Meet Janelle Gray

Today we’d like