‘The Equalizer’: Laya DeLeon Hayes Says TV Mom Queen Latifah Is A Mentor

Actress Laya DeLeon Hayes completely appears to be like as much as her TV mother, Queen Latifah, as her mentor on the CBS sequence The Equalizer.

The 16-year-old who performs Delilah reverse Latifah’s character Robyn McCall spoke with Folks in regards to the bond the pair have and the affect that it has had on her. 

“I believe as a result of now we have so many intimate scenes collectively and likewise some onerous ones as properly that now we have been capable of sort of create a bond as we’ve been capable of movie,” Hayes shares. “There are issues that I’ve simply picked up and seen. Each time that I do a scene along with her, I’m studying and soaking every part up. I believe a kind of issues has undoubtedly been having your individual opinions on set.” 

The Equalizer premiered in February, following Tremendous Bowl LV. It’s a reimagined basic motion sequence as Latifah’s McCall has a secret life as “The Equalizer” who turns into an nameless guardian angel and defender of the defenseless in pursuit of her personal private redemption. It was renewed for season two in early March.  

RELATED: INTERVIEW: Queen Latifah Says Black Ladies Have Been Equalizers For As Lengthy As She Can Bear in mind

Whereas on set, Hayes says her character Delilah is much more “fiery” than her “laid again” character. 

“I believe any one that’s gone by means of teenage years and all of the loopy issues that occur throughout your teenage years can relate to that — that feeling of wanting independence, but in addition understanding that this can be a time if you’re gonna want your mother most.”

Hayes additionally gained a 2023 NAACP Picture Award for her voice-over work on Disney Junior’s Doc McStuffins.  

The Equalizer airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.