Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Gossett
Hi Denise, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi! I have always wanted to be an actress, even when I was little. I remember doing elementary school plays and then in high school I auditioned for The Female Odd Couple and fell in love with theater! Shortly after that I auditioned for some colleges acting scholarships. I remember being very “green”, but, somehow was awarded partial scholarship with the option to audition again, which I did and ended up getting almost all of my college paid for! I loved learning anything and everything about acting and theater! From then, I found an agent and started doing theater around town, films, and even TV. Eventually I moved to Los Angeles and pursued acting there. I started a film festival on a whim and then found myself with two careers; being a festival director and an actress. Life was going great.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Having an acting career and running a film festival is a ton of work! I think every path we take can have it’s challenges, the biggest thing is to just not give up. For acting, the struggles can revolve around headshots, agents, auditions, classes, networking, promoting, etc. For a festival director, the challenges can revolve around websites, promotion, submissions, judges, venues, parties, press, filmmakers, screenwriters, red carpet, media, selection committees, volunteers, etc. Just make a good solid plan and follow it and soon you will learn to leap over those obstacles.
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 an actress, I have performed in lots of theater through the years, but, now I focus mostly on movies and tv. I am really proud that I have never given up, when I have seen many leave the industry. I think what sets me apart from others is that I look for the back door or the window verses coming in through the front door. What I mean is I am always looking for other ways in to this industry, besides the typical avenues. There is opportunity for everyone, you just have to hustle and find it. Too many actors sit back and wait for their agents to call them, that is not how this business works. You can do it that way, but, it will probably take much longer to get anywhere. Plus, why not do some of the hard work too, it’s very rewarding.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I am big on following your dreams and doing what makes you happy! What is the point of being in a career that doesn’t make you happy. Most people I know stay in careers for the money, but, it doesn’t make you happy. Find other ways, it can be done…maybe you have to cut back on expensive things for a while, that’s ok. It can be done. Be happy, follow your dreams, and never, ever give up!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.denisegossett.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisegossett1/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisegossett2
- Twitter: https://x.com/DeniseGossett
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDeniseGossett
