You’ve said that ‘main character energy’ doesn’t come naturally to you, yet every character you play commands the spotlight. How have you worked through that?

Quinta Brunson [creator of Abbott Elementary] did an interview with Oprah where they spoke about imposter syndrome. Quinta said she’s never had it; she knows how hard she worked to get here. Hearing her say that unapologetically was a slap in the face because I know how hard I worked to get here [too]. It was a real ‘aha!’ moment. And even though those feelings [of unworthiness] might come up, I can acknowledge them but I don’t have to give them any weight. When I approach a red carpet or sit down for an interview, I have that moment of: I belong here, I earned the seat at this table. The spirit of main character energy is something I’m still trying to acclimate to, because I have social anxiety and my brain is not necessarily suited for me being in front of tons of people. I can do it in character, but to do it as me… I’m still trying to reconcile that, but I’m excited to see those little moments of growth.

How comfortable do you feel in rooms with powerful people now and fighting for the story you want to tell?

There’s the Clark Kent version of me, who represents my non-professional life. But when I’m in those spaces, I feel like Superman. There’s a fearlessness that comes from knowing I have nothing to lose. When you’re fighting for visibility, not just for myself but for others that are marginalised and don’t get a lot of screen time, I feel emboldened and will fight for it. It might be the Libra in me: justice fuels my existence. Then I’m incredibly shy when I get home.

“I’m in recovery for people-pleasing”: Natasha Rothwell on how she learned to put herself first