Mya filmography explained

Mya filmography
Label1:Feature films
Data1:18
Label2:Theatrical plays
Data2:1
Label3:Television
Data3:30
Label4:Commercials
Data4:5
Label5:Video game
Data5:1

American recording artist and entertainer Mya has worked in eighteen feature films (eleven an actress), seven documentaries, thirty television episodes, one theatrical play, and featured or appeared in five commercials.

Following the success of her debut album Mýa (1998), Mya began reading and receiving movie scripts. Her first foray into acting was Aussie director Michael Rymer's crime action thriller film In Too Deep starring opposite LL Cool J and Omar Epps. She made her cinematic debut with a small role portraying Omar Epps character's girlfriend Loretta.[1] Released August 1999, In Too Deep received generally mixed reviews, but managed to recoup its budget.[2] [3] [4]

In 2002, Mya landed her "most notable" role to date in the Tony Award-winning musical adaptation Chicago.[5] Originally, centered around two 1920s entertainers who get involved in homicide, the film's adaptation of the Broadway musical, under director Rob Marshall's vision was a completely new and stylized version, in which all of the original parts had been rewritten.[5] In the big-screen adaptation, Mya co-starred as Mona, one of the cell block prisoners guilty of murder. The role featured her singing and dancing in a solo section during the "Cell Block Tango" sequence.[5] Prior to securing the role, Mya went through an audition process. At first, reluctant because she had to audition with no script and no tape, however she devised and created a scenario from the description given about the character and improvised the rest winning her the role.[6] After securing the part and with the inclusion of "Lipshitz" now incorporated into the movie, Mya spent two months in Canada in rehearsals working closely with Rob Marshall to perfect her solo monologue and Cell Block Tango dance sequence.[6] Released December 2002, Chicago was a box office hit and grossed 306.8 million worldwide. As well as, critically lauded,[7] the film received 13 Oscar nominations and 8 Golden Globes nomination while winning Mya several awards in the ensemble categories including a Critics' Choice Movie Awards and a Screen Actors Guild Award.[8] [9]

In 2004, Mya had two minor roles– and Shall We Dance?. First, she appeared in Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights. A re-imaging of the 1987 film starring Patrick Swayze, Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, filmed in Puerto Rico and set in the 1950s follows an American family during the Cuban Revolution. In the film, Mya portrays Lola Martinez, a Tropicana girl-cum-nightclub singer and serenades the crowd during one of the ballroom dance sequence singing "Do You Only Wanna Dance?."[10] A box office bomb, the film grossed $27 million at the box office and received largely negative reviews.[11] [12] Next, Mya appeared in Shall We Dance?, a remake of the 1996 Japanese film of the same name. A tidbit part, Mya portrays Omar Benson Miller's character Vern's fiancée. The singer's most challenging role yet, it required her along with the cast to learn ballroom dance numbers–paso doble, the waltz, the tango and the cha-cha choreographed by choreographer JoAnn Jansen.[13] Released Fall 2004, Shall We Dance? was a box office hit, however received generally mixed reviews.[14] [15] [16]

In February 2005, after going through development hell with reshoots and casting, Mya secured a supporting role in Wes Craven's film Cursed.[17] A horror comedy, Mya co-starred as Jenny Tate, a socialite and best friend to Shannon Elizabeth's character Becky Morton.[17] Excited to work with Wes Craven, during filming and as a suggestion to him, Mya was able to improv her character's big chase scene. When released Cursed tanked at the box office and received overwhelmingly negative reviews.[18] [19] Despite the film's overall box office performance, Mya earned a Best Frightened Performance nomination at 2005 MTV Movie Awards.[20]

The following year in 2006, she co-starred in the romantic comedy drama The Heart Specialist, written, produced and directed by Dennis Cooper, and starred Wood Harris, Zoe Saldana, and Brian J. White. Originally released under the title Ways of the Flesh,[21] it initially premiered at the 2006 Boston Film Festival[22] however had remain unreleased until 2011, when it was granted a limited theatrical release.[21] Still fairly new to acting, in 2006 as well, Mya was honored with the Crossover Award (singer to actor) at the Palm Beach International Film Festival.[23]

