An Interview with Laya DeLeon Hayes & James Charles Leary from ‘Slayers: A Buffyverse Story’

Laya DeLeon Hayes and James Charles Leary as Indira Nunnally as Clement “Clem” in ‘Slayers: A Buffyverse Story’. (Photo Courtesy of Audible.)

Laya DeLeon Hayes is a rising star in the industry, that has been popping left and right in amazing projects, such as The Angry Black Black Girl and her Monster and The Equalizer. James Charles Leary is a highly decorated actor that is of course, best known as Clem from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and currently both of these actors are part of the Audible Original, Slayers: A Buffyverse Story, and we here at NTG had the distinct honor of sitting down with both of these actors to discuss James’ return to the Buffyverse as Clem, and Laya’s introduction to it as Indira.
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John Betancourt: What was it that attracted both of you to this project?

Laya DeLeon Hayes: Um, well, I mean, one, it was really an email I got in my inbox one random day in February. And I was very lucky that one of the Co-directors, Kc Wayland, had seen me on another project and wanted me for this one. But I really had no idea what this project was going to entail. I didn't know too much about the Buffyverse. Of course, I was aware of the show and of the phenomenon that it is, but not to the extent of what it truly was, I think, of course, it was a little before my time. So, I was very nervous even stepping into this, like, just how much knowledge I was supposed to have on the show. And I wanted to have on the show. And coming into something as the newcomer, these cast members have known each other for over two decades now.

And I wanted to be sure that I was I was aligned with the tone and also understood the cast, so it was nerve wracking at first, but that first meeting I had with Amber (Benson), Christopher (Golden) and Kc, all those nerves immediately went away, they made the environment super comfortable and super safe for me from the very beginning. And as well, they wrote a character that one I could relate to, and that was so much fun to play. Like I was just excited, really to be able to play Indira. She was the biggest attraction towards this project. And it was just a cherry on top to like, start on my first day in the recording booth. First Meet James (Marsters) and then James (Charles Leary) and then KC, and Christopher in person. And for them to be just as lovely in person as well. It really did make this experience so magical. And I mean, we only had a short time of recording. But I can tell you right now like if there's opportunity to do even more episodes like I'm so down because they made the environment so special for me.

John Betancourt: James, what about you?

James Charles Leary: Money.

John Betancourt: Okay. That’s fair. (Laughter from all.)

James Charles Leary. The money was good. No, this, I've said it before this little silly character changed my life. When I first moved to Los Angeles, in the late 90s, I had five shows I wanted to be on. Buffy was one of those shows. And because I was a huge fan, I actually wrote a spec episode of for like, what happens after season two, just on my own. So, I was a huge fan of the show. And it was one of the shows I wanted to work on. And it's the only show I did work on. So, getting one getting to work on a show that you love was huge. And then here I am. Twenty-two years later, still being a part of this phenomenon. I never could have imagined in my wildest dreams. So, I've known Christopher Golden and Amber Benson for a long, long time. And when they called and we're like, “Hey, we're thinking about—“ YES! “Well, you know—" YES! So, yeah, and it's a character I love. It's mostly me. So, yeah, it was and then to get to work with everyone and people I hadn't actually worked with before and to meet new people like Laya and just to get to play and have fun. It's… it's been such a gift and something I never thought, you know, in my life would continue. So, yeah, if I talk more, I'll cry.

John Betancourt: Okay, then we will move on. Because then I’ll lose it, and I’m an ugly crier. So, with that in mind, let’s talk about the passion and joy that I’ve noticed when it comes to this project. Because there is so much of that in the show and from your cohorts, what did you both enjoy so much about working on this story that brought forth that passion?

James Charles Leary: Sure, again, I was such a huge fan of the show. So, getting to work with everyone. And I can't talk too much about it. But I will say in the ensuing years, we became like this weird circus family, like in doing cons. And that grew out of where we came from. But I've been all over the world with some of these people. And it's like, “Wait, I've done what”? So, it's just, it is like this weird show business family. And the fact that we're still doing this, and I still am, in a booth with people like Juliet (Landau) and Emma (Caulfield Ford) and Charisma (Carpenter), and I'm watching them. And it's hard to say my line because I am like, so enthralled by what they're doing, like watching Emma work and Juliet, and Charisma is like, “Holy… oh, wait, I have a line! Oh, okay.” So that's been the best part for me is just continuing to watch talented people who are dedicated, continue to work.

