ASFA grad lands role in hit Netflix series “Dash & Lily”

Ianne Fields Stewart
Ianne Fields Stewart is an Alabama School of Fine Arts alum and has a long history of activism in Birmingham. See them on screen in the Netflix hit “Dash&Lily.” Photo submitted

Ianne Fields Stewart stars as Roberta in the Netflix hit, Dash & Lily. The show, which has a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, takes its audience through a whimsical Christmas romance. See how the Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA) grad followed a path that led them to the role.

Roberta, romance & reviews

If you haven’t watched Dash & Lily, grab the spiked egg nog add it to your queue. The story is a witty take on a New York Christmas romance that nails the line between cute and corny—making it an ideal holiday hit.

Ianne plays the recurring role of Roberta. As Lily’s co-Christmas caroler and bestower of adult wisdom, their part will make you wish you had a friend as fun as Roberta.

The series, available on Netflix, is based on the book Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn.

Birmingham ➡️ New York, Ianne Fields Stewart’s journey

Ianne is now a New York-based storyteller working at the intersection of theatre and activism. As a performer, you can see Ianne star in shows such as The Bold Type, Pose, The Feels and Dash & Lily.

They’ve stepped into the spotlight of live theatre as well. You’ll find Ianne in interchanging roles as director, choreographer, playwright and artist.

Ianne is also the founder of a grassroots collective known as the Okra Project. The organization’s mission seeks to address the global crisis faced by Black Trans people by bringing home-cooked, healthy, and culturally specific meals and resources to Black Trans people who are facing food insecurity.

Keeping in touch with Birmingham roots

Despite moving to New York in 2015, Ianne still reps Birmingham whenever they get a chance.

Ianne’s activism started in the summer of 2013. They toured Birmingham developing a network for queer youth stories. It led them to develop a cultural competency consulting business.

As a former intern for the Magic City Acceptance Center (MCAC), Ianne has a long history with the nonprofit. A notable point includes participating in the photography exhibit “Family Matters,” by Carolyn Shere.

The series traveled across the state and was even featured at Art Basel in Miami Beach. The photos currently hang at MCAC.

As another push for inclusion in Birmingham, Ianne created “Label Not Found.” They coordinated the fashion show for our community to show you can defy gender stereotypes in any environment.

Ianne Fields Stewart joins the cast of Birmingham characters landing lead roles 🌟

Birmingham-natives are starring across stages and screens around the world. See who else is getting a big break and learn where they got their start (hint: it’s closer than you think):

There’s a lot more to learn about Ianne! See what else they’re involved with through their website and stay updated by following them on Instagram.

Have you seen Dash & Lily? What did you think? Share your thoughts with us on social at @BhamNow on Facebook and Instagram, or @Now_Bham on Twitter.

Irene Richardson
Irene Richardson
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