In the latter half of her career, Mya appeared in low budget independent films. Beginning in 2007, she had a minor role in the indie sex comedy The Metrosexual.[24] [25] Starring Shaun Benson in the titular role, she portrays Jessica, an ex-girlfriend. Unreleased and screened at the Boston Film Festival it received mixed reviews.[26] The next year in 2008, Mya received a supporting role in Bill Duke's directed drama thriller Cover where she portrayed an AIDS victim named Cynda. The film dealt with the subject of men who are on the down-low in society and opened at selective theaters. It grossed $79,436 in the United States and received negative reviews.[24] [27] [28] In the same year, Mya landed her first starring role. She starred in the direct-to-dvd romantic comedy Love For Sale. Starring opposite Jackie Long and Jason Weaver, Mya played Kiely, a college student in a bad relationship. Love For Sale was released on DVD October 21, 2008.

The following year in 2009, Mya had supporting role in the comedy drama indie film Bottleworld. Cast as Bree, it featured an ensemble cast of Anna Camp, Christopher Denham and Scott Wilson. In March 2010, she appeared in The Penthouse starring Rider Strong. The sex comedy earned largely negative reviews.[29] Next, Mya starred as Lt. Plummer opposite Linda Hamilton in the Syfy original television movie Bermuda Tentacles. Directed by Nick Lyon the made-for-television film premiered April 12, 2014 and garnered largely negative reviews.[30] Following its years in development hell, in February 2021, Mya had a minor role in the Tubi streaming platform action movie Lazarus.[31] Later that year, she starred in Lifetime original holiday film My Favorite Christmas Melody. She starred as Abby Walker, once a promising singer-songwriter who now finds herself writing uninspired jingles for commercials. As she heads home for the holidays, she's enlisted by the local high school music teacher to help save the school arts program. In the process, Abby rediscovers her voice and regains the confidence to go after her dreams and lets the possibility of love in too. It aired December 5, 2021, a part of Lifetimes It's a Wonderful Lifetime holiday movie event.[32] Returning to the silver screen, in January 2023, Mya made a cameo in the rebooted comedy film House Party. Considered a legitimate supporting role, she appeared as the major love interest for actor Tosin Cole's character Damon.[33] [34] House Party received largely mixed reviews.[35]

Aside from film appearances, Mya made television appearances as well. In 2004 and 2005, she guest starred on television series 1-800-Missing and NCIS. In 2009, she competed in the ninth season of Dancing with the Stars. A fan favorite among viewers, she earned the runner-up title in the competition.[36] [37] For two seasons, she starred in the ALLBLK television drama 5th Ward The Series. Based on director Greg Carter's first movie of the same name, Mya starred as Mina Kennedy, a single mother raising her three sons in Houston's historic district Fifth Ward.[38] In 2019, she made her first foray into reality television and appeared in the Vh1 show Girls Cruise alongside Lil' Kim and Chilli of TLC.[39]

Feature films

Key
Indicates a cameo appearance
Indicates a documentary appearance
Year!scope="col"
TitleRoleCredit(s)
1999LorettaActress
2002MonaActress[40]
2003JadeVoice Actress[41]
Herself Appearance[42]
2004Lola MartinezActress[43]
Vern's FiancéeActress[44]
HerselfAppearance
2005Jenny TateActress
2007Jessica Actress[45]
2008CyndaActress[46]
KeileyActress[47]
2009BreeActress[48]
2010MitraActress
2011ValerieActress[49]
2012Herself Appearance[50]
2014Lt. PlummerActress
2017HerselfAppearance[51]
2018Herself[52]
2019Herself[53]
2021FloraActress
HerselfAppearance[54]
AbbyActress
2023HerselfActress[55]
2025-2026HerselfAppearance[56]

Short films

Year!scope="col"
TitleRoleMediumNotes
2024Voices of Hope — Words of Wisdom by Dr. Jane GoodallHerselfTheatrical[57]

Theatrical plays

Year!scope="col"
TitleRolePlaywrightStage
2008ChicagoVelma KellyAmbassador Theatre[58]

