Today we’d like to introduce you to Elisa Perry.
Hi Elisa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
After landing in Hollywood, it didn’t take long for Philadelphia native Elisa Perry (pronounced E-Lisa ) to land the plum role of Miss Wilson, the principal, on the seminal comedy Everybody Hates Chris. She has continued making star turns ever since; in the Emmy-nominated show Godless on Netflix starring Jeff Daniels, in the film Roman J. Israel, Esq, alongside Oscar winner Denzel Washington, and worked alongside other Academy winners, Brad Pitt, Viola Davis, Colin Ferrell, and Cicely Tyson. She has worked with award-winning directors such as Steven Spielberg, Scott Frank, and Dan Gilroy. Her work on stage has garnered her a NAACP Theater nomination for her role as Delia in Pearl Cleage’s “Blues For An Alabama Sky,” and critical acclaim for her work in Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin In The Sun,” and William Gibson’s “The Miracle Worker.”
Elisa caught the acting bug after viewing idols Diahann Carroll in the Hollywood classic Paris Blues and Diana Sands in A Raisin In The Sun. The late Sandy Dennis was a huge inspiration to Elisa after she saw her work in films Splendor in the Grass and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf. The actress studied at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York and later spent several years performing on stage and appearing in several independent films and television commercials. Elisa even lent her talents to the world of comedy for a time, performing stand-up to US troops in Kuwait, Iraq, and Kosovo. But acting remains Elisa’s true passion.
It may have taken years for Elisa to call LA her home, but now that she has the beauty and diversity inspires her everyday.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My father had a saying, “Anything too easy, isn’t worth having.” I feel like that sums up my journey in the world of entertainment. It was years in LA before I felt like I reached a level of success. I came to LA in 1999 and it was five years before I was working consistently as an actor. My biggest challenge I’ve had to overcome was breast cancer. In 2008 I was diagnosed and then seven years later I tested positive for the BRCA gene, under went preventive surgery to reduce the chances of breast cancer returning. I never saw myself as a victim of cancer but instead saw it as the journey to encourage me to live life to the fullest. I took a risk on doing stand-up by way of a dare, and ended up traveling to Iraq and Kuwait to bring laughter to our troops. I figured after beating cancer that I could do anything. I embraced wrting comedy, which brought me laughter and another talent that I am quite confident. I enjoy getting lost in the worlds and characters that I create.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an actor first, an all around creative. I enjoy writing and most recently I got to try my hand at directing. I discovered another skill that I get to share, and it’s coaching actors. I don’t consider myself an acting coach, but instead a working actor who enjoys helping other actors up level their skills. I’m comfortable seeing myself as “an actors, actor.” I started out doing theatre, and my dream has always been to be on Broadway, and I’m looking forward to that happening very soon. I’ve worked the a number of Oscar winning actors, and I had the chance to work with Mr. Steven Spielberg. I have been doing a lot of wirting from half hour comedies to unscripted shows. With the changing climate of entertainment I have become proactive in creating my opportunities. Acting is the only job that when you tell people what you do, they immediately want your resume. I like being able to tell them who I’ve worked with in lieu of what I’ve done. I’m looking forward to knowing that I am creating a comedy that will be the next “Abbott Elementary” the next female lead comedy that has everyone talking. I’m excited to begin production on a unscripted make-over show I will host, entitled “BFFs Styled With Resale” produced for YouTube. Those who know me, also know how much I love fashion and vintage. It’s a unique show where friends get to style each other only using items from resale shops and thrifting.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I feel like success is subjective, but there are characteristics and qualities that have been important components to my accomplishments. My determination, humor and courage are the top qualities to the accomplishments in my career. Acting is a profession where your success is judged on the popularity of the project. You’re also as memorable as your last job. My confidence in auditions improved when I started doing stand up. The fact that I could make a group of unsuspecting strangers at a sports bar laugh really boosted my confidence in auditions, but that’s all it served for me. I don’t do it any more but I have the upmost respect for comedians. I use my humor to overcome my nervousness and insecurity. I’m pretty quick witted and am able to engage in conversations with people who others would be intimidated by. But my intuition is my guide, I’ve learned to trust it, and I’ll admit that every time I haven’t it hasn’t turned out well.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: luvelisaperry and msperrycoaches
- Facebook: Elisa Perry
- Youtube: 1530westproductions and BFFS Restyled With Resale
- Other: Tik Toc Mzperry86
Image Credits
Main Pic- David Zaugh Photographer
Pic 2-Neflix
Pic 3- Netflix
Pic 4- Sony
Pic 5- Vogue
Pic 6-David Zaugh
