Check Out Camille Montgomery’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Camille Montgomery.

Hi Camille, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My earliest memory of performing was when I was three years old. It was my first ballet recital and my entire family had come to watch me dance in my pink tutu. I was so terrified to go onstage that my parents had to drag me up there. But once the music started and the lights went up, I forgot all about my tears and began to dance. I loved every moment of it and this time, they had to pull me off the stage. From that day forward, the stage became my home. My ballet days were short-lived, but I began acting a few years later and quickly became a member of the Young Performers Theater in San Francisco. This eventually led me to the British American Drama Academy in Oxford and then to Los Angeles, where I found my place in the entertainment industry.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As challenging as the entertainment industry can be, the hardest thing has been honoring my place in it all and not allowing external factors to knock me off my path. There have definitely been times throughout my career when I’ve felt overwhelmed by the rejection and uncertainty, but I’ve realized that in order to show up for a role, let alone in my own life, I must have strong self-care practices. I’ve implemented daily routines that allow me to feel present and grounded – yoga, meditation, breathwork as well as eating nourishing foods, journaling, and making sleep a priority. I make a point to move and create each day, which always makes me feel empowered and connected to myself. I’ve had so much support from friends, family, teachers, and healers that have guided me along the way too. I’m grateful that this career drives me to work on myself daily and to dive deeper into trusting myself, surrendering to the unknown, and loving the process.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a TV, film, and stage actress based out of Los Angeles. I had the privilege of working alongside Gary Oldman and Amanda Seyfried in David Fincher’s Oscar-winning film, Mank, and recently filmed the upcoming series, Swimming With Sharks, with Diane Kruger and Kiernan Shipka. I’ve starred in several independent films, including Sick For Toys, Before I’m Dead, and As Long As I’m Famous. I’ve also appeared in anti-bullying and donate life PSAs and am part of the global mental health movement called the Imperfectly Perfect Campaign.

I’m most proud of my dedication and passion for creating. I used to only feel like an actor if I had a paying job, but now, I dedicate time each day to warm up my voice, audition, read plays, write, work on monologues, sing, play guitar, and create in every way imaginable. My incredible teacher and mentor, Larry Moss, always says that if you’re an actor, you need to act all the time. I’m beyond grateful when I get the opportunity to perform in a film, show, or onstage, but I no longer wait for a job to do the work. I’m proud of this commitment that I’ve made to myself and the ways that I show up each day.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
It feels like I’ve lived a whole lifetime within the Covid-19 Crisis. It was an unbelievably trying time that came with great lessons about what truly matters in life and what a gift it is to be alive. There was a time during 2020 when every day felt like a little battle within, but I’m so grateful to have the time to be with all my challenges and habits, the gift to really see and meet myself again.

There were days that I felt motivated and inspired followed by many days of debilitating sadness over the suffering and uncertainty of the world. I spent a lot of time reflecting, listening and reading. I took acting classes online with several incredible teachers throughout the world and had the opportunity to work with an extraordinary writer and director in New York, developing his new play with a talented group of actors. I spent time creating, resting, writing, doing yoga, and cuddling with my new rescue pup, Boowie.

During this time, I had the chance to really get to know my neighbors. With their help, I wrote, produced, and starred in a short film that my dear friend, Silvija Padjen, directed, filmed, and edited. My neighbors, Talia Lawrence, Ted Sheridan, and Dylan Maddalena, all acted in it while Talia co-wrote the film and Ted created the beautiful score. It’s a silent, black and white melodrama that takes place during day 246 of quarantine. Although the virus has yet to be contained, one damsel continues to seek love in “Unprecedented Times.” Our film won the Outstanding Achievement Award in the Mobile Short category at the Indie Short Fest and was a finalist at the Vancouver Independent Film Festival. Unprecedented Times is now available to watch on Youtube. We also have two short films in pre-production.

During this time, I really discovered the importance of establishing nurturing connections. The more of a community we become, the more supported we are in following our purpose and enacting the change we’d like to see in the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.camillemontgomery.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_camillemontgomery/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camillemontgomeryactress/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/_cmontgomery
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CamilleMontgomery

Image Credits:
The first (cover) photo is Sallie DeEtte Mackie The second photo (in the red plaid shirt) is James DePietro The third photo (black and white full body portrait is Molly Cranna The forth photo (the side portrait with red nails) is Isabella Behravan The last photo is the poster from the film “Unprecedented Times”