Television

Year!scope="col"
TitleRoleEpisodeNotes
1999Sister, SisterHerself"FreakNik"Guest Appearance[59]
All That"All That Live!" (100th Episode)Host[60]
Figure It Out"Tickled Lizard with Feather to Win Race/Won Best Trick with Snoring Dog"Panelist[61]
FANatic"Mya/Mary J. Blige"Appearance
20012GE+HER: The SeriesHerself"Lyrics"Guest Appearance[62]
Making the Video"Lady Marmalade"Appearance[63]
2002HauntedVoodoo Priest"Abby"Actress[64]
VH-1 Behind the MovieHerself"Chicago"Appearance[65]
2003Punk'dHerself"Mya/Katie Holmes/Tracy Morgan"Appearance[66]
MADtvSeason 9, Episode 9Guest Appearance[67]
Making the Video"My Love Is Like...Wo"Appearance[68]
Access Granted"Fallen"[69]
20041-800-MissingKira"Pop Star"Actress[70]
Beat SeekerHerselfSeason 2, Episode 16Appearance[71]
2005NCISSamantha "Jade" King"Pop Life"Actress[72]
2006Love MonkeyHerself"Coming Out"Guest Appearance[73]
TV Land's Top TenHerself"Top Ten Musical Moments"Appearance[74]
2007Yo Gabba Gabba!Herself"Friends"Guest Appearance[75]
2008Secret Talents of the StarsHerself"Pilot"Contestant[76]
2009Dancing with the StarsHerselfSeason 9[77]
CubedSeason 1, Episode 4Appearance[78]
2010The Real Housewives of D.C.Herself"Welcome to the District"Guest Appearance[79]
BiographyP!nkAppearance[80]
2011WWE RawHerself"The Rock's Birthday Bash"Special Guest[81]
2017DisplayHerself"Display 309"Appearance[82]
2018Do or DareHerself"T.I. Vs Mya"Contestant[83]
Gods of MedicineJackie GarrettHeaven Can Wait...Actress[84]
5th Ward The SeriesMina Kennedy2 SeasonsActress[85]
2019Girls CruiseHerself1 SeasonAppearance[86]
2022Shark TankHerselfCandi[87]
2025Sistas Recurring role (Season 8) Actress

Commercials

Year!scope="col"
CompanyPromotingTitleTheme song(s)Region
1999MTVMusic videos"Keep It Real"International[88] [89]
2003The Coca-Cola CompanySoft drink beverage"Coca-Cola...Real""Compared to What"[90]
GapClothing"Fit to feel groovy—GapStretch—the new pants""Feelin' Groovy"[91]
PantenePro-voice contest[92] [93]
2005MotorolaMotorola rokr"Phone Booth""Hung Up"[94]
2011NBC UniversalBravo"Fashion By Bravo""Fabulous Life"[95]
2013Ford Motor CompanyFord Focus"Break Your Neck"[96]

Video game

Year!scope="col"
TitleRoleCredit(s)
2004Mya StarlingVoice Actress[97]

See also

Notes

A short video documentary where Waka Flocka Flame, Russell Simmons and Mya discuss why they decided to adopt a vegan lifestyle.

A short video documentary with multiple female celebrities discussing the importance of vegan fashion.

Due to unfortunate circumstances, Mya had to postpone her Broadway debut after she incurred a broken foot. Her stint was to began May 12, 2008 to July 13, 2008 at the Ambassador theatre.[98]

NBC Universal licensed "Fabulous Life" to promote their Fashion By Bravo campaign.

