Teyana Taylor, the Harlem-bred artist who initially gained recognition as a musician, is experiencing a remarkable career resurgence fueled by a bold decision to pivot into acting. After announcing her retirement from music in 2020, Taylor has garnered critical acclaim and industry recognition for her dramatic roles, including a nomination for a Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award for her performance in One Battle After Another.
A Calculated Risk
Taylor’s decision to step away from music was met with skepticism from some within the industry, who questioned the wisdom of the move. However, she explained in an interview with Deadline’s “Take Ten” that she felt constrained and desired to explore other creative avenues. “I remember going live… saying that I was retiring, and that I wanted more for myself,” Taylor shared. This willingness to defy expectations has proven transformative.
The shift to acting began with her role in the 2023 Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize-winning film, A Thousand and One. This success paved the way for a co-starring role alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in One Battle After Another, released in late 2025. Taylor’s performance as Perfidia has positioned her as a strong contender for upcoming awards, including the Oscars, with nominations expected to be announced on January 22.
Expanding Creative Horizons
Taylor’s ambitions extend beyond acting. She is currently preparing to direct her first feature-length film, immersing herself in the study of cinematography and filmmaking techniques. Furthermore, she is pursuing a new culinary path, currently enrolled in culinary school with plans to open her own restaurant “very, very soon.”
Her return to music, with the 2025 visual album Escape Room, earned her a Best R&B Album nomination for the 2026 Grammys, proving she could re-enter that space “on my terms.” Taylor’s multifaceted career—choreographer, visionary, mother, businesswoman—continues to evolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Teyana Taylor to retire from music?
Teyana Taylor announced her retirement from music in 2020 because she felt a desire to explore other creative avenues and “pour into other avenues,” as she stated in an interview with Deadline’s “Take Ten.”
What films has Teyana Taylor starred in recently?
Teyana Taylor starred in the Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize-winning film A Thousand and One in 2023 and co-starred alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in One Battle After Another in late 2025.
What is Teyana Taylor currently working on besides acting?
Teyana Taylor is preparing to direct her first feature-length film and is currently enrolled in culinary school with plans to open her own restaurant.
Given Teyana Taylor’s demonstrated ability to successfully navigate multiple creative fields, what new ventures might she pursue in the future?
