Today we’d like to introduce you to Drew Tillman.
Drew, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hi, my name is Drew Olivia Tillman and I am an actress and singer-songwriter. Currently, I am starring in the hit Netflix show, ‘She The People.’ For those who may not know my story, it may seem like I am a fresh face in Hollywood but I’ve had my share of trials and tribulations and worked really hard to get to where I am today. I have been working in this industry for 10 years! I got my start in this industry when I was 9, after a video of me singing Adele’s ‘Hello’ unexpectedly went viral, racking up more than 9 million views! Shortly after, I played the young Sojourner Truth in a musical in the Boys and Girls club and fell in love with acting. After the video went viral, agents and managers began reaching out and that moment marked the beginning of my journey in the industry, as an actor. Singing is for sure my foundation and music is at the core of who I am, I began performing throughout my hometown, singing in churches, at arena games performing the national anthem, and at local music festivals. At the same time, I was launching my acting career and exploring musical theater through camps. It’s been a long journey but extremely fulfilling!
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?
Being an actor is not easy. You audition for so many roles, and a lot of the time, you don’t hear anything back. Sometimes you feel certain you’ll book something and it just doesn’t happen. I once booked a huge commercial with my little sister, and it never aired! We were devastated. Things can change quickly, often beyond your control, and there are so many obstacles. There are times when you’re praying for an audition and it’s just a drought. All of that can make you question if this is truly what you’re meant to do. But you have to push through the fear and doubt by believing in yourself. You have to live in your passion and keep moving forward. Thankfully, I have a village that’s always believed in me, even when I struggle to believe in myself. That support has carried over into my music too. Being an independent artist is incredibly hard, and developing your artistry comes with its own challenges. But I’ve trusted my sound and stayed true to it because I believe it will all be worth it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My career truly kicked off when my cover of “Hello” by Adele went viral, gaining about 9 million views in just a few days. I made my official acting debut in 2018 on Netflix’s Roxanne Roxanne, alongside Nia Long and Oscar winner Mahershala Ali. I went on to guest star on primetime television shows including CBS’s FBI, NBC’s This Is Us, and ABC’s Mixed-ish, as well as appear in numerous national commercials. In addition to acting, I’ve had the honor of performing as a guest vocalist at prestigious events such as International Women’s Day at the United Nations, as a soloist at The Kennedy Center, and as the national anthem singer for NBA, MiLB, NCAA, and MLB games, including for the Los Angeles Dodgers. For three consecutive years, I’ve served as the Emcee and Vocalist for the National Center for Children and Families (NCCF) in Silver Spring, Maryland. I also participated in “Live Nation Next Gen,” a career development program dedicated to preparing young people, especially from Black and Latinx communities, for careers in the live music industry. I’m incredibly proud of how I’ve used my voice not only as a performer, but also to give back to my community by hosting and supporting events that reflect causes I care about.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
There’s a village of people behind me who have always believed in me and poured love, encouragement, and inspiration into my future. My family, especially my parents, has been my backbone and the foundation of everything I am today. In the moments I felt lost or unsure, they were my light. They never stopped believing that I was meant for something special. Whether it was a school performance or a big project, they’ve always shown up for me. I owe it all to them. I’ve also been guided by incredible people along the way. From my kindergarten teacher, Ms. Thomas, to my high school choir teacher, Dr. Blake, there have been so many who saw my potential and poured into me. I can’t take full credit for where I am now, because so much of who I’ve become is thanks to the people who chose to believe in me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.drewoliviatillman.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drewoliviatillman
Image Credits
Jonny Marlow (black and white photo)
Jonny Marlow (white, red, and pink fur)