The Ford Motor Company licensed "Break Your Neck" to promote its 2013 Ford Focus.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Mya To Make Film Debut With Nas, L.L. Cool J . https://web.archive.org/web/20180127083917/http://www.mtv.com/news/1431100/mya-to-make-film-debut-with-nas-ll-cool-j/ . dead . January 27, 2018 . January 19, 1999. July 22, 2023. MTV.
  2. News: Cop Thriller 'In Too Deep' Rises Above Formulaic Plot. Los Angeles Times. July 25, 2023.
  3. News: FILM REVIEW; A Conflicted Detective, A Drug Lord Named God. The New York Times. August 25, 1999. July 25, 2023. Maslin. Janet.
  4. News: Company Town : Company Town Film Profit Report. Los Angeles Times. July 25, 2023.
  5. Mya Signs On For 'Chicago'. November 28, 2001. July 25, 2023. Billboard.
  6. Web site: Mya discusses Oscar-nominated 'Chicago'. Ritter. Rachael. March 14, 2003. July 25, 2023. The Maroon.
  7. Web site: Chicago Reviews. 2023-07-25. Metacritic.
  8. Web site: The 8th Critics' Choice Movie Awards Winners and Nominees . 2023-07-25 . BFCA . dead . https://archive.today/20130414082058/http://bfca.org/ccawards/2002.php . April 14, 2013 .
  9. Web site: The 9th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards. 2023-07-25. SAG.
  10. Web site: Mya: Flight Of The Swan. 2023-07-25 . Mya Mya . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20030618092651/http://www.myamya.com/news/article_swan.html. 2003-06-18.
  11. Web site: Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights (2004) . Box Office Mojo . July 25, 2023.
  12. Web site: Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights Reviews. 2023-07-25. Metacritic.
  13. Web site: Uh-Oh! Mya Gets Dirty. Cohen. Angel. March 3, 2004. July 25, 2023. TV Guide.
  14. Web site: The New York Times. He's a Fool for Dancing. Despite the Briefcase. Stephen. Holden. October 15, 2004.
  15. Web site: Shall We Dance (2004) . Box Office Mojo . February 24, 2005 . July 25, 2023.
  16. Web site: Shall We Dance Reviews. 2023-07-25. Metacritic.
  17. Web site: Craven adds 4 thesps for 'Cursed' reshoot. December 1, 2003. July 22, 2023. Variety.
  18. Web site: Cursed Reviews. 2023-07-25. Metacritic.
  19. Web site: Cursed (2005) . Box Office Mojo . May 13, 2005 . July 25, 2023.
  20. Mya, Ashanti, Foxx Snag MTV Movie Noms. 2023-07-25. Billboard.
  21. News: The Heart Specialist -- Film Review. The Hollywood Reporter . Frank . Scheck .
  22. Web site: Movie Review - Heart Specialist (Ways of the Flesh), The - eFilmCritic. July 25, 2023. efilmcritic.
  23. Web site: Dog Has His Day at Film Fest Gala Event . 2023-07-25. Sun-Sentinel.
  24. Web site: Mya: Bring It Back. Watkins. Greg. September 20, 2006. October 9, 2023. AllHipHop.
  25. Web site: The Metrosexual . July 23, 2023 . . November 7, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171107055228/http://www.miaminewtimes.com/movies/the-metrosexual-6620749 . dead .
  26. Web site: Metrosexual, The . July 25, 2023 . efilmcritic.
  27. Web site: Cover (2008). Box Office Mojo. July 25, 2023.
  28. Web site: Cover (2008) – Movie Details – Yahoo! Movies . Yahoo! . July 25, 2023.
  29. Web site: The Penthouse . . July 22, 2023.
  30. Linda Hamilton to star in new Syfy movie 'Bermuda Tentacles'. July 22, 2023. Entertainment Weekly. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20140317225002/http://insidetv.ew.com/2014/03/11/linda-hamilton-syfy-bermuda-tentacles/. March 17, 2014.
  31. Web site: Tubi To Premiere Samuel Goldwyn Action Movie 'Lazarus' In Streaming Exclusive. Hayes. Dade. February 4, 2021. July 22, 2023. Deadline.
  32. Web site: The Complete Lifetime Christmas Movie Schedule for It's a Wonderful Lifetime 2021. Wang. K.L. Connie. September 30, 2021. July 22, 2023. Parade.
