Lily Brooks O’Briant is proving that 2025 is her year. The actress, singer-songwriter, and advocate is kicking off a jam-packed March with major projects in acting, music, and activism—all while using her platform to inspire and empower.
First up, she’s starring alongside Melissa Joan Hart in Lifetime’s new psychological thriller Killing the Competition, premiering TODAY (March 1). The gripping film explores the dark side of ambition and parental pressure, with Lily stepping into the role of Grace Fenwick, a dancer caught in the crossfire of her mother’s obsession. And trust us — this one’s a must-watch.
But that’s not all. Lily is also making waves in the music world with her upcoming EP, Catch Me If You Can, dropping April 4. Packed with raw emotion and powerful storytelling, the project gives fans an intimate look at her artistry. She’s even treating LA audiences to a live acoustic showcase on March 13!
And if acting and music weren’t enough, Lily is using her voice for something even bigger. As a passionate advocate for endometriosis awareness, she’s set to speak at the Endometriosis Foundation of America’s annual conference tomorrow (March 2), where she’ll debut her deeply personal documentary, Silent Suffering: How Endometriosis Affects Teens. The film, which will be available on YouTube later today, sheds light on a condition that affects millions but is often misunderstood.
With so much going on, Celeb Secrets had to catch up with Lily to talk all things movies, music, and making a difference. Keep reading for our exclusive chat!
Celeb Secrets: Killing the Competition sounds like a total thriller! What was it like stepping into the role of Grace Fenwick, and how did you prepare for such an intense storyline?
Lily Brooks O’Briant: “Grace was such a fun but challenging character to play! She loves dancing & having fun with her friends but there’s this intense pressure from her mom to be a star and the best at what she does. That mother-daughter struggle is a huge part of the story—Grace loves dancing, but at times, it starts to feel more like an obligation & expectation than something she enjoys. To prepare, I really focused on capturing that internal conflict—wanting to make her mom proud while also figuring out what she truly wants. I worked with the director & with Melissa to make sure we showed those small moments where her confidence wavers, revealing the emotional weight of constantly being pushed to be perfect & be the best.”
CS: Melissa Joan Hart is an icon! What was it like working with her again, and did she give you any fun behind-the-scenes advice?
LBO: Melissa is really incredible! We actually worked together on ‘The Big Show Show’ when she directed an episode, so getting to be on set with her again for ‘Killing the Competition’ was amazing. She was as such a supportive and talented director, and as an actor, she brings so much depth to every scene. We really had a lot of fun together & my scenes with her were my favorite to film. I am so grateful I was able to learn from working with her. She is an exceptionally talented actor & a wonderful person.
CS: We heard you had to relearn how to twirl batons for this role—tell us about that challenge! Any funny moments from set?
LBO: Yes! I hadn’t twirled a baton since I was about six years old, so it was definitely a challenge to pick it back up. & funny side note – production had no idea I used to twirl so it was a happy coincidence but I had to practice a ton the last week of filming when I found out they wanted baton twirling in the scene. If I wasn’t filming or sleeping – I was practicing because I wanted it to look great!
CS: The mother-daughter dynamic in this film is intense. How did you tap into the emotions of playing someone dealing with extreme parental pressure?
LBO: That was one of the most emotional parts of the role for me. I really wanted to capture what it feels like to have someone you love pushing you so hard that it starts to feel overwhelming & really anxiety inducing. I spent a lot of time thinking about Grace’s internal struggle—she loves her mom and wants to make her proud, but she also feels trapped by her expectations. I think a lot of people can relate to that feeling of wanting to succeed while also figuring out who they are outside of what others expect.
CS: Your EP Catch Me If You Can drops on April 4! What can fans expect from this project, and is there a particular song that means the most to you?
LBO: “I’m so excited for everyone to finally hear ‘Catch Me If You Can’! This EP is all about confidence, taking chances, and stepping into my power—it’s definitely my sassier, single girl era. Every song has its own vibe, but they all tie together with that bold, fearless energy. One of my favorites is ‘Fix Me’ that just came out as a single– it’s about knowing your worth & not letting someone try to change you into a version of you that is not really you. The next single coming out on March 21st is called ‘Looking for a Man’. I am SO excited for this song to come out. It’s about being really tired of dealing with guys who just boys & who don’t know what they want or who don’t take initiative. It’s one of my favorites to sing live too.”
CS: You’re also doing a live acoustic showcase in March in LA – how does performing your own music compare to being on a TV or movie set?
LBO: “It’s such a different experience – but it’s still storytelling & my music always tells a story. Acting is amazing because you get to step into a character’s world, but performing my own music is so personal—it’s like sharing a piece of my heart with the audience. There’s an adrenaline rush when I’m on stage, especially in an acoustic setting where everything feels super intimate. I love that instant connection with the crowd.”
CS: March is a huge month for you, not just in entertainment but in advocacy! What inspired you to create your documentary, Silent Suffering, and what do you hope viewers take away from it?
LBO: “This project is so personal to me because my sister, Hannah, & I both have endometriosis and is something I’ve been dealing with for 5 years now. I know how hard it can be to get diagnosed and feel understood. My pediatrician thought I had an eating disorder because I was so nauseous because I was in so much pain, the therapist thought it was maybe an allergy & the allergist didn’t find any allergies. My gyn wasn’t an endo specialist & the wait for a referral was 11 months. We got in with another endo specialist who told me I would have to deal with this pain for the rest of my life & suggested I go on anti depressants. My mom was livid & we found a specialist in NYC who was the first person to really acknowledge my pain & assure me he would do everything he could to help me. Hannah & I wanted to create ‘Silent Suffering’ to educate teens especially on the symptoms of endometriosis. It takes most women 10 years on average to be properly diagnosed which not only costs them 10 years of debilitating pain but also fertility difficulties, but also affects their career & personal life. This is a disease that needs to be talked about more. I hope women who watch the documentary walk away not only feeling empowered to advocate for their own health but also seen with the knowledge that their pain is real.”
CS: You’re speaking at the Endometriosis Foundation of America’s annual conference—what’s one thing you wish more people understood about living with endometriosis?
LBO: “That endometriois is not just ‘bad period cramps.’ Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women worldwide, and it’s an incredibly painful and often misunderstood condition. It can cause severe pelvic pain, fatigue, nausea, painful bloating, pain during or after sex, fertility issues, and so much more. The biggest thing I want women to know is that your pain is real. It’s not in your head. So many of us get dismissed or misdiagnosed for years, but there is treatment—you just have to fight to be heard. No one should have to suffer in silence, and I want to help more people get the answers and support they deserve.”
CS: It’s been a minute since Celeb Secrets last caught up with you! How do you think you’ve grown as an artist and advocate since then?
LBO: “I feel like I’ve really stepped into my voice, both in my music and in speaking up for things I am passionate about. Over the past year, I’ve learned to trust myself more creatively and not be afraid to be vulnerable, whether that’s in my songwriting or in sharing my own journey with endometriosis. It’s been a huge time of growth, and I’m excited for what’s next!”
CS: Between acting, music, and advocacy, you’re balancing so much! How do you unwind and have fun when you’re not working?
LBO: “I love going to the gym—it’s such a great way to clear my head and reset. I love watching movies or tv, spending time with my boyfriend & hanging out with my friends. The beach is also my happy place. There’s something about being by the ocean that’s so calming, whether I’m just relaxing or hanging out with friends. And one of my favorite things to do is take trapeze lessons! It’s such a fun challenge, and there’s this incredible adrenaline rush every time I do it.”
