Ridley Asha Bateman Is a Charismatic Starlet Who Is Destined for Cinematic Greatness

“That is where the future lies, in the youth of today.” – Willie Stargell

The industry is making way for its next junior talent whose future is as bright as her smile. Born in Los Angeles, California, her stardom is manifest in her ambition. Sharp, bubbly, articulate, gifted, and beautiful inside and out, her charisma has captivated audiences across the United States. Yet, her journey is only just beginning. Who is this fresh starlet making an impression on the entertainment industry? She is a daughter and younger sister. She is a young professional with a passion for the arts. More candidly, she is the energetic girl next door who recently celebrated her 10th birthday with her loving family, plenty of sushi, and her cuddly kittens, Snowy and Midnight. Actress Ridley Asha Bateman is chasing her Hollywood dreams!

Mhonaé: When did you decide that you wanted to act?

Bateman: My mom and dad were both in the industry since before I was born, so it was kind of in the family.

Ridley’s foundation is deeply rooted in immense talent. Her mother, Rachel Luttrell, is a multi-faceted actress and singer, and her father, Loyd Bateman, is an award-winning producer, cinematographer, stunt performer, and director. Her parents planted the seeds, and Ridley blossomed. Her acting journey began two years ago as the adorable face of a national Domino’s Pizza campaign alongside NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin. The unforgettable line, “Hey Hamlin! I like your PJs,” debuted on television screens across America in November 2020. Since then, she has made appearances in movie thrillers such as Shattered, starring John Malkovich, and Shelter In Place. Yet, she recently achieved her star role in the new Netflix thriller, Lou, next to Jurnee Smollett and Allison Janney.

Mhonaé: What was it like playing in the movie Lou and playing the character Vee?

Bateman: It was really fun. I really enjoyed working on it.

Mhonaé: What is it like being on a movie set?

Bateman: It’s nerve-racking, exciting, and fun all in one.

Mhonaé: How do you prepare for a role? How did you prepare for the role of Vee?

Bateman: Well, I read my lines a lot of times, and I did zooms with my acting coach.

Mhonaé: Is it tough trying to remember all of those lines?

Bateman: A little bit. Yeah.

Mhonaé: Do you ever get nervous before an audition or when you’re on set?

Bateman: Definitely!

Mhonaé: How do you get over your nervousness?

Bateman: I don’t really have a way, but when I get on set, I just stop being nervous.

Ridley shed light on some of her aspirations for future roles and co-stars that she hopes to grace the screen with. She sees the opportunity to play an action-adventure hero, and act in a comedy and historical drama on her horizon. Even in her adolescence, she has a pretty clear idea of the direction she would like to take in her career.

Mhonaé: Do you have any favorite actresses or actors you would like to work with next?

Bateman: Zendaya.

Mhonaé: Well, she is an amazing actress and she is also beautiful. I am sure you will get the opportunity to work with her down the line, and I can’t wait to see the movie or show you both will be in.

Bateman: Totally!

Mhonaé: I am sure acting can be overwhelming sometimes. So what other hobbies do you like to do outside of acting in your downtime?

Bateman: Well, I like to sing. I like to dance. I like to do flips on my trampoline, and I do jujitsu.

Mhonaé: Wow! You do it all! Are singing and dancing things you would also like to pursue with your acting?

Bateman: Yeah. Most likely.

Mhonaé: Great! So when did you start doing that?

Bateman: Around like a really young age.

Mhonaé: I can see that you are really passionate about the arts! I know you’re young now, and you have tons of time to decide what you want to do, but do you think acting is something you would like to continue to pursue when you get older?

Bateman: Most definitely!

Mhonaé: Well, you are off to a great start! I enjoyed the movie Lou and am excited to see what else you have in store.

With a solid support system behind her, Miss Bateman’s future is full of promise. She offered encouraging advice for other young girls like her with dreams of being on the big screen.

Mhonaé: What would you say to other young girls who see you on the movie screen and want to act just like you?

Bateman: It may be nerve-racking when you’re walking onto set, but when you get onto set you should just relax and let all of your emotions come through in the scene.

Photo credit:
Photog:Katie Parker
Stylist: Nicole Omuteku
MUA: Jenny Lova