Laya DeLeon Hayes: I agree with James’ statement on that, like--

James Charles Leary: Follow that! (Laughter from all)

Laya DeLeon Hayes: But it really was so special to, again, like, coming from not knowing too much about… I didn't really know anyone before starting, of course, but you can just see that, like, they had so much, and they have so much love and passion for the show that it really is infectious. And I felt so lucky just to be welcomed into that, one. But two you kind of sit around the booth, and you watch these people who've played these characters for a long time, but also who are still open in playing and trying things out, and challenging themselves, challenging the other actor next to them at the same time. It was, it wasn't just like the biggest joy to be able to work with them and be able to witness what they were able to do. But I think the things that I've taken away from it and learned from simply witnessing them work has been even more of a gift. It was truly a magical five days that like I got to spend with them. And by the end of it, which is very rare and does not happen on many sets or in recording booths, when you're able to bond with your classmates and feel like a true family, that it's hard to leave them by the end of it. That's when you know, like you've built, and you've created and done something very special. And with Slayers It was exactly that. So yeah, I think what you're seeing is what you're getting this is no like act that any of them are putting on either. Like it truly was such a special and beautiful thing to be a part of. And I'm just hoping that it translates via audio.

John Betancourt: Now we don’t want to spoil anything, but I would love to know what you’re each most excited for audiences to experience when they settle in to listen.

Laya DeLeon Hayes: I'm really excited… I'm excited for new members of like the fandom to experience this as well. Maybe once you were in my position who didn't know too much about Buffy. I'm excited for them to listen to it and like be completely invigorated by this new world. And on top of that, I loved playing Indira like, again, you don't get many young female characters that are like this. I'm really excited for people to see the female representation we have in this Audible show. It was really special one, to read just in the scripts. Like Cordelia Chase, like she's like a hero now. So, I think people are, I really, I think people really going to gravitate towards that because I certainly did. So yeah, it really is just like a thrilling and joyful but also, it's a journey and a ride that has a lot of heart. And in that way, I think people are really going to relate to it as well.

John Betancourt: James, what about you?

James Charles Leary: All Clem, all the time. (Laughter from All)

John Betancourt: So, we need a Clem spin-off is what I am hearing.

James Charles Leary: Coming in 2024! I have to really backup what Laya said, in just, I really hope fans, old and new, take hold of the heart. There's so much heart in this, Amber and Chris put everything into this. And from Kc Wayland, and our entire production staff and all the performers, every actor, even people I didn't meet who did all the other voices, everyone puts so much into this. And we really did truly put our hearts into this. And I hope that that conveys, and that audiences will connect to that in a way that you don't necessarily always get to connect, when you see something visually, it's just in your ears, and then your mind fills in the rest. So, I really hope that that everyone loves it. Because we loved doing it. It was such a pleasure. It was one of the best weeks I've had in a long time. And I loved every second of it. And I hope other people do as well.

John Betancourt: Last question I have for both of you today, what are each most proud of when it comes to work on this project?

James Charles Leary: Everything. No. You know, I don't even know. I think, kind of I don't even know how to be proud of this because I don't… I don't think of it this way, is that I wasn't supposed to be a recurring character. I should have never been here. Like, I shouldn't be here. And I am… (James trails off as tears well up in his eyes.) I’m sorry… I… I’m so thankful. And it’s been a crazy ride. So… that’s it.

Laya DeLeon Hayes: Well, just to speak to James. That's just how you know again, like, what they've been able to do is something so special and so rare. Like truly the one thing I'm most proud of is just every single cast member and crew member on this project. Like I said it once I'll say it again, this does not happen often. It is a rarity. And when you find people who are one, so lovely and just as talented as they are lovely, but who care about what they do so much. You really have to cherish and treasure that. And, and that's something to be proud of. And that's something that I will take with me for the rest of my career.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

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