  33. Web site: Movie Review: No need to RSVP for this 'House Party. Walsh. Kate. January 12, 2023. July 25, 2023. Spokesman.
  34. Web site: House Party review – comedy remake is not worth the invite. Lawrence. Andrew. January 13, 2023. July 25, 2023. The Guardian.
  35. Web site: House Party (2023) Reviews. 2023-07-25. Metacritic.
  36. Web site: Dancing With The Stars Recap: Mya Turns The Beat Around. https://web.archive.org/web/20230725160704/https://www.mtv.com/news/9m4hld/dancing-with-the-stars-recap-mya-turns-the-beat-around. dead. July 25, 2023. July 25, 2023. MTV. November 10, 2009.
  37. Web site: Mya Finishes Second on 'Dancing with the Stars'. July 25, 2023. Rap Up. November 21, 2009.
  38. Web site: EXCLUSIVE: Singer Mya Talks About Her New Show, '5th Ward'. July 25, 2023. Ebony. March 2, 2018.
  39. Web site: VH1 Orders 'Girls Cruise' Reality Series Starring & Executive Produced By Lil' Kim For July Premiere. July 25, 2023. Deadline Hollywood. June 10, 2019.
  40. Web site: Mya To Take Role In 'Chicago' Movie . https://web.archive.org/web/20220808074835/https://www.mtv.com/news/5g0xay/mya-to-take-role-in-chicago-movie . dead . August 8, 2022 . November 21, 2001. July 22, 2023. MTV.
  41. Web site: Pop stars pop 'Volcano' . December 3, 2003. July 22, 2023. Variety.
  42. Web site: Mya In T.V. Movie. Mya Mya. July 22, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20030810034559/http://www.myamya.com:80/news/index.asp?EventDate=all. August 10, 2003. dead.
  43. Web site: dirty dancing: havana nights an interview with mya . February 3, 2004. July 22, 2023. blackfilm.
  44. Web site: SHALL WE DANCE? (2004). February 2, 2005. July 22, 2023. Popmatters.
  45. Web site: Oh, Mio, Mya. July 31, 2007. July 22, 2023. Out.
  46. Web site: Eden Corrupted. February 22, 2008. July 22, 2023. The Los Angeles Times.
  47. Web site: Love for Sale (2008) . October 21, 2008. July 22, 2023. The A.V. Club.
  48. Web site: Film Description : Bottleworld : Bahamas International Film Festival. July 22, 2023. Bahamas Local.
  49. Web site: Mya Talks 'The Heart Specialist,' Awkward Sex Scene, and Future Movie Roles. November 11, 2011. July 22, 2023. Rolling Out.
  50. Slash, Billy Corgan Take a Ride Down 'Sunset Strip'. Billboard. 2023-07-23.
  51. Waka Flocka Flame, Mya & Russell Simmons Discuss Their Vegan Lifestyles in New PETA Video. Penrose. Nerisha. August 22, 2017. August 8, 2023. Billboard.
  52. Web site: These Women Are Game-Changers in the World of Fashion (VIDEO). November 11, 2018. August 8, 2023. PETA.
  53. Web site: Slice of Life: The Future of Food Documentary (2019). August 23, 2019. July 23, 2023. The A.V. Club.
  54. Filmmaker John Lewis Tackles Food and Health Injustice Against African Americans I Upcoming Film 'They're Trying To Kill Us'. June 23, 2020. July 23, 2023. The Source.
  55. All the Cameos You Might Have Missed in House Party. Lang. Cady. January 13, 2023. July 22, 2023. Time.
  56. Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt, Erykah Badu Headline ‘Lilith Fair’ Documentary (Exclusive). Vlessing. Etan. July 9, 2024. July 9, 2024. The Hollywood Reporter.
  57. Jane Goodall Celebrates Turning 90 with a Message About Animals: 'The Gift I Want to Give'. People. 2024-04-15.
  58. Web site: Grammy Winner Mya to Join Broadway's Chicago. Gans. Andrew. February 11, 2008. August 1, 2023. Playbill.
  59. Web site: FreakNik. . July 23, 2023.
  60. Web site: All That Live! (100th Episode). IMDB . July 23, 2023.
  61. Web site: Tickled Lizard with Feather to Win Race/Won Best Trick with Snoring Dog. IMDB . July 23, 2023.
  62. Web site: Lyrics. IMDB . July 23, 2023.
  63. Web site: Lady Marmelade. IMDB . July 23, 2023.
