Miranda Rae Mayo always dreamed of making it big. The California native discovered her theatrical ability after appearing in a few local productions, but found herself yearning for something in a larger capacity. Following her high school graduation, the young beauty took to Los Angeles in hopes of getting a foot in the door; in a few years time, she;s become one of the most-sought after stars of 2015.
“I just want to be proud of my work,” Miranda told Maxim. “Playing Julia Roberts’s daughter would also send me into a bliss coma, but to be proud of the work I do is the biggest goal I have for myself right now.”
After stealing scenes on The Game, Pretty Little Liars, and True Detective, Miranda’s got her hands full stirring up trouble as Lacey, Don Johnson’s illegitimate daughter, on the new ABC series, Blood and Oil. If this stunning starlet wasn’t on your radar before, she should be now.
Miranda told Maxim about showing some skin, her idea of the perfect date, and what’s next.
1) If you weren’t a blossoming actress and could do anything else (no training required), what do you think you’d be doing?
If I wasn’t in the entertainment industry at all, I would be a miserable human being serving pancakes at Denny’s. I’m also a singer so maybe I’d be singing at dark jazz clubs in Brooklyn. But if this question is saying I am not allowed to include any facet of the entertainment industry in my response, then I stick to my original answer; a miserable human being.
2) What do you feel most sexy wearing?
Some tight, high waisted pants and a crop top with a little bit of midriff showing. I’m all about that life.
3) What would you say is the best part of your body?
I really like my collar bones and my neck! My booty’s not bad, but JLo and Beyoncé are real people. That being said, I have to be choosey about if and when I ever booty-boast.
4) Is there a movie you find your yourself watching over and over.. and over again?
I just recently saw Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet and it rocked my world. I would say that, and The Notebook. #truestory #yesimagirl #sorrynotsorry. Also, does Rihanna’s BBHMM video count as a movie? If so, then that takes the top spot, hands down.
5) How should a man go about grabbing your attention?
By being unapologetically authentic. That is the biggest turn on for me. Also, if you can make me laugh and roll with the punches, you are a winner in my book. Witty, adventurous guys really rev my engine.
6) Do you have any girl crushes right now?
Do I?! Rachel McAdams, Keira Knightley, Jessica McNamee, Rihanna, Heidi Heaslet, Kehlani, Zoe Saldana, Alexi Panos, Zoë Kravitz, Gwen Stefani, Rita Ora.. how much time you got?! I have so many!
7) If you could do anything on a date, what would you want to do?
We are laughing the entire date and time flies. I couldn’t tell you the specifics of where we are and what we’re doing, but as long as we are cracking up, having an amazing time, and I feel comfortable, that’s my ideal.
8) When you have some free time, where do you usually end up?
I’d either take a dance class, practice my cello or go to the beach and meditate. I love how it feels to unwind by the ocean.
9) How do you want your guy to be groomed?
In a way that leaves him smelling fresh. He can look however he wants but if he, in any way, smells funky, I want absolutely no part of it.
10) Are there any big things coming your way?
I just booked a role in ABC’s Blood and Oil playing Don Johnson’s daughter, so that is what’s currently rocking my socks. I’m so grateful to have been given the opportunity to play Lacey, and am really looking forward to seeing where the story goes. This whole year has been one giant miracle for me, and I am humbled to be able to see it unfold. We’ll see what happens next! I promise to keep you posted.
Photos by Nate Taylor