Watch With Me on Google TV: Laverne Cox’s watchlist

Movies and TV can make us laugh, cry and even shape who we are. Our watchlists can be surprisingly revealing. We’re teaming up with entertainers, artists and cultural icons on a new Watch With Me series on Google TV to share their top picks and give you a behind-the-scenes look at the TV and movies that inspired them.

Laverne Cox is an Emmy-nominated actress and LGBTQ+ advocate. Despite spending plenty of time on camera, she’s also a fan of being in the audience. “I love movies, I love television,” she says. “I still watch television and film as a way to learn, to escape, to be moved, to laugh, to cry.”

We recently had a chance to sit down with Laverne to learn more about what she likes to watch — and what her own Google TV watchlist looks like. “My watchlist is all of who I am and everything that has shaped me or helped me understand myself better,” she says. “Understand humanity better. Understand the craft of acting and filmmaking better. And, it makes me smile.”

To get you in the show-binge mood, we asked Laverne a few questions on how she likes to settle in for her watchlist.

What’s your go-to movie snack?

Laverne Cox: Definitely popcorn, but I also love a good tortilla chip.

What’s your favorite genre?

Laverne Cox: Suspense.

Do you watch movies alone or with other people?

Laverne Cox: It depends. I love watching films alone… but with the man I’m seeing now, it’s fun to watch stuff together and remotely when we’re apart. 

Who is your favorite person to talk to about movies and shows?

Laverne Cox: My brother! We have very different tastes, but when it collides, we have the best conversations about film. He is brilliant.

Who is your celebrity crush?

Laverne Cox: I crush on specific actors in a certain role - like James Spader in Pretty in Pink! I’ve also had a thing for Johnny Depp in 21 Jump Street. My celebrity crushes are entirely character based.

How should we watch your watchlist?

Laverne Cox: The best way to watch my watchlist is on the couch, in a black terry cloth robe that makes you feel all nice and snuggly. Make sure you’ve got some chips and cheesy dip and either warm tea or a cocktail.