  64. Web site: Abby. IMDB . July 23, 2023.
  65. Web site: Chicago. IMDB . July 23, 2023.
  66. Web site: Punk'd - Season 2 Episode 3: Mya, Katie Holmes, Tracy Morgan. . July 23, 2023.
  67. Web site: Episode #9.9. IMDB . July 23, 2023.
  68. Web site: Making the Video Episode Guide 2003 – Mya . . July 23, 2023.
  69. Web site: Access Granted Episode Guide 2003 – Mya . . July 23, 2023 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121001062007/http://www.tvguide.com/detail/tv-show.aspx?tvobjectid=198252&more=ucepisodelist&episodeid=3981899 . October 1, 2012 .
  70. Web site: Pop Star. IMDB . July 23, 2023.
  71. Web site: Episode #2.16. IMDB . July 23, 2023.
  72. Web site: NCIS - Season 2, Episode 16: Pop Life . TV.com . July 23, 2023.
  73. Web site: Coming Out. IMDB . July 23, 2023.
  74. Web site: Top Ten Musical Moments. IMDB . July 23, 2023.
  75. Web site: Who Let These Questionable Artists On Kid's Television? . https://web.archive.org/web/20230723192749/https://www.vh1.com/news/xfpj3s/questionable-artists-on-kids-television . live . July 23, 2023 . . July 23, 2023.
  76. Web site: Secret Talents of the Stars - Full Cast & Crew . . July 23, 2023.
  77. Web site: Mya Joins 'Dancing with the Stars' Cast . . July 23, 2023.
  78. Web site: Episode #1.4. IMDB . July 23, 2023.
  79. Web site: Welcome to the District. IMDB . July 23, 2023.
  80. Web site: Pink. IMDB . July 23, 2023.
  81. Web site: Platinum Recording Artist Mya Sings Happy Birthday To The Rock Live On WWE Raw Lookin Extra Fine!. . July 23, 2023.
  82. Web site: Display 309. IMDB . July 23, 2023.
  83. Web site: T.I. vs. Mýa. IMDB . July 23, 2023.
  84. Web site: Heaven Can Wait.... IMDB . July 23, 2023.
  85. Web site: Watch The Exclusive Trailer For Houston-Set Series, 'Fifth Ward,' Starring Mya And Carl Anthony Payne. July 23, 2023. Shadow and Act.
  86. Web site: Lil Kim, Mya, And Chilli Spotted In Barbados Filming New Vh1 Project 'Girls Crew. Scott. Sydney. February 27, 2019. Essence. July 23, 2023.
  87. Web site: Chicago Cameo competitor hits Shark Tank with celebrity video chats. Daliko. Jim. January 6, 2022. July 23, 2023. American City Business Journals.
  88. Web site: Mya - MTV - Keep It Real (1999). YouTube. 25 July 2023.
  89. News: Harrington . Richard . Mya's High Rise . . April 25, 1999 . August 1, 2023. In a brightly lit working-class bar in this otherwise gray Jersey town, fledgling pop star Mya is getting a beatdown. Of course, it's not for real: She's surrounded by her fellow cast members and a crew, filming a promo for MTV..
  90. Web site: Coke gets 'real' with celebrities. https://web.archive.org/web/20201103154122/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna3073196. dead. November 3, 2020. Weaver. Jane. January 9, 2003. July 23, 2023. NBC News.
  91. Web site: Laird's Gap Is 'Groovy' for Spring. Mack. Ann. February 23, 2003. July 23, 2023. Ad Week.
  92. Web site: Pantene Pro-Voice Commercial (2003) . YouTube. 25 July 2023.
  93. Web site: Mya Is the Face of Pro-Voice!. Mya Mya. July 25, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20030810034559/http://www.myamya.com:80/news/index.asp?EventDate=all. August 10, 2003. dead.
  94. Web site: Madonna and Iggy Pop to star in Motorola iPod ad. July 23, 2023. Brand Republic.
  95. Web site: MYA FABULOUS LIFE FASHION BY BRAVO COMMERCIAL. YouTube. 27 July 2023.
  96. Web site: MYA Ford commercial 2013 "Break ur Neck". YouTube. 27 July 2023.
  97. Web site: Mya Interview: Everything Or Nothing. D.. Spence. December 5, 2003. IGN. July 23, 2023.
  98. Web site: Grammy Winner Mya Breaks Foot; Broadway Debut Postponed. Gans. Andrew. April 29, 2008. August 1, 2023. Playbill.

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