Nearly two decades after The Devil Wears Prada became a cultural phenomenon, Tracie Thoms returns for the sequel, slipping back into the role of Lily alongside Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci. “Annie and I just jumped right back in like no time had passed,” she says.
But time has passed, and for Thoms, that’s exactly the point. The Juilliard-trained actress, currently starring as Dr. Karen Wilson on ABC’s 9-1-1 and fresh off an A24 film directed by Chris Rock, brings a different woman to set than the one who first walked those hallowed Elias-Clarke halls.
Here, she opens up about a beauty routine that doesn’t ask for compromise, the skin-care prep that had her camera-ready and why joy is now the one thing she refuses to negotiate.
Returning to the Devil Wears Prada universe, how has your personal definition of beauty evolved since you first played Lily? Is it difficult to play a character after fast-forwarding 20 years?
“Beauty for me 20 years ago was so much more about sacrifice than it is now. Wearing things that might not be comfortable…depriving myself of things I loved to make sure I stayed sample-size. But now, it’s much more about quality of life, loving my life and community and letting joy lead me. And no, it’s not so difficult stepping back into the role because everyone else is also the same. Annie and I just jumped right back in like no time had passed.”
Did stepping back into such a fashion-forward world influence your current beauty or skin-care routine?
“Oh, it did. I went to an incredible dermatologist, Dr. Tess Mauricio at M Beauty Clinic in San Diego, got a Sofwave treatment and had my first buccal face massage with Joseph Carillo before shooting. And I just became more consistent with skin-care products in general, focusing more on tightening and firming my face.”
The original film helped shape trends for a generation—what current beauty trends are you loving right now, or leaving behind?
“I actually love that high-waisted, baggy pants are back. I love that stylish comfort is being embraced by younger generations because, honestly, it just makes sense! Athleisure is everywhere, and I’m here for it! I love that the kids aren’t as into torturing themselves as we were!”
Is there anything you always had on set while filming—some go-to cleansers, makeup, hair, etc.?
“We had an incredible hair and makeup department, so they had everything I needed. Eye patches, setting spray, primer, cleansing wipes, moisturizer, you name it!”
With your busy filming schedule and upcoming press, what are your self-care rituals to stay balanced and refreshed?
“I just keep it simple and spend as much time as I can allowing myself to rest when I need it. I used to feel guilty ‘doing nothing,’ but now I embrace it because I don ’t know when I’ll have the luxury of ‘doing nothing’ again. That’s become a new priority for me. I so look forward to those days!”
What does “feeling beautiful” mean to you beyond the physical?
“Feeling free to me means feeling beautiful. Free to be the quirky girl that I am, surrounded by a community that also loves to play. I really believe that as soon as we forget how to play, it’s when we get old. Game nights, movie nights, family dinners and retreats are so helpful in me feeling like my authentic self. And when I feel seen and like my true self, I feel beautiful.”
What’s one beauty or self-care tip you’ve picked up over the years that you still swear by today?
“No matter what happens, I wash my makeup off at the end of the day. No matter how tired I am, I never go to bed with a face full of makeup.”
Filming 9-1-1 seems heavy and like it could get physical. How do you unwind after being on-set with something so grinding?
“I’m lucky that I have a hot tub at my house. On the grueling, long days of work, I’ll hop in there when I get home. It’s a great way to wind down.”
Can you share any hints to what fans can expect prior to the show’s finale in May?
“I can’t say much…but you know how 9-1-1 is. Just when you think the craziness is over…it’s not. But the 118 family always pulls together to get through it all together.”
