Amirah J is already a familiar face to audiences, but in High Potential, she feels right at home. As Ava, she sits at the center of the show’s family dynamic, bringing a natural ease that makes those moments land without trying too hard. Working alongside Kaitlin Olson, she moves comfortably between humor and more grounded scenes, often in moments that feel spontaneous and real. It is that simplicity that gives her performance its impact. As the show continues to connect with viewers, Johnson is quietly becoming one of its most relatable presences. Here, she talks about filming Season 2, the energy on set, and the moments that stayed with her.
Cover Look: Suit – @ellaelisque Necklace – @shaquehofficial Rings – @cybelebertin Earrings – @burkinabae Heels – @lulus | Right Top & Bottoms – Foren Earrings – Lulus Rings – 8 other Reasons
Amirah J @theamirahj
Photography Krisnoff @krisnoff
Styling Joaquin Aristides Flores @aristidesfashion
Makeup Natalie Rose @natalie.rosebeauty
Hair Amber Nicholle @ambernichollehair
Production Assistant Adriana Escandon @adriana_esc
PR Ramona Ekpe, Wolf Kasteler Public Relations @wolfkasteler
Left: Suit – @ellaelisque Necklace – @shaquehofficial Rings – @cybelebertin Earrings – @burkinabae Heels – @lulus | Right: Dress – April & Alex Earrings – Dominique Renee Ring – Dominique Renee
What was your favorite memory on set while filming Season 2 of High Potential?
My favorite memory on set for Season 2 was filming a family scene at the end of episode 17. It was nice to have a scene all together, including the baby, and the moment was mostly improvised. We had a lot of fun, laughing and taking pictures. Those family scenes are my favorite and really the heart of the show.
Have any of your skills from gymnastics and cheerleading transferred over to acting? Would you ever want to try stunt work?
Cheerleading is definitely a team sport, and it takes an entire team of people to film each episode of the show. Everyone has to work together to create something special for the audience. Stunt work isn’t something I’ve ever been interested in, but the way those scenes come together is very cool.
Your on-screen mother, Kaitlin Olson, has had a long career in television. Has she given you any advice for navigating that world? Does she crack jokes between takes?
Kaitlin hasn’t given me any direct advice, but I learn so much just by acting opposite her. Sometimes she’ll change her lines while we’re filming, which is hilarious because you never know what she’s going to say.
Left: Suit – @ellaelisque Necklace – @shaquehofficial Rings – @cybelebertin Earrings – @burkinabae Heels – @lulus | Right: Dress – April & Alex Earrings – Dominique Renee Ring – Dominique Renee
Did you expect High Potential to become such a massive success while filming?
I didn’t know if it would be as successful as it is. While filming, we all hoped people would connect with it, but actually seeing the response has been a dream come true. I’m very grateful for the show’s success and love that everyone can find a character they relate to.
There’s a Shameless reunion with Steve Howey joining High Potential. What was it like reconnecting with him?
I was excited to see that he was cast as a regular on the show. We haven’t had any scenes together yet, but we’ve reunited off screen, which has been really fun.
Are there any genres you’d love to explore in the future?
I would love to do a sports drama. Boxing movies are some of my favorites. I love Southpaw and all of the Creed films.
What’s your favorite movie or show that takes place in Washington, D.C.?
Honestly, I don’t think I’ve watched anything recently set in D.C. I know some scenes in Forrest Gump were filmed there, and that’s an amazing movie.
What do you like to do between shooting seasons?
I love going on vacations with my friends, taking day trips to the beach, and visiting friends on their college campuses.
Do you share any similarities with your character’s personal style?
Ava and I dress very differently, and that’s what makes it so fun. It feels like playing dress-up every episode with all the different outfits and jewelry she wears.
What has been your favorite awards season look so far?
My mom and I love watching the red carpet before every awards show. My favorite look recently was Chase Infiniti at the Actors Awards. I thought she looked stunning.
Left: Top – Sister Jane Ring – Randa Choueiri ? Right: Suit – @ellaelisque Necklace – @shaquehofficial Rings – @cybelebertin Earrings – @burkinabae Heels – @lulus Bag – Qoffah