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Savannah Basley, actress on the popular “Reginald The Vampire” hit series on SyFy Channel as the powerful vampire “Angela” now airing. From cult classics like Buffy The Vampire Slayer to cultural icons like Aaliyah in Queen of the Damned, Savannah’s fierce style is a reflection of the sexy slayers that have come before her.
Beautify caught up with the rising star to learn about her character inspiration, fierce style, and beauty faves.
Your portrayal of Angela in “Reginald The Vampire” is both powerful and stylish. How do you draw inspiration from early 2000s subculture, and how does that influence your character’s fierce style?
I’ve always been a fan of punk rock music and emo bands and have drawn from their fashion styles. I’m also a big fan of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” so it was only natural for me to draw inspiration from that popular series. The theatrics of Panic at the Disco concerts and performances, and Gwen Stefani’s music video for “What You Waiting For” are huge inspirations for me, too.
You’ve mentioned an obsession with Aaliyah in “Queen of the Damned.” What aspects of her performance and style resonate most with you, and how do you incorporate that into your own personal and professional aesthetic?
Aaliyah has always been someone I’ve looked up to for performance and overall feminine power, even though I am not a dancer like she was, the way she brought her physicality into her performances really drew me in. She was very stoic in her performance and her ability to mesmerize the audience was captivating to me. Her makeup and glow were the exact inspiration for Angela’s makeup looks for the show.
Sci-fi and vampire queen glam have a unique allure. What are your go-to beauty products that help you achieve that iconic, otherworldly look both on and off set?
I like to use Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Foundation and cream blush palettes are two of my favorites for on and off set. Skincare is very important to me and I currently love using Eminence Organic Skincare Facial Recovery Oil + Strawberry rhubarb dermafoliant scrub. My skin can be sensitive so I know that my skin is being nourished after a heavy makeup day with these products.
Playing Angela seems like an empowering experience. How has embodying this powerful vampire queen positively impacted your life, both personally and professionally?
I always enjoy playing morally ambiguous characters who might be seen as a villain yet so authentic and unapologetic for who they are. I wasn’t sure how audiences would respond to such powerful, strong-willed characters but the audiences really loved them! I get great feedback from fans, and it makes me feel confident and happy.
Representation is crucial in media. As a bi-racial actress in the sci-fi genre, how do you feel your role in “Reginald The Vampire” contributes to diversity and representation, and why do you think it’s important for the industry to continue evolving in this direction?
Racial representation on screen contributes to the fact that there is a black and brown audience and fanbase in the sci-fi genre and it’s important for this group of people to be represented on TV – so that they feel they have a place in this genre and subculture. When a group isn’t represented in a genre it makes them feel that they aren’t supposed to enjoy it. I do see this evolving with more TV shows to create original characters that are people of color.
