'Sistas' Stars Talk Growth, Fame & Tyler Perry's Support
‘Sistas’ Stars Devale Ellis and Crystal Renee Hayslett Talk Growth, Authenticity, and Industry Challenges

Actors Devale Ellis and Crystal Renee Hayslett recently joined The Morning Hustle to discuss their experiences on the hit series Sistas and their evolving roles in the entertainment industry. The duo offered personal perspectives on their characters, what working closely with Tyler Perry has been like, and the challenges of balancing personal and professional lives.
Both actors touched on the relatability of Sistas. “When the lust goes away… how do we actually fall in love?” Devale explained, emphasizing how the show mirrors real relationships. Crystal added her thoughts about growth in relationships, stating, “Learning how to have patience and truly be there for your partner… it often starts to imitate life.”
The discussion also shed light on misconceptions about Perry, with Devale squashing the rumor that working with him means actors are restricted. “Tyler always asks, ‘Will this advance you forward?’ before encouraging us to take outside opportunities,” Devale revealed. Similarly, Crystal shared her own fear of asking Perry to pursue external projects, only to be met with support.
A significant topic was navigating fame and fan expectations. Crystal described the shift from anonymity to public recognition. “Everyone knows who you are, but you don’t know who they are. That can be scary.” The actors also joked about fan scrutiny of show details, from wig criticism to viral editing mistakes. Devale laughed, recalling how Perry sometimes leans into these moments to entertain fans.
Both stars emphasized the importance of staying grounded in faith and their craft, with Crystal saying, “I lean on God to stay focused,” and Devale urging others to prioritize what truly matters.
With Sistas continuing its successful run, and the pair eyeing new creative opportunities, these actors prove that authenticity and passion are their driving forces.
‘Sistas’ Stars Devale Ellis and Crystal Renee Hayslett Talk Growth, Authenticity, and Industry Challenges was originally published on themorninghustle.com