Symone is Certified Fresh
Stop! That! Train!, her Housewives rankings, and letting the camera get what it gets
Watching Symone on Season 13 of Drag Race is ASMR. From the first second she appears on screen, you’re at ease. That’s a star. So easy to root for. A legend from Arkansas whose charisma and fashion were almost unfair for the other girls to compete with. More than anyone I’ve shot before, Symone was a joy — so fun, so kind, so open, with that same ease she has on screen.
Now she’s starring in the new film Stop! That! Train!, which Jordan and I of course saw at 11am the day it came out. She’s incredible, and the reviews agree.
Go see it in theaters and drink a massive Mr. Pibb for me.
Okay, Symone. Tell me about this movie.
So the name of it is Stop! That! Train!, and it is about two friends, Tess and DeeDee, who sneak onto the Glamazonian Express. Together — the two of them, with help from the President — have to stop this train from crashing because of a Stormaganza. And will the train crash? I don’t know, you’ve got to watch the film.
Is acting something you’ve always wanted to do?
It is. I’ve always loved television — I lived and breathed it as a kid. It’s how I escaped reality. So to be on TV, and then on the big screen? I’m addicted to it. I would love to keep doing it.
What were your shows growing up?
I watched Charmed, I watched That’s So Raven. When Bravo came out with the Housewives, that was a big thing for me. And I loved The Vampire Diaries on The CW.
What’s your Housewives franchise of choice?
That’s hard, because I’m an Atlanta stan — NeNe is my favorite housewife of all time. But as of now — 2026, in the year of our Lord — I’m loving Salt Lake. I love Mary, she’s my second fave.
What does a day off look like for you?
A day off is me in my house or my studio, chilling with my friends — watching YouTube videos, creating, talking about our next thing. Right now we’re doing the AMC Stubs thing, so we go see a movie or two a week.
What do you listen to to get pumped up before a show?
Right now, Janet Jackson — I’m in her bag. The All For You album is in me. Also Jessie Ware’s album. And Drake’s new one — MAID OF HONOUR. It’s very gay, in my opinion.
What’s your big three?
I am a Capricorn sun, Gemini moon, Scorpio rising — January 14, baby.
Where’s your favorite place to take a trip — or what’s been your favorite vacation?
I’ve been very lucky. Rome comes to mind a lot — maybe it’s the history. So much of our society comes from it, and I’m kind of a history nerd.
Was history your favorite subject growing up?
Kind of. I wasn’t very good at the papers and stuff, but I liked learning about how we as people went through the world. History and sociology were always my favorites.
How do you feel about photo shoots?
Oh, I love them. I used to get very anxious — that Capricorn in me, wanting the perfect shot and not letting myself have fun with it. Now I’ve gone to the other side of that: just have fun. Let the camera get what it gets.
You were a joy to shoot. You made me feel comfortable doing my thing. I can’t wait to see the photos.
Me either. I’m excited.
Developed and scanned in partnership with Nice Film Club
One Hour Photo Creative Production: Carly Kane