Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Cooper.
Hi Anna, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I think I’ve always been drawn to storytelling in some way. I’m still that little girl with fuzzy cornrows running around the house, making up funny characters and leaving crayon-drawn comic strips on our kitchen fridge. I found a lot of joy in making the people that I love laugh or follow me on a journey with my words. I think that part of me emerged as a product of my circumstances, though. I grew up with very limited resources, but a lot of creativity. Experiencing grief and hardship early on propelled me to use storytelling as a way to alchemize that pain and all the things little me wasn’t old enough to understand.
For a long time, ya girl was in survival mode. Figuring out life, working jobs I hated, and just trying to stay afloat. Scared to lean into my creativity because adulthood was literally whooping my ass. Then, my first-ever therapy session, in 2018, changed everything. I found myself there after being burnt out and unemployed. It was the first time in my life someone asked me, “Anna, what is the reality you want to create for yourself?” From that moment on, I found the strength to say surviving was not enough. I immediately signed up for an improv comedy class and received a scholarship. I felt so alive performing again! I went on to study at an acting conservatory and have been in love ever since.
When I finally decided to pursue acting seriously, it wasn’t because everything was perfect. I just leaned into embracing action over perfection. Being where my feet are. Since then, I’ve been focused on building my craft, telling stories that move people, and creating a career that feels both meaningful and sustainable. Now, I’m in this phase of redefining what thriving looks like. I’m developing short film concepts that blend drama and dark humor. I’m super excited to continue building a creative life rooted in authenticity, joy, and purpose.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth? Not at all. I’ve had to find the courage to believe in myself, especially in an industry that constantly tests your confidence. Balancing work and acting has been tough. You know that tired kid meme from Meet the Robinsons? [Laughs] That’s exactly what I’ve looked like at times. I’ve done plenty of self-tapes after midnight, just trying to keep the dream alive and working full-time.
Being super short in a visual industry also challenged how I saw myself, but I’ve learned that presence has nothing to do with height. Short queens like Reese Witherspoon & Quinta Brunson are absolute powerhouses, and I’m so thankful for that representation. Every setback has helped me grow more grounded, resilient, and sure of who I am.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a conservatory-trained actress and storyteller who loves exploring complex, emotionally layered characters. I find humor in all the nuances of being black and a woman in this crazy world, so I love it when I can reflect that in my work. Flawed characters that aren’t afraid to explore the depths of human connections give me a buzz.
Recently, I wrote, directed, and starred in my first short film, FREEZE, a psychological drama. After a woman’s sister dies under suspicious circumstances, she breaks into a fertility clinic to reclaim what’s left of the family she’s lost. Super ambitious for a first short film! We made it in just two weeks for a film challenge, and boy, was it a challenge! [Laughs] But that experience reminded me how powerful it can be to create something raw and honest with limited time and resources.
What I’m most proud of is how I’ve continued to show up for my craft. Filming self-tapes after work, investing in myself creatively, and building my own opportunities from the ground up. What sets me apart is my authenticity. I lead with truth, empathy, and emotional honesty, and I love bringing depth and humanity to characters who might otherwise be overlooked.
What matters most to you? Why?
The power of collaboration and creating with what you have. I really believe there’s magic in not waiting for permission or perfect circumstances to make something meaningful. Some of the best projects I’ve been part of happened because a group of passionate people came together and made the most out of limited resources. Thanks to my Mom, that spirit of resourcefulness has always been in me and drives everything I do as a storyteller.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Brooke Skocelas Robert Tapaltsyan
