Los Angeles, Dec. 1 -- True Whitaker, the 27-year-old breakout star of HBO's "I Love LA", opened up about the life lessons she carried from her father, acclaimed actor Forest Whitaker, during an interaction with PEOPLE at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival.
On the new HBO comedy, True plays Alani, a friend of Rachel Sennott's character, Maia and the daughter of a famous producer named Alani. The role somewhat mirrors her real life of having a famous dad, and as she tells PEOPLE, there's some advice that Forest has instilled in her that's gone a long way.
"My dad has taught me when to say no, and also to work hard and just be true to yourself," True said on Friday.
She adds, "Working hard for authenticity will get you where you want to go."F...