’s been such a surreal and exciting journey! Being recognized as both an actress and a musician is such a dream come true, and it feels amazing to have my songs out there and connect with people in a new way.
I am so very excited to share that I have a new single called 'What You Wanted' coming out on August 23rd, followed by another single 'Hopeless Romantic' on September 13th, which is actually the title track of my new EP. The full EP will drop on September 27th, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!
WWAM: How do you balance your music career with your acting and filmmaking projects? Do you find that your experiences in one area influence your work in another?
Lily Brooks O'Briant: Balancing both has definitely been a challenge, but I love it. I try to set time aside for each passion, and they really do influence each other. I love telling stories and that is really what I’m doing whether it is through acting, filmmaking or songwriting. It’s all about finding the right balance and staying focused on what I love.
WWAM: Your work with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is incredibly inspiring. What motivated you to create "Team Young Hollywood and Broadway," and what has been the most rewarding part of your involvement with St. Jude?
Lily Brooks O'Briant: St. Jude has always had a special place in my heart. I created “Team Young Hollywood” because I wanted to bring together young artists and use our platforms to raise awareness and funds for such an important cause. The most rewarding part has been meeting the patients and seeing how much hope St. Jude brings to their families. Knowing that I can help in even a small way is incredibly fulfilling, and I’m so proud to be involved with them. I have recently also become an ambassador for Teen Cancer America and am so excited to support both organizations to help both teens & children as they battle cancer.
WWAM: When you're not busy with your professional endeavors, you enjoy writing your own music and practicing guitar. What role does music play in your life outside of your career?
Lily Brooks O'Briant: Music is like my escape. When I’m not working, it’s what I turn to for fun, relaxation, and creative expression. Writing songs helps me clear my mind and express feelings that I might not get to through acting. It started as a way to help me process what I was going through after my first heartbreak but then it became much more. Music is definitely a huge part of who I am.
WWAM: What advice would you give to young aspiring actors, musicians, and filmmakers who look up to you?
Lily Brooks O'Briant: My advice would be to stay true to yourself and never give up. The entertainment industry can be tough, but if you’re passionate about your craft, keep pushing forward and stay focused on your dreams. Always have passion, don’t be afraid to take risks, and always be open to learning from the people around you. Most importantly, have fun with it! Your unique voice and perspective are what will set you apart, so embrace that and keep creating!
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