Talking With Tristan Cunningham from Hulu's ‘Reasonable Doubt’

This edition of Talking With focuses on actress Tristan Cunningham, who has returned as the provocative Toni in Season 2 of Hulu’s popular legal drama series ‘Reasonable Doubt.’

The show centers around Los Angeles defense attorney Jax Stewart (Emayatzy Corinealdi) as she balances bucking the justice system and her complicated personal life. The promiscuous Toni (Cunningham) became entangled in Jax’s world after sleeping with her husband Lewis (McKinley Freeman) and then landing in a tryst with another man -- who winds up dead at the hands of Jax’s friend. Oh, and now, Toni is pregnant.

Toni is just the latest juicy role for Tristan who previously appeared on many well-known shows, including ‘NCIS,’ ‘CSI Vegas,’ ‘S.W.A.T.,’ ‘All Rise,’ ‘The Conners,’ ‘American Auto,’ and ‘Family Reunion.’

To learn more, we are Talking With Tristan Cunningham:

What’s it been like back on ‘Reasonable Doubt’ again this season?

Tristan Cunningham: It’s been nothing short of a dream come true! After season one I didn’t know if I would be returning, and when I got the call, I sure did scream with joy! Such an amazing show to be a part of, and such a fun character to play!

Toni returned with a big surprise for fans. Did you know that was coming before you saw the script?

Tristan Cunningham: Yes, yes she did! I did not know that was coming before I read the script. Fun fact is, I was actually pregnant in real life. So, I was pleasantly surprised when I found out that Toni was too!

As an actor, what’s helped you the most in bringing this ‘bad girl’ to life?

Tristan Cunningham: I think we all have a little Toni in us! I know folks are gonna hate me for that statement but it’s true. She did the married thing, that didn’t work out. So she got divorced and went wild! Was she classy about it? Absolutely not. Is she a good, honest friend? No. Did she have fun? Yes, yes she did! Again we all have that wild side, so I got to tap into mine.

Do you think being a new mom will help to tame Toni?

Tristan Cunningham: I do! We’ve started to see that. When she refuses the paternity test she tells Lewis “it doesn’t matter (who the father is) because nobody wants this baby but me” She’s ready and willing to be a single mom because she wants this baby. Will she always have a wild side? Yes! But she’s ready to step up and be a present and loving mom to this little one.

What’s been your favorite moment working on the show?

Tristan Cunningham: I can’t pick a favorite, but I will say, “A team is only as good as its leader”. Raamla Mohamed (creator, writer, showrunner and EP) leads with such grace and integrity. I feel like I can be myself walking onto this set. I would run and fight to be a part of anything Raamla is doing.

Emayatzy Corinealdi (Jax) is a lesson in acting for us all. Kind, fun, professional and a force to be reckoned with. McKinley Freeman (Lewis) who I have most of my scenes with and some intimate scenes (lets just say that), is one the kindest humans I’ve ever worked with. In closing I will say I love playing Toni, who doesn’t want to be the “bad girl” sometimes!

Why do you think fans enjoy these characters so much?

Tristan Cunningham: First of all I want to give a shout out to the Reasonable Doubt Fan Squad (that’s what I call them) Y’all are amazing, ten toes down, and so invested. You should see some of the hate mail I receive, y’all got your girl Jax’s back and I love it. I think the enjoyment of the fans goes back to Raamla, the incredible writers, the incredible directors, this is a show for the people. We couldn’t do it without the fans!

How did you get into acting?

Tristan Cunningham: I started performing in circus (yes you read that right) I grew up doing circus and it became clear through my circus journey that storytelling was in my blood. The circus community was kind enough to tell me “you’re an actor honey.” I auditioned for SUNY Purchase theater arts and film conservatory with a monologue that included a lot of back flips and was lucky enough to get in. I’m still waiting for them to write a scene where Toni juggles knives, maybe next season.

What inspires you the most creatively?

Tristan Cunningham: I think storytelling is a beautiful artform that can reach and touch so many. And I love that acting is never “done” you are constantly, growing, changing, learning, failing, and that inspires me to step into every job eyes wide open; ready for the journey this project will take me on. I will forever be grateful that I get to do this line of work.

Finally, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

Tristan Cunningham: Just thank you, thank you all who tune in and support the show. It means a lot, to all of us.

Keep up with Tristan Cunningham on Instagram @tristanavelinacunningham