Lyric Ross Is Making Her Way on 'This Is Us'

Lyric Ross is Dasia on 'This Is Us'

Looking every bit the television star, and well beyond her 16 years, Lyric Ross is growing into both herself and her role in the hit NBC drama, This Is Us.

Starring as the once-troubled character, Dasia, Ross’ role has expanded from a two or three episode guest star role to a permanent cast member where her storyline has become fully developed.  Up next for her is an animated Netflix film.

Today Ross is dressed in a black, sparkly top, black leather skirt, with her hair up.  Although she is 16, her maturity makes her look much older. 

I recently caught up with the young thespian from Chicago at an NBC luncheon to talk about her role in the show and acting in general.

DD: When you got the call to do This Is Us – what did they tell you about your character?

LR: My agency told me there was a guest star role on This Is Us. I hadn’t heard about the show. I thought to myself, it’s another audition for another role. They said I should really go out for it.  They sent me some audition sides and I did a monologue.  I also sent a self-tape but I didn’t hear anything for two weeks and then I heard about a countrywide search for the character. I did the audition again. About two weeks after that I heard they loved me. They then flew me to Los Angeles for a weekend. Three days later, I got the part.

DD: What do you like/dislike about your character?

I like that Dasia won’t take any mess. She’s very observant about everything going on around her. What I’m not cool with is how she kind of builds all of this rage up in her until she explodes on everybody. I can understand how everything can build up, but that’s not the way to handle that.

She’s a closed in person. I’m closed in some time. It takes me a while to open up to people, especially when I don't know them.

DD: Why did you want to be an actress? 

LR: I’ve been wanting to act since I could remember. My mom put me with an agency when I was seven-years-old. I had my first project at eight. I did a photoshoot for Jet magazine. I did a Dawn and Cascade ad. I loved it so much. I did not want to go to sleep or miss anything.

DD: What did you expect when you got into entertainment?

LR: I just expected to do what I love. I didn't want anything else. I didn’t know about all the press and pictures and stuff or that it came with acting.  I really just wanted to be on film. It wasn't about fame. I didn't really want all the attention to be on me. Now that it has happened, I’m much better than I was before. It’s still different. It’s an industry that is weird at times. I’m handling it pretty smoothly. I’m making sure that I’m always observant.  

Lyric Ross 

DD:  Is the show challenging for you?

LR: The show is a challenge in a good way, especially with the love interest.  I love where they are going with this. I like how they are bringing her a boyfriend.

DD: Was it supposed to be a couple episodes run, or were you always going to become part of the family?

LR: All I knew at first, was the character was to be on for two or three episodes. In my mind, I wanted to knock it out of the park. I tried my best. When they saw the character, they wanted it to go further. At the end of season two, I get a call saying they want me to be a series regular. It was crazy. I was just like, thank you, Jesus. None of this would have happened without Him.

DD: What would you like to see happen with Dasia?

LR: I don’t know.  The character is stretching me as an actress.

The cast of 'This Is Us'

DD: What is it like working with the cast?

LR: Working with the cast – they are amazing. I already feel like more than a guest artist. They made me feel part of the family, that says a lot. A lot of actors wouldn't do that for you. It felt good to be part of a cast like that.

DD: What would people be surprised to know about you?

LR: I am very camera shy. Every time people want to take pictures of me, I am camera shy. But that’s ok. I’m so excited. I’ve only just begun.