Today we’d like to introduce you to Shireen Crutchfield
Hi Shireen, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts and grew up in Los Angeles. I’ve been in the entertainment industry for a long time. As a teenager, I danced on the iconic show Soul Train. After graduating from high school in the early 1990’s, my two besties and I formed the R&B group The Good Girls on Motown Records. We had three chart topping singles, “Your Sweetness,” “I Need Your Love,” and “Love Is Like An Itchin’ In My Heart.” It was a wonderful time. We toured the world opening for The New Kids on the Block.
Over the years, I’ve been blessed to pursue my other passions in the entertainment industry, such as modeling, movies, TV, and commercials. I’ve worked along side so many wonderful industry giants, Giorgio Armani, Calvin Klein, Chanel, Rob Lowe, Taraji P. Henson, John Lithgow, Jamie Foxx, Will Smith, and Geena Davis to name a few.
I’m also passionate about writing and content creation. In front of the camera is cool, but behind the scenes is where decisions are made! I write for TV and film, including my award winning short, “Birthday Bash,” which I produced and directed.
My most recent accomplishment is becoming an author. Having three children of my own, I began writing children’s books under the name “Hello Topper Books” on Amazon – My book series includes, “Topper Lost His Hopper”, “Topper Lost & Found,” and a companion book, “HOP WITH TOP Coloring & activity Book.”
Thankfully, I am able to continue all of my passions – modeling, singing, writing, acting, and producing at the same time. That and taking care of my beautiful kiddos is heaven!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There definitely have been highs and lows. The break up of my group was hard. I thought we would go the distance, but situations behind the scenes made it impossible. When one door closes, you gotta find another door! Switching industries was challenging. Leaving my friends and going it alone was scary. Modeling and acting have some situational overlaps to the singing industry, but I basically had to learn two new industries. Starting over from scratch comes with lots of bumps and bruises, but God works everything out for my good, so I have no complaints. Plus, it’s been fun along the way!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have been a professional model for over 30 years. I do print, runway, hosting, you name it. I enjoy the people the most. Being a creative person, this industry is FILLED with them! Quirky, offbeat, entertaining characters – I fit right in!
I’m also an actress. When auditioning for the TV show Seinfeld, Jerry Seinfeld complimented me on my performance. It gave me confidence. I thought, “Hey, I can do this!” I got the role on Seinfeld and have gone on to do many other TV shows and movies. The work is exciting! I get to play dress up and explore new situations that I don’t get to experience in real life. Explosions, fights, aliens… it’s the best! When people come up to me, recognizing me, I can usually tell by their age what they know me from. Older people know me from The Good Girls, slightly younger people, from the movie “Hot Boyz,” others will know me from their mother’s catalog on the coffee table!
I am most proud of my Hello Topper Books, and it all began from putting my kids to bed. Our bedtime routine has always been an event! In 2018, when my youngest was 6 and my oldest was 15, along with prayer, we would take turns telling a story. We shared a lot of off-the-wall, crazy adventures. One night, I began to tell a story about Topper, the frog. I quickly realized I’d stumbled upon a very valuable lesson. It’s a wonderful feeling seeing my work come to life, inspired by my children. I am proud of the books and the important messages they carry.
I think what sets me apart is my range, being able to successfully navigate all the industries. I am grateful for the talent I’ve been blessed with and the ability to remain balanced and professional.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I am quite bananas! I come off as reserved, which I am, but when you get me going, I’m a nut!
Pricing:
- Book “Topper Lost His Hopper” $14.99 on Amazon
- Book “Topper Lost & Found” $14.99 on Amazon
- “HOP WITH TOP: Coloring & Activity Book” $6.99 on Amazon
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellotopperbooks/ https://www.instagram.com/shireencrutch/
