The area of the industry that I am still learning:
We just started our production company, Lett’s Rise! Productions (shameless plug), and I’m learning all about the lovely (and chaotic) life of the producer as we enter into pre-production on our first film- yes, we are virgins! I challenge all of my fellow actors to walk in the shoes of a producer - even if it’s just for a day. I always used to say, “Acting is not for wimps!” I now add to that - “And producing… Well, do you want your Wonder Woman star printed satin leotard in eggplant or magenta? Because when you’re expected to fight like Superman, fly with or without your jet, deflect bullets, lasso the truth out of folk, and wear a boomerang tiara on the set like it’s all in a day’s work, you might as well be cute! Eggplant, my sister, or Magenta?”
My role model:
My mother was the best role model any woman could ever have. She was the most beautiful person, inside and out. She loved life and did everything at 150%, and she had the kind of laugh that just made you want to dance. She was a free spirit, creative thinker, articulate dramatist, and a staunch fighter - especially as she battled cancer. She taught me to dream and believe that I could do absolutely anything. I am the woman I am today because she was the woman she was for the first twenty years of my life. I dedicate my work to her memory.
Getting involved with Women In Film:
Can we say, ‘Road Trip’? I heard all about how wonderful WIF was from fellow Horne Agency fam Tammy Lee during a callback road trip. She told me all about the one-of-a-kind WIF fashion bags, and I just couldn’t imagine my life without one. No, but seriously, Women in Film has awesome spokespeople. Donatelle is the absolute best. She’s WIF’s #1 cheerleader. They got me excited to join and get involved.
My favorite part of working in the industry:
The fact that there is never a dull moment is my favorite part of this industry. No two days are ever the same! This is an industry of spontaneity and growth and change and truth, and we’re one big family all mixed in here together-working toward a common goal. You have to love that.
My role as a female in this industry:
As a female in this industry, I believe my role is pivotal. I am not only here to create quality work- and that’s important- but I’m also here to give a helping hand to the next sister as well. That’s why each year, we’re giving out a Lett’s Rise! Starlet Award to help young actresses get started in the industry. Submit someone you know or yourself. We’re all in this together, and it’s important to lift each other up.
Current Projects:
Acting: I just finished filming on the BBC crime thriller “Wire in the Blood: Prayer of the Bone” as Robson Green’s leading lady defense attorney Anita Addison. Great fun, especially the shoot ‘em up-bang-bang sequences. Your girl is fierce with a firearm. And our “Inspector Mom” episode “Rake Your Thieves” where I play soccer-mom-with-a-secret Jackie Ormond is currently running on Lifetime’s Inspector Mom on LMN.tv. Producing: Pre-production for first feature “Shattered Silhouettes: The Movie”. Look for all the info on it real soon at www.LettsRise.com.
Occupation I imagined as a kid:
As a kid, I was drawn to the business. My grandmother says that she would send me outside to sweep and she’d look out, and there I’d be performing with the broom… dancing with the broom, singing with the broom, interviewing imaginary people with the broom… I was just out there storytelling and entertaining. She’d look again, and I would have a whole production organized. I guess it was just in me.
Favorite Books:
My favorite books are autobiographies. I’m fascinated with people’s lives. Recently, I finished director Spike Lee’s “That’s My Story and I’m Sticking To It”. Good stuff. I also think everyone should read “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” by Alex Haley, no matter how you feel about Malcolm. It’s a fascinating read. I’m also captivated by the Bible. It’s definitely my favorite.
Favorite color:
Fuchsia… Fuchsia and Black …
Ladies, put on fuchsia and black and tell me that you don’t feel like you can do just about anything! Try it! And then email me! For real!
In my CD player:
Since I got satellite radio, I have to be honest, I hardly play CDs anymore. I’ve been spoiled by the commercial free music and talk radio stations (sorry I sound like a commercial). But what I do have in my car are lots of books on CD… for all those ROAD TRIPS!
My legacy:
When I leave this current earth, which I ultimately believe is not my permanent home, I want my legacy here to have been that I gave all that I could give, that I lived all that I could live, that I loved deeply and fiercely as God loves, and that I created works that inspired, encouraged and spurred my fellow sojourners toward truth and hope.
Favorite Quote:
Anybody who knows me would be able to tell you my favorite quote. It’s “Go forth!” So you all, Go forth! |
