Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth J. Carlisle.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Elizabeth. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Back in Silver Spring, Maryland where I grew up, I spent the majority of my childhood and teenage years studying classical ballet. Due to health issues, I had to give this up which was heartbreaking. Then I discovered acting and my fire was re-ignited. After I studied some acting in college, I came to the realization that having a career as an actress wasn’t realistic for me at that point in my life so I worked as a make-up artist.
It was very enjoyable for me, yet I felt I was missing something in my life. A few years late, I got over my insecurities and fears and decided to pursue acting again and it was a good decision. Chris Rock who was directing his first film “Head of State” around the DC area and was holding auditions. A good friend of mine suggested that I audition. Well, the stars aligned and I got a great role as Nate Dogg’s girlfriend. We even got to shoot at Mount Rushmore! It was amazing and I was reminded that acting was what I really wanted to do.
While still in MD, I appeared on an episode of “The Wire”. The next logical step was to move to Los Angeles so that is just what I did. My first goal was to improve upon my previous training so I studied at a rigorous two-year Meisner program. I worked hard, and eventually got agents and started booking commercials and print ads. Eventually, I got better and better representation and started working in television which is really my passion. To this day, I try to always be in an acting class as a sort of “gym” in which I can flex my acting muscles and keep them strong. It is an art form and must be treated as such.
Has it been a smooth road?
The trajectory of my path has definitely had bumps. Life always has peaks and valleys. It takes a valley to appreciate the peak and the peak reminds us to stay motivated during the valleys. For many actors, I think having viable representation can always be a struggle. One must have an agent and/or manager to procure certain auditions. Los Angeles is a heavily saturated market with actors and an agency can only handle so many at a time. Luckily, I can say that I am very happy with my team. With that being said, an actor must take responsibility for his or her career and not depend on their representatives. It is a collaboration and we must help each other.
Money is also a common struggle for actors. So, finding the right way to make income when not working is important. Three years ago, after starting ballet back up as an adult, I had to have hip surgery due to a torn labrum. Dr. Marc Philipon who is the best surgeon for this type of injury practices in Vail, CO so my wonderful husband Ron accompanied me and took good care of me. Sadly, I had to take about four months off to rehabilitate which was a bit soul-crushing. One day out of the blue Kara Sullivan who had cast me in a series a few years ago but never got made called me and asked if I would want to do it again now that production was in place. I jumped at it and as soon as I got off of my crutches I was shooting “Rich and the Ruthless”. It was a gift to me at a low point.
My best advice to everyone (including myself) would be to really try to stay positive because the highs are high and the lows are very low in acting. You always have to be finding a way to dig yourself out of the lows. Having outside interests and hobbies and good friends are important.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Elizabeth J. Carlisle the actress. If I were to think of this in terms of sales, I would think at an audition “Today I am offering my talents and my unique take on this role to you casting director, producer, and director to solve your problem of trying to find the right fit.” My unique talent is what I am selling. One of my favorite roles has been “Emmy Abernathy” on the TV series “The Rich and the Ruthless” (mentioned earlier) which will be airing its 3rd season this Spring on UMC TV as well as Amazon. This show has won awards and has been nominated for 6 Daytime Emmy’s. It is something that I am very proud of. My career has tended to include roles that are more in the comedic range but lately, I have been working a lot more in drama. I love them both!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
For me, success is something that is ongoing and constantly evolving. Looking back, I can see that I have been very successful and now I have newer and bigger goals. Once I can reach them, I will feel successful in those areas. At that point, I will set new goals. Success can be measured by meeting those goals and by knowing that you are doing what fills your soul.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elizabethjcarlisle.com/
Image Credit:
Recent head shot by Chris Wood with Michael Roud Photography; With husband, Ron Burkhardt at the Ed Asner and Family Center Gala (Ron Burkhardt is a board member); With Ed Asner at his Annual Ed Asner and Friends Celebrity Charity Poker Tournament; Working with Betty White on the set of “Hot In Cleveland”; On set of “Rich and the Ruthless” with a little bit of actor Hunter Bodine in the shot; On set of “Rich and the Ruthless” with actresses Irene Roseen, Victoria Rowell (director and writer), and Chrystale Wilson
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