Y'lan Noel Talks Rising Career, 'Lady In The Lake' and Authenticity

Y'lan Noel is a talented actor on the rise, continuously expanding his body of work by bringing dynamic characters to life in various film and television roles.

Many recognize him from Issa Rae’s Peabody Award-winning comedy series on HBO, Insecure, where he portrayed Daniel King alongside Rae for three seasons. Noel also starred as the lead in Gerard McMurray’s The First Purge, a prequel to the popular Purge franchise, which explores the events leading up to the first-ever Purge night.

Additionally, Noel was featured in Stella Meghie’s romantic drama The Photograph. In this Will Packer-produced film, which intertwines love stories from both the past and present, he reunited with Rae and shared the screen with LaKeith Stanfield and Chelsea Peretti. Other notable projects include A Lot of Nothing, where he starred alongside Cleopatra Coleman and Lex Scott Davis, and Meghie’s independent comedy film The Weekend, featuring Sasheer Zamata, Tone Bell and DeWanda Wise.

Currently, Noel stars in the Apple TV+ limited series Lady in the Lake, opposite Natalie Portman and Moses Ingram, playing the role of Ferdie Platt.

We caught up with Noel to discuss his diverse body of work, his latest role in Lady in the Lake and his perspective on style.

[Transcript has been edited]

QG: How did you get into acting? Was there always an interest, or did you fall into it?

YN: I needed an elective course to graduate high school. At the time, theater was one of the only options that interested me, especially because there were cute girls in the class. I remember having a major crush on one girl, which motivated me to sign up. Long story short, I ended up falling in love with acting. I was an athlete back then and even passed on scholarships to pursue theater. My coach thought I was crazy, and maybe I was! But I caught the acting bug. Joining the theater program felt like the camaraderie I experienced as an athlete—it was all about being united for a common goal, whether on stage or on the field. I needed that connection, especially at that age.

QG: In Insecure, your portrayal of Daniel King made a significant impact, with many fans admiring the character's cool demeanor. How much of Daniel’s style—both in attitude and fashion—aligns with your own? Has playing him influenced your personal style?

YN: I’m not sure if Daniel influenced my personal style, but I definitely appreciated what our costume designer, Ayanna [James Kimani], was doing. I remember taking home several sneakers she provided. I was essentially borrowing Daniel’s style. In terms of demeanor, I brought a lot of myself to the role because the story was about showing Black people in our authentic selves. I like to think we share a cool, composed vibe.

QG: What did you appreciate most about your role and the character?

YN: What I appreciated most was working with Issa [Rae]. She crafted a narrative that showcased Black lives in an authentic and relatable way, something we weren’t always used to seeing. It highlighted the vibrancy and variety of women in their late 20s and how the men, like Lawrence and Daniel, fit into that dynamic. I loved being part of something meaningful, thanks to Issa, Prentice, and the entire team for bringing that vision to life. Daniel was a fun character to play, someone who could stir things up and keep the story interesting.

QG: What feedback did you receive about Daniel in terms of how Black men related to him?

YN: I remember one time at the gym, a guy approached me during the first season and said, “Bro, I feel so seen by you.” He looked like me and had the same Mohawk haircut. He expressed how he appreciated that the “cool” guys can be vulnerable, which resonated deeply. Daniel was cool but also open about his feelings, showing a side that isn’t always portrayed.

QG: Lady in the Lake, a drama thriller set in 1960s Baltimore, revolves around aspiring investigative journalist Maddie, who leaves her husband to solve a mystery involving two murders. Can you tell us more about your character, Ferdie, and what drew you to him?

YN: Ferdie is a cop in 1960s Baltimore, a time rife with challenges, especially for a Black man in law enforcement. His integrity really stood out to me; he faces racism in an institution that isn’t ready for his representation but remains steadfast in his morals. Many of his colleagues are corrupt, but Ferdie chooses to stand against that. I found that admirable, and it’s a poignant reflection of the times.

QG: One of the show’s themes highlights the differences in how murders were reported based on race at that time. Do you think society has progressed regarding these disparities?

YN: The story illustrates how dismissive white journalists were toward the case of a missing Black woman, and I think that issue still resonates today. Look at cases of missing Black girls, like those in Atlanta; many still get overlooked.

QG: What do you hope viewers take away from Lady in the Lake?

YN: I hope viewers see that all the characters are pursuing their dreams, regardless of their backgrounds—one is a Black woman, another is Jewish. Their journeys toward liberation and fulfillment are inspiring, whether set in the 1960s or 2024. The series also highlights how similar we are, despite our differences. This message of connection is vital, especially in today’s society.

QG: Congratulations on voicing the main character in Xbox’s Call of Duty: Black Ops 6! Were you an avid gamer growing up? How did you get involved in that project?

YN: I was definitely an avid gamer. Video games were my escape; I spent hours on Xbox and PlayStation, especially on Sundays playing Madden. Being part of something as huge as Call of Duty is exciting, especially since my friends were avid players. Now they’ll have to hear my voice in the game, which is pretty cool. My younger cousins think I’m really cool now too!

QG: You’ve taken on many diverse projects in your career. Do you have a favorite?

YN: I think my favorite is always my most current project—there’s definitely some recency bias there! For me, it’s all about diversity. I feel fortunate to choose roles that are so different from each other, from action to romantic drama to voice acting. I’m just excited to explore these varied opportunities.

QG: On a broader level, how do you feel the show business landscape is looking for Black men in terms of opportunities?

YN: I think it’s crucial for us to define our own narratives. Look at Insecure; Issa took her vision from YouTube to a full series, showing that we don’t have to wait for anyone else to dictate our stories. With smartphones and new platforms, we can tell our own stories. While we still play the traditional “game,” there are now so many ways to express ourselves. I’m excited about what’s coming.

What do Black men need?

It’s important for us to be seen. We need acknowledgment in various forms—whether that’s in the media, workplaces, or our communities.

As Y'lan continues to shape his career and explore new roles, his journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring actors and a reminder of the importance of authenticity in an ever-evolving industry. We look forward to seeing where his talents take him next.

Check out the full interview.