Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Mikhail.
Hi Amanda, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in New York and have always wanted to be an actress. Much to the dismay of Puerto Rican and Egyptian parents, I begged to apply to LaGuardia High School and failed the Stuyvesant placement test. In an attempt to abide by their wishes, I double majored in Psychology and Art History with plans to pursue the former professionally. After being accepted into a Master’s program in Psychology, I said said “screw this,” dropped out, moved out of my parent’s house *in secret,* got a hosting job to pay bills, and began pursuing acting professionally. It’s this completely irrational decision that began my trajectory as an artist and that gave me the perspective that drives the stories I love to tell.
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?
Of course, there have been struggles along the way. The first struggle was convincing my family that life as an artist is a worthwhile pursuit. I don’t think they’re convinced yet, but they did stop trying to change my mind.
It has always been difficult to choose between the time and energy I give to my survival job versus my creative endeavors. I’ve worked as a bartender for a million years (it seems). When I got tired of that, I got a 9-5 at an auction house. When I got tired of that, I re-joined the world of hospitality. I’ve always felt like there were so many possible avenues to take career-wise, but acting and writing have been the only things that have consistently brought me back to the truth of who I am and what I love to do.
During moments of struggle, it’s really important for me to refocus on being creative and push passed (or really more like embrace) any fears or doubts to get to that magic place where you’re able to catch an idea and play.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Puerto Rican and Egyptian actress and writer who grew up in New York. I’m also very funny…
*Urban. Bad Girl. Rebellious. Quirky. Playful.* is what I tell people ;).
Most recently, I’ve written and packaged a half-hour pilot with my friend and co-writer, Sean Gallagher. It’s a coming of age workplace dramedy about a Puerto Rican and Egyptian woman (familiar…) navigating the chaotic food service industry in New York. It’s a love letter to NYC and to the hard working hispanic community that keeps the city running. We are super grateful to have the perspective and opportunity to tell the real stories of real people who work in real food hall in New York, languages, music, accents, and all, through the lens of a girl just trying to figure her life out.
What makes you happy?
Happy? I’m not sure. Coffee. The ocean (my favorite place). A book. A cuddle. A cocktail. Gilmore Girls. A good conversation. An audition that requires my leather jacket. Adult dance classes. Singing very loudly in my apartment (If you see this, I’m sorry…). Wicked the movie Part 2.
I think happiness is fleeting and found in smaller moments, but peace is where it’s at for life. The things that gives me peace are being honest and authentic with myself and others. It’s really when you stray from your own authenticity that life gets weird. It’s a constant reminder for myself.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanda.mikhail/?hl=en
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaapleeasee
Image Credits
Joanna Degeneres
