Rising Stars: Meet Priscilla Walker

Today we’d like to introduce you to Priscilla Walker.

Hi Priscilla, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
When I was a little girl, I remember watching my father on stage. My father was a theater actor. I remember that day so vividly. I remember pointing at my dad and saying “look thats Papi, he looks like an old man.” Since that day, I fell in love and became so passionate with the craft of acting. As an LA native, listening to the different radio stations was always a fun part of my day to day activities. I remember there were commercials that would say if you would like to be on television call this number. I would call the number and ask for information to set up my own auditions. I was only eight years old. My father did not want me to get in the industry as a child, so I continued to daydream, write show ideas, look in the mirror and practice my acting skills until I was old enough to make the decision to practice my craft and become the actress I’ve always dreamt of. I started joining acting classes instead of playing sports. My father saw the passion I held for acting and enrolled me into an art school in Florida. I went to Osceola County school for the arts for two years and majored in drama. When I returned to California, I continued to take acting electives and got into an intensive theater program at Culver City High. I did many plays there. I took a break after high school and began doing pageants and modeling.

I won Miss Panama and was also crowned Miss California Latina. Acting never left my soul and somehow continued to make its way back into my life. I decided to go back to school and was accepted into UCLA where I became a Gender studies major and enrolled in various theater classes. Once I graduated, I told myself that I would pursue this dream with everything I possess because it’s exactly what I’ve always wanted. I knew how important the power of people is in this industry, so I decided to work in the hospitality industry. This is where I would be able to meet the right people in order to receive the help and guidance to be successful within the industry. I met many people along the way that taught me lessons, shared wisdom, insight, connections, and also taught me the tools needed to be successful in this industry. I worked very hard because I was determined. I knew that I was very green in the industry and no one would take me seriously unless I had something to show for myself. Therefore, I found a company that made reel content, and I submitted a power-point on the roles I saw myself performing. I looked through backstage and went through all the managers and agents that were looking for people like me. I found my team. I booked my first feature film by the name of Take Back and worked with some great actors. I am grateful for where I am now and excited to continue this journey.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road. It has been a bumpy one. There have been so many highs and so many lows. But it is what you do with those lows that really determine your future. I remember there would be people I would meet that would sell me dreams but never follow through with their word. I learned pretty quickly in the industry, although networking is crucial and important you should never be dependent and always try to find your own way. I remember working with people that would only send me auditions once a month or once every two months, people that did not see the vision I had for myself. I learned never to stay stagnant and if something was not working to knock on other doors. I learned very quickly to survive in this industry, you have to be resilient. There will be many more no’s then yes’s and when that happens, I have to keep going and never give up. Everyone’s journey is different and when it’s your time, it’s your time. It’s the bumpy road that keeps me humble, keeps me going and keeps me extremely grateful for everything to come.

What are you most proud of?
I am most proud that giving up has never been a thought for me. I am grateful that my dreams are my passion and what lights me up most inside. I am proud that I continue to stay positive throughout it all and will never allow any negative thoughts to cloud what is meant for me.

How do you think about happiness?
My passion for acting makes me happy because there is never a day in my life where I have ever once doubted my love for the craft. It makes me happy to know that I can achieve everything I have always dreamt of. My family also makes me happy because without their support, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @priscillaewalker

Image Credits:
@Kofmotivation KOFI DUAH