We recently had the chance to connect with Hannah Leigh and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Hannah, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
Fame and success are not the same, and that’s something I always make sure my clients understand when I’m coaching them for auditions or navigating the acting world myself. Success is defined by you, and you alone. There are a thousand ways to live a full, meaningful life in this industry. It could look like booking a few projects a year while having a rich life filled with family, friends, and hobbies outside of work. It could be simply auditioning, enjoying your craft, and working another job you love alongside it. It could even be working nonstop on films that never get seen, because the connections you make on set were worth more to you than anything else. There are countless ways to create a life doing what you love that might not look “successful” to a media trained society. At the end of the day, you come home to you. Making “you” a multidimensional person with love in many places only makes you a better artist. The “you” that is fulfilled in all aspects of life is a happier soul. You come home to you, make it a home that exists beautifully without the pressure of anyone who’s outside of it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey! I’m Hannah Leigh! I’ve been an actress for my entire life, a musician for the length of my 20’s so far, and since Covid have developed my own Artist Mentoring Business. I am currently in development with my first feature film as a screenwriter as well as being a passionate dog mom, journal lover and your very fun local lesbian. I am incredibly passionate about helping artists navigate the entertainment industry in a way that feels functional and authentic to their own identities and am proud to be doing the same for myself! You can catch me at my next show at the Viper Room on November 7th (tickets in my bio on instagram) as well as on your tv in the latest season of Hacks! More to come of course, but that’s me for now 🙂
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful is when John C. Reilly complimented me for knowing what an eye-line meant on set, while the director of “Walk Hard” was guiding me to hit a specific mark. I think I was about 10 years old. I quickly looked up at him, and he was impressed that I was ahead of any explanation. In that moment, he gave my character, previously just called “Dewey’s Sister,” a name. I had been given worth and recognition because I knew what I was doing. I felt like an adult, powerful and in charge. He gave me a sense of confidence I knew I had, but maybe didn’t fully have access to at the time. I was a valued asset to a team, a powerful actress. Thanks John!
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You take care of artists through mentoring who feel the ways you used to feel. You get to be the person for them that you needed back then, and in doing that, you’re also taking care of yourself. You are continuing to be an artist in a way that now feels sacred and placed in love and passion. Your little you is being re-inspired every single day to continue to create and cultivate relationships that light you up. All is well!
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
They all unanimously said my dog but the alternate responses said:
Bringing the vibes to the function
Making art that makes you happy
Your people
Fostering community
Creativity
Music
Pickles
Your nieces
Community
Being gay
Routine
Journaling
Being there for your people
Community
Supporting others
Fun
Friends & community
Self Evolvement
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
This question used to sit in the back of my mind, and I’d check in with myself to see if I still believed my own answer. Not many people can say they’re still doing the same kind of work they did when they were four years old. Most people outgrow what they loved as kids. I like to think that my career has grown into something I was truly born to do, now that I have a deeper understanding of what that really means. I’ve been able to create a path in music, acting, and mentoring that feels deeply authentic, rather than any expectations or boxes that come with “being told” what to do. I am so grateful to have had the opportunities through specific projects and relationships that have allowed me to feel so at home within a career that can often feel far from that. I was definitely born to connect with people in a deep way and I love that art is my vehicle for that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://msha.ke/hannahleigh?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaexI-Aqlw_HijPs3NG5hGJR2-93fg43efrzGSOOE9-C77WRuvTpu-8hIGg3yw_aem_DZ885p_cEQU2_bPmlWb8Ew
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahleighofficial/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HannahLeighOfficial
- Other: Imdb: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm1505370?s=a4cce091-0d20-3a33-27ec-5511295e0cfe&site_preference=normal
Image Credits
Dana Patrick
Yising Kao
Josh Reynolds
