Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Rose Cook
Hi Chelsea Rose, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The funny thing is, I actually didn’t pursue an acting career right out of school. I originally went on what I would call the “traditional” path after graduating college with my BBA. Here’s the short version of my pre-L.A. timeline:
Post-grad, I got my first “big girl job” at a sports tech start-up doing marketing and operations. After that opportunity ran its course, I decided to start my own marketing company, through which I still freelance occasionally.
About a year after that, I began solo traveling – so naturally, I started a travel and lifestyle blog! Fun fact: since 2018, I’ve solo-traveled to 8 countries as well as a handful of U.S. cities.
Now, when the chaos of 2020 hit, it made me take a good, hard look at what I truly wanted in life. I realized that I no longer wanted to wonder “what-if” with acting (or anything else in my life, really). So, I took the leap and moved out here in mid-2020…and yes, my parents thought I was CRAZY to do this during the pandemic! But don’t worry, they’ve definitely come around.
Getting to where I am today required a lot of faith: faith in myself and faith that what is meant for me will not pass me by. This also included taking the occasional leap of faith (actually, there were a lot of leaps!).
I also learned how to be strategic about expending my energy: for example, leaning into hustle-and-grind mode when needed while also recognizing how equally valuable and productive it is to rest.
Fast-forward to now, and I’m very grateful and proud to share that I’ve been consistently working in the film and commercial worlds since moving here. And even more exciting: my first booking of 2025 also happened to be my first TV role! I’m so excited to see what comes next.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have definitely been a LOT of obstacles and challenges in my journey, and I know there will be more to come. But honestly, I would not have it any other way! I firmly believe that every challenge is an opportunity for reflection, growth, and triumph. To me, there is no longer a such thing as “failing” in life – only learning.
That said, there have certainly been some growing pains as I’ve found my footing in L.A., such as making it feel like home, meeting high-quality friends, and staying grounded despite the go-go-go nature of my industry.
Another big challenge for me was the sheer amount of rejection (or as I like to call it, redirection) that we face in the entertainment industry. Staying resilient in what can feel like a sea of “no’s” is much easier said than done. Learning the art of detachment has been a huge game-changer for me in this area.
Detachment helped me to stop basing my self-worth on the outcome of my auditions, callbacks, and bookings. I used to put so much pressure on myself and get very in my head if I didn’t book…immediately, the self-doubt would arise and the negative self-talk would start. But now, I’ve reached a place where I trust in my instincts and talent when I do the audition; and I know that I am still worthy and complete even if I didn’t book the job.
With all of this in mind, I encourage you to view every challenge that you face as a way to learn, grow, and level up. I truly believe that the best things in life lie just outside of our comfort zones.
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 am an actress and model who also has a passion for dancing and creative writing. Most of my on-camera work has been in the commercial and film worlds, with the films typically falling into the thriller, drama, or rom-com categories. I would also love to start doing more action films in the future. Tomb Raider and Catwoman are two of my dream roles!
If my face looks familiar, you might have seen me starring as the villainous Kendra in the Lifetime film, Bad Nanny; in a national Optimum commercial with Derek Jeter; or maybe you even spotted me when I was featured (and briefly singing – ah!) in the award-winning video game, Immortality.
These past 6 months have been especially prolific for me, so you’ll also be seeing my face in some new places! Since last fall, I’ve led 4 feature films that are currently in post-production, and I already have another new project that’s filming this spring. In one of these films, I starred opposite Vivica A. Fox and Jackée Harry, which was SUCH a treat! I also just booked my first co-star role in a new TV show that will star Jensen Ackles, Eric Dane, and more.
One of my proudest career moments so far is actually from an indie feature that I shot in September 2024. This film was easily my greatest acting challenge to-date because my character in it rides a truly volatile rollercoaster of emotions. While embodying all of her highs and lows, I learned what I am capable of as an actress. I also gained a deep appreciation for just how far I have come since starting my acting career. I actually like to call this project my “Midsommar Moment” because of how emotionally intense it was…and who knows, maybe it’ll give me a Florence Pugh Moment someday too. 😉
I think that what really sets me apart from others is my spirit and approach to life. If I had to guess, I believe that those who know me the best would describe me as optimistic, confident, and joyful. These traits not only helped me to overcome quite a few years of bullying/ostracism throughout my adolescence; but they have also helped me to continue thriving to this day. I’d also like to believe that my energy has helped to bring in some of the wonderful opportunities and people that are in my life today!
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Tough choice! I think one of my favorite childhood memories would have to be when we went to Disney World in Orlando for New Year’s Eve. I don’t remember how old I was (maybe around 7?) but I do remember the splendor of Disney, multiple days of family fun, and a magical New Year’s Eve experience.
Now, I will admit that I fell asleep before it was actually midnight…but hey, if you’re going to fall asleep before midnight on New Year’s Eve then it might as well be to the sounds of fireworks and cheers, the sight of whimsical little bubbles floating around, and the irresistible smell of fresh Cinnabon in the air.
Here are some honorable mentions because it was really hard to choose just ONE memory:
– Hiking to a volcano in Hawai’i (and positively shredding my leg because I had a nasty fall on some lava rock – but I was in my short-lived tomboy era so I felt super cool with all of the marks)
– Snorkeling at a freshwater park in Mexico called Xelha (swimming with fish and then hopping on a water slide in the same day? Sign me up!)
– A ski trip to Breckenridge (where I somehow ended up alone at the bottom of a closed and deserted run because I gleefully skied too far ahead of my parents and missed the “closed” signs, and then I managed to find my way back to the correct resort right as my parents were heading down on the opposite side to call Ski Patrol…now you can see where my adventurous side comes from!!)
Pricing:
- For acting/modeling inquiries, best to chat with my manager: [email protected]
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chelsea-cook.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thechelseacook
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@thechelseacook
Image Credits
Daniel Daleon
Darrell Battle Jr.
Nathan Cox
Alanna Gilbert
Priten Vora
