Today we’d like to introduce you to Amira.
Hi Amira, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Well, I’m from Miami, FL originally. I am an only child born to a Jamaican-American mother who is a teacher and a singer. I was homeschooled from kindergarten to 7th grade. My dream job at that time was to become a veterinarian. I love animals! Anyways, my mother ended up getting a job with the U.S. State Dept. helping to settle refugees though out West Africa who were seeking asylum in the United States from 2001-2003. While she traveled all over West Africa, I lived between Ghana and Senegal.
It was quite an experience. It really opened my eyes to what life is like abroad. When my Grandmother, who was near 90 years old started getting sick, we came back to the states and moved to St. Paul, Minnesota to spend more time with her in her final years. I finished up high school at De La Salle High school in Minneapolis, MN. While in high school, I began to compete in local plays with Heart of the Beast Theatre and also competed as a member of my high school’s speech team. Then, I realized that I loved performing and excelled at it.
I signed with a local talent agency and started auditioning and doing a walking in a few local runway shows here and there. Upon high school, I moved to Orange County, CA to attend Dodge College School of Film and Media Arts at Chapman University and majored initially in theatre. Then, I switched to the film school upon learning that I could still take my acting classes as electives. I graduated with a B.A. in entertainment PR and Advertising, which I found to be complimentary to my acting career. Then, I moved to Los Angeles, CA and began training and taking classes with some of the best acting coaches and studios.
Fast forward to this year, I have auditioned for several network series regular roles and studio film lead roles. Some I’ve had callbacks for and some not. Currently, I am looking for new theatrical and management representation.
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?
To be brutally honest, things have been moving much slower for me than they should. The unfortunate reality is that Los Angeles is the land where dreams come true, but also the land of broken dreams. Having an Uncle who has been a famous actor for decades, often conjures envy and the knee-jerk reaction from some gatekeepers to block. There are several decision makers that come to mind who cannot look me in the eye. There is no reason to show guilt if you’re simply choosing the best fit for a role as your job requires. Further, the common question that I get from, well everyone is “Where are you from?”. It seems like an innocent question (I’m of Black Jamaican and Chinese Jamaican descent, but I have realized that it points to the fact that people not being able to place me, creates question marks. And those same questions reside in the minds of decision makers who, initially in an actor’s career, place actors into clearly defined categories. This all has made my path more difficult than I would have imagined.
Nonetheless, I continue to sharpen my craft and persevere. Perseverance will ultimately win out.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’ve had a few small roles on network television. Sci Fi, horror and character-led dramas are my specialty and where I have had the most positive feedback …almost big breaks. I love Zoe Saldana’s career! What sets me apart…hmm… I’m me and there’s only one. Lol. I tend to let others figure that out.
I’m most proud of my ability to stay positive and keep moving forward.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
While looking for a mentor, it’s important to do what you can on your own. People respond to momentum.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3291494/
- Instagram: @amiralumbly
- Facebook: https://www.gettyimages.com/search/2/image?phrase=amira+lumbly
- Twitter: @amiralumbly
Image Credits
Vanie Poyey, JC Olivera (Getty Images)
