The Breakfast Club INTERVIEW: Devale Ellis and Crystal Renee Hayslett Talk 'Zatima', 'Sistas', Method Acting, Music Career + More
Sep 26, 2025
Devale Ellis, an actor and former NFL player known for his role on Sistas, joins Crystal Renee Hayslett, an actress and former costume designer, for an insightful chat. They dive into the complexities of method acting, sharing how it impacts their emotional well-being and personal lives. Devale discusses his journey toward better communication and empathy through his character, Zach, while Crystal emphasizes the importance of self-care. They also touch on their aspirations in music and the challenges of balancing faith and creativity.
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Two Shows, Two Timelines
- Zatima and Sistas run on different timelines with a six-month gap that explains continuity differences.
- Devale Ellis says Zatima follows Zach after therapy while Sistas shows his earlier behavior.
Method Acting Strain
- Devale described staying in character during intense shoots and getting into arguments with Crystal to maintain authenticity.
- He says filming 20 episodes in 10 days and personal family struggles made acting emotionally heavy.
Disconnect To Reconnect
- Devale confirms he uses method techniques and sometimes stays off social media and away from family while filming.
- He intentionally disconnects for weeks after production to regain himself.