Today we’d like to introduce you to Christy Lee Hughes.
Hi Christy Lee, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in upstate New York and that’s where my whole family still lives. I’m a first-generation college graduate with degrees in both Communications and Paralegal Studies. I was hired in paralegal jobs and in positions of leadership at various law firms, although I always felt unfulfilled in my work.
I ended up auditioning for The Walt Disney Company and was offered a full-time role in the company. It was a much better fit than my previous jobs because I got to perform as their original talent and exercise my creative skills all the time. I was also cast in many different plays, commercials, and films and just always felt that my home was performing on stage and on camera. I was cast in a film opposite the incredibly talented Melissa Leo, which ended up as an Official Selection of the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. It was a dream to see it on the big screen. Afterwards, I decided to move from New York to Los Angeles.
I studied and performed improv for several years with The Groundlings, UCB, and I was also a writer on the CBS Comedy Showcase. The Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media hired me as their Entertainment Outreach Advisor and since then, I have learned so much about gender equality, based on data referenced in the studies. Inclusion is important to me, as I don’t like any one group or person to feel left out. I narrowed my focus to concentrate on creating my own content with the intention of championing women and other marginalized groups. I have written a few new scripts and developed some really interesting stories and characters that I haven’t shared with anyone, but I am so excited to share them soon!
During the pandemic, I optioned and adapted two original plays into films. I flipped the gender of the lead characters in each script, referencing the historical lack of substantial roles for women. I produced and directed the short films, which are currently on the festival circuit now. Guardian is now an Official Selection at over 30 international film festivals, winning multiple awards for comedy and acting. Asking For It just wrapped this summer and we already had our first film festival selection, with a world premiere this month at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre! Seeing our film up there on the big screen together in person, surrounded by such an amazing audience was another dream come true! I am very grateful.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not a single opportunity came easily, and I had to fight and work extremely hard for every bit of success I have enjoyed. Growing up, our family struggled financially and that made things pretty tough on my parents. As an adult, I look back and I’m in awe of what they must have endured just to put food on the table and meet our basic needs. The two hardest-working people I have ever met in my entire life are my mother and my father. Individually, they are just unstoppable workhorses. I have never seen a stronger work ethic in a human being as I have in those two. I learned my resilience from each of them and for that, I am grateful. I definitely think of my resilience as a massive strength that carries me each step of the way.
As a woman navigating the entertainment industry, I learned to develop a thick skin. Like the majority of women I know, I have battled against discrimination, harassment, assault, ageism, along with so many rejections. It’s common and sadly, it’s much worse for women of color as well.
I do my best to educate myself, learn from my mistakes, help others when I can while working toward equality. I have so many stories to share, but I got sick of waiting for the green light from this industry. So, I greenlit myself! I have started creating my own projects and original characters as a way of taking control of my own career and I couldn’t feel more excited!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As an actress, I am drawn to well-written, captivating stories with excellent characters across all genres. I have been cast in a lot of comedy as well as drama. I don’t have a preference as it really all comes down to the writing. I have a strong improv background so I love when a director allows for some spontaneity and flexibility to make the material my own, but that’s never assumed or expected. I have full respect for the writer’s work and always stick to the script as intended.
I am most excited about the projects I am creating and the award-winning team of talented folks I get to work with. The thing that sets me apart from others is my drive and hustle as well as my unwavering faith that it might not be on my timeline, but I know it’ll all work out for the best. I am also proud to call myself an award-winning actress and filmmaker after winning several Best Actress Awards and Best Comedy Awards during the pandemic!
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Thank you, I love a true collaboration! I believe in healthy communication in every relationship and project that I attach myself to. I am currently working on my next script and am grateful for your support! People can follow me and my films on IG, Twitter and FB if they would like to work together.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.christyleehughes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christyleehughes
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ActorChristyLeeHughes
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChristyLeeH
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/weareasking4it
