MIAMI — The journey of an actor can be long and intense. There’s no solid way of knowing which role could be the one that launches their career. For actress Courtney Taylor, relentless auditioning landed her in some popular shows as a guest star. Those experiences positioned her for the latest opportunity: a lead role in an Amazon Prime series.
Taylor will be a co-star in the upcoming TV series “Ballard,” a drama and spinoff from the show “Bosch,” about a police detective and a complicated murder case. Taylor said in an interview that fans of the original series will enjoy what’s in store for this show.
“I think it covers all the bases of a really well-thought-out show,” Taylor said. “ ‘Bosch’ had a wonderful community of people behind it and they are going to have the same experience with this show.”
“Ballard” premiered on Prime Video July 9. Along with Taylor, it stars Margaret Denise Quigley and John Carroll. Michael Alaimo and Kendall Sherwood are executive producers.
The original series was about L.A.P.D. homicide Det. Harry Bosch, played by Titus Welliver, who examines suspicious deaths and follows trails of corruption, according to Prime Video.The show was based on the novels written by Michael Connelly. According to Amazon MGM Studios, “Bosch” is the longest-running original series on Prime Video.
The new series is about Det. Renée Ballard taking over the cold case unit in Los Angeles. She and her team will face the city’s most challenging, long-forgotten crimes. Taylor plays Samira Parker, a mentee of Ballard’s and a member of the unit. She is returning to the police force after a five-year absence to confront her past and reclaim her sense of justice.
Although it is 2025, Black female leads and coleads in police-oriented shows remain scarce. Taylor, now, joins the ranks of the few.
Taylor was ecstatic when she learned that she was cast for the Ballard.
“I remember getting that call while I was on a plane to head back to L.A.,” Taylor said. “My team told me right before we took off, and it took everything in me not to scream on my flight. It feels so validating to know I am showing up, I am doing the right work, and I am doing it well.”
“Ballard” is the first female protagonist in the Bosch series. Taylor’s role s significant because it is the first leading role in her career. She was a guest star on “Abbott Elementary,” playing Erika, close friend of character Janine Teagues, played by Quinta Brunson. Taylor was also on “Insecure,” playing Sequoia, an intern at the law firm that the character Molly, played by Yvonne Orji, worked.Those roles enabled Taylor to be more comfortable and confident in other auditions. She explained that these two parts showcase the person she is—a bubbly, happy person who wants to see her girls succeed. Taylor was encouraged to lean in, ad lib, and have fun in these performances, she said.
Recently, she was in Miami, Florida, at the American Black Film Festival, where she discussed her journey on a panel titled “Scene Stealers: From Guest Star to Co-Star.” Taylor and the panel discussed how getting minor roles led to bigger roles in their careers. Taylor shared how auditioning made her better.
“It took a lot of nos,” Taylor said. I had gotten no after no on projects I thought were for me. I know that if I hadn’t received any of those nos it wouldn’t have allowed me to work on my craft more. These nos allowed me to lean on my actor community and open doors that were for me. It took a lot of nos for me to get here, but I am thankful for every single one.”
Taylor believes that “Ballard” will bring fans into the world of the show and they would love what they see. The team behind the show wants the audience to be entertained and captivated by the show’s thrills. The showrunners are ecstatic to present a new protagonist who will not stop until the case is solved, they said.
“We’re really excited to expand that universe and introduce Renée in a way that feels fresh but still true to the spirit of the franchise,” “Ballard” producer Kendall Sherwood said. “Her journey is just getting started, and we can’t wait for everyone to meet her.”
