Kat Graham Channels Advocacy and Grief in Tyler Perry’s New Film Duplicity
Kat Graham stars in Tyler Perry’s latest drama Duplicity, now streaming on Prime Video, portraying a high-powered attorney who takes on a deeply personal case that challenges the limits of justice and loyalty.
A Role That Hits Close to Home
Graham plays Marley Wells, a driven lawyer fighting for justice after the fatal shooting of her best friend’s husband by a white police officer. The film delivers the intense twists and emotional weight Perry’s work is known for — but for Graham, the project carried deeper meaning from the start.
“When I got the script and realized that the character was seeking justice for an unarmed Black man who was shot by police, I felt an immediate connection,” Graham told NBC News. “I knew I had to be part of telling this story.”
The actress, best known for her breakout role in The Vampire Diaries, said the role struck a personal chord. She lost her own brother to gun violence several years ago — a tragedy that’s shaped her views on justice and systemic violence.
Using the Screen to Spark Real Conversation
Graham hopes Duplicity pushes audiences to think critically about issues they may have grown numb to.
“I hope people start looking at what’s happening in the news and asking the hard questions,” she said. “We’ve become desensitized to these stories, and that’s not normal.”
She added that working with Tyler Perry was a natural fit. “I’m drawn to any and everything that Tyler Perry does,” Graham said.
A Longstanding Commitment to Human Rights
Graham’s work off-screen underscores her dedication to the causes at the heart of the film. She’s served as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador since 2013, advocating for refugee rights and supporting global humanitarian efforts. She’s also partnered with Rotary International on education and clean water initiatives.
“Equal rights and human rights have been my focus,” Graham said. “I spend a good chunk of my life working to amplify the voices of marginalized communities.”
She described the role in Duplicity as a divine opportunity: “Playing this character felt like a gift from God — it gave me the opportunity to be on the right side of history and to tell a story that matters.”
Amplifying the Message Beyond the Film
This isn’t Graham’s first time blending art and activism. In 2020, she produced At Risk Youth, a PSA for the Black Lives Matter movement inspired by the police killings of Laquan McDonald and Tamir Rice. Directed by Darren Genet, the project carried a message Graham says is “more relevant now than ever.”
“Watching a movie is just the beginning,” she said. “Use your voice, support organizations that advocate for change, and don’t be afraid to have difficult conversations. If this film makes even one person more aware, then we’ve done our job.”
Storytelling With Purpose
As Graham continues to seek roles that reflect her values, she’s clear about the kind of characters she wants to portray.
“I always want to play characters who fight to win, who empower others,” she said. “This film is more than just a thriller — it’s a reminder that we have a responsibility to keep these conversations alive.”
