Jazz Anderson returns as Bam in Armstrong: Dark Secrets, the sequel to the award-winning crime drama. The film dives deeper into themes of loyalty and friendship under fire, all elements of real life.
Bam is fiercely loyal to her best friend Missy. How did you prepare to portray that kind of bond on screen?
I think that part of Bam really mirrors who I am in real life. My friends know they can always count on me to be honest with them, even when the truth hurts. I’m the type who’ll tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. That honesty comes from love, not judgment.
When I read the script, I instantly connected to that. Bam loves Missy, but she’s not afraid to hold her accountable. That mix of love and tough truth is what makes their friendship real. I pulled from my own friendships to show that energy—that type of bond where you might fight or disagree, but at the end of the day, you’re still standing beside each other.
Bam’s world is full of blurred lines; trust can be as dangerous as betrayal. How did you bring that tension to life?
What I love about this movie is that you never really know what’s going to happen. There are moments when you question whether Bam might turn on Missy or if the loyalty will hold. In the end, though, you see that she values their friendship above everything else.
It’s interesting because all of this chaos started in the first Armstrong—Bam was the one who invited Missy to a party. Missy made some choices that set everything in motion, but Bam stood by her anyway. That says a lot about the kind of person Bam is. She’s loyal even when it’s messy, even when it costs her something.
The stakes in this sequel feel higher than ever. Which moments or scenes challenged you most during filming?
The toughest scene was the one where Missy’s boyfriend gets shot, and Bam runs into the hospital not knowing if he’s going to make it. That scene hit me emotionally.
I’ve had moments in real life where someone I cared about was in the hospital, and you’re just sitting there praying they’ll be okay. I had to tap into that memory to make it believable. Acting is about vulnerability, and that scene forced me to go there—to really feel it instead of just performing it. Physically, it was draining too. There’s chaos, there’s movement, and you have to stay present in every take. It’s the kind of scene that takes everything out of you.
You worked alongside returning stars and new cast members. How did that dynamic affect your performance?
The energy on set was great. I didn’t have scenes with Sherhonda Gaulden directly, but everyone brought something unique to the table. Each person added a different layer to the story. When you work with talented people, it pushes you to step up. You never want to be the weakest link, especially in a film that already has a strong reputation. Everyone brought authenticity, and that made it easy to find my rhythm as Bam. We all wanted to make the sequel even better than the first one.
Did you find similarities between yourself and Bam, or are you very different from her?
Bam and I are a lot alike. I’m loyal, honest, and protective. I’m the friend who’s going to show up for you no matter what. But I think where Bam and I differ is that she can be impulsive. She jumps into situations headfirst. I’m a little more cautious. Still, I get her. I understand why she does what she does, and that’s why the role felt natural for me.
The Armstrong series has been praised for its raw and realistic tone. How did you adjust your acting style to fit that?
Luckily, I’ve played roles before that had a similar tone. In “Haus of Vicious,” I played Young Mel—a character who was rugged, real, and didn’t play around. That kind of experience prepared me for Armstrong: Dark Secrets.
With films like this, you can’t fake it. You have to stay grounded. The audience can tell when something feels forced. So for me, it was about pulling from real emotions and letting go of perfection—just being in the moment.
The film focuses on strong female friendships. Why is that important to you?
I think it’s very important, especially for young African American women. We have to uplift each other and show that sisterhood exists. You don’t always see that on screen—a lot of times, we’re shown arguing or being in competition. That’s what I love about Bam and Missy’s relationship. It’s real friendship. They have each other’s backs even when things go left. They push each other, and they hold each other accountable, but it’s always from a place of love. I think young women need to see that.
The first Armstrong received critical acclaim and multiple awards. Did that success bring added pressure for the sequel?
Honestly, no. I don’t look at it as pressure. I look at it as motivation. Anything I’m part of, I take seriously. I want to bring the best version of my character to life every time. The first film’s success was amazing. It showed that people connected with the story. So for this one, our mindset was: let’s make it even better. Let’s show growth—in the story, in the characters, and in our performances.
What was your most memorable or unexpected moment during production?
A: Working with Kaamel Hasaun, who plays Coby, was definitely memorable. He’s an incredible actor and a genuine person. Our scenes had a lot of range—some were emotional, some were heated, and some were just quiet and real.
We had to show different sides of friendship and love, and Kaamel made it easy to stay in the moment. I learned a lot working opposite him.
Looking ahead, how would you like to see Bamís story evolve if there’s another film in the series?
I think Bam’s story still has loose ends. In the first film, she had a situationship with Sneek, and by the second one, that thread wasn’t really tied up. I’d like to see what happens there—whether they get closure or not. Bam’s a free spirit, but in the real world, you can’t always live without consequences. I think the next chapter could show her facing that—growing up, taking accountability, and figuring out what she really wants out of life and love.
What advice would you give to young actresses hoping to follow in your footsteps?
Take the craft seriously. I’ve only been acting for about four years, but I made a decision early on that if I’m going to do this, I’m going to do it all the way. Get into an acting class. Learn the fundamentals. Don’t just say you’re an actor—become one. There’s a big difference between wanting something and working for it.
You’ll hear a lot of “no’s” before you get your first “yes.” I definitely did. But each “no” teaches you something. Keep pushing, keep improving, and don’t give up. If you stay consistent, the right opportunity will come.
Anything you want to share with fans who have supported you from the beginning? I just want to say thank you. I appreciate everyone who’s believed in me since day one. Every role I play, I give it my all because of that support. I’m so grateful to talk about this film. It means a lot to me, and I can’t wait for everyone to see what’s next.
Be’n Original
