Rising Stars: Meet Sumayyah Ameerah of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sumayyah Ameerah.

Hi Sumayyah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
“ I started in Dallas, where I was trained in Meisner and was first introduced to Ivana Chubbuck’s book The Power of the Actor. That discovery carried me to Atlanta, where I studied the technique more seriously, booked a few low-budget projects, and began sending my materials to agencies.
Eight months later, I made the decision to move to Los Angeles. It was 2019 — five months before the world shut down — yet, for me, those months were pivotal. As soon as I arrived, I threw myself into training at the Ivana Chubbuck Studio. I was there almost every day, taking two classes a week, absorbing the three master classes Ivana taught at the time, and working privately with Claire Chubbuck. It was an intense period of immersion, and I loved it.
During that time, I met David Lipper, who was teaching cold reading and launching his company, Latigo Films. I offered to assist him during pre-production of his first film, and that opportunity led to my first major film role in Hunt Club, opposite Mena Suvari, Mickey Rourke, and Casper Van Dien.
Then the pandemic hit. I stayed in LA for a while, continued training virtually, and participated in the Coronavirus Monologues — my first IMDb credit as both an actor and writer. Shortly after, Kipp Tribble, one of the producers from Hunt Club, pitched me for Confined, a found-footage horror film shot entirely in quarantine. It became my second credit.
By late 2020, I was back home in Dallas. It was a slow year and a half, and then in 2022, Kipp pitched me again, this time for Shark Girl. I booked the role of Sienna, my third major role and fifth feature, as second on the call sheet. Around the same time, I was cast in Deliveries from Eva, my third title role.
In 2023, everything I had worked on began to premiere — red carpets in LA, streaming releases, reviews, watch parties with my family. It felt unreal finally seeing myself on-screen and witnessing my characters come to life.
Now, I’m back in Los Angeles after five years of moving between cities, markets, and sets. I’m still independent — no agent, no manager — but I’ve built a body of work I’m proud of, and I’m stepping into the next phase with intention. I’ve always believed timing and taste has a way of revealing itself, and it feels like mine are finally aligning. ”

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?
“ Smooth ? Not exactly — but i know how to shift, adapt and keep moving. When I want something, I don’t stop until it’s mine. “

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 proud of a lot of things, though this is only my beginning. Most of the opportunities I’ve had, have come from people recognizing the work and trusting what I bring, and I do not take that lightly. I show up prepared, focused and ready to step into whatever the role requires.
My career hasn’t had a conventional trajectory, yet that’s never bothered me. I welcome the experience and continue to study, train and settle deeper into my craft. I think the energy I put behind my work, coupled with the presence I bring, is what sets me apart. “

How do you think about happiness?
“ At the moment ? Many things. Premiering a project I poured myself into, quiet nights when it’s just me, the rain, and jazz music and — getting dolled up for red carpets. I won’t pretend it’s not for obvious reasons : the fashion, the beauty, the cameras. That’s genuinely a part of who I am. Yet beyond that, it’s exciting — to relish in that moment, breathe, celebrate, and stand behind what you’ve created.
Still, the things that make me the happiest are usually the moments no one sees. “

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sumayyahameerah.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redhautesusu/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@redhautesusu?si=qyW3-pNZydQEP3dk