Child's Play

It's funny that as little girls (or even boys) one of our favorite things to do was to dress up and pretend to be someone with extraordinary abilities, personalities, or looks. I vividly remember spinning around so fast in my room just hoping I would magically turn into Wonder Woman. :) (Don't look at me sideways...lol...I know I wasn't the only one. :))

Fast forward to now and it turns out that it’s still one of my favorite things to do! So much so that I chose a career where I get to transform into different people with different experiences, emotions, qualities, and characteristics.



 What's interesting is that in the process, you discover or reveal that there is a tiny or big part of that role/character that already exists in you...the good, the bad and the ugly. :) The discovery of that or the freedom to reveal that truth can be both scary and exhilarating at the same time.


 



I think for most actors, we are a tad weary of being pigeon-holed or locked into a type (typecast), but as we grow, we learn to embrace the essence of who we are and how people see us. However, personally, I still love the opportunities to tap into all facets of who I am or who I could be!


                                   

 As I look at the changes in my headshots, the roles I've had, and even the physical changes I've made personally...I just accept that I love all of those people and have enjoyed the exploration, the discovery, and revelation...whether they worked or not. :)

Maybe it’s that little girl in me...but I look forward to playing "dressup" and having extraordinary experiences on this journey for many, many years to come. Wanna play???

"You Need to Get With Tyler Perry!"

Atlanta actors have this common chuckle about hearing these statements from people on a regular basis:

"Do you know Tyler Perry?" "You know Tyler Perry has a new studio in Atlanta, right?" "You should try to get on one of Tyler Perry’s shows." and MY favorite…."Guuuurl…you need to get with Tyler Perry!"

All to which, in my head, I answer…."I wish I could just walk up to his door and say…'You need to put me in your movie'" or "Nope…hadn’t thought of that." :-)  But I know they only mean well and are trying to help me look at all my options, so instead, I can happily answer, "You know…I don’t think I’m gonna GET with Tyler Perry, lol, but I HAVE had the opportunity to work with him." -- And now, on two occasions.

I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Perry, in the role of a reporter, in the movie "Meet the Browns", and most recently had the opportunity to work under his direction again, in the feature film, "Single Mom’s Club". 

Consistent with my initial experience of having some freedom to improvise and not be married to the script, his direction on the set of "Single Mom’s Club" reflected the same trust and expectation to handle your business, do what you know, and be in the moment.  And what I find most impressive is that he operates in this manner no matter how big or small the role is.  The shoot was great!  We were in and out…quick and efficient.  I didn’t start out with a lot to say, but just as with "Meet the Browns", ended up with a lot more delivered, because I was ready. :-) 

It was also a pleasure meeting and working with the female stars of the film Amy Smart, Cocoa Brown, Nia Long, Wendi McLendon-Covey, and one of the sweetest ladies ever, Zulay Henao.  All were really down-to-earth and great to work with.  The crew…of course…on point…made things easy breezy.

This will be added to my list of truly valuable experiences in this journey….

 

Me with Tyler Perry and actress Carrie Walrond
at the SMC Wrap Party

Waiting in my trailer/dressing room to go on set

Me & Zulay Henao  

Me, Nia Long, John Doyle, Anthony Dalton and Cranston 

Me and Amy Smart

The Beginning...

Seems like yesterday, I was lugging a carseat with my new daughter into the waiting room of my agency, for an audition; asking my girl, actress, & fellow mom Karen (w/carseat in tow as well :-)) or anyone else who didn't look like a stalker, to watch my child, while I go into "the room".  Oh the memories of slipping into the restroom of the Corner Bakery, on my lunch break, dressed in a suit with glasses on, and then emerging like Superman, with contacts on, make-up flawless, hair flowing, fitted jeans and a bright colored top, headed over to Stillwell for an audition!  Many a day, wondering if the folks at the restaurant thought I was a hooker on the low. :-)  Sheer chaos...but pure adrenaline...and all this to hear those three little words..."You booked it!"  My first successful call from my agent....a commercial..."You booked it!" 

Before I decided to start acting professionally, I had done my vision board, wrote out my goals, put into practice those proven tools for success, and on that list..."To do a commercial." Check!
At that time, I knew that I loved acting, but wasn't considering it as a career, so I thought...a commercial would be fun. :-)  Well, you see...God sets bigger goals for us than we can imagine!  He knows what your true passion is and in time..the right time...reveals to you what it is.  He gives you the intention, the intuition, the gumption, and the tools to start on your journey to fulfilling it.  I should have known it was gonna be good with all the excitement and adventure I had experienced starting out on this journey, but 12 commercials later, and a steady growing career as a full-time actress, I have to say....it's been even better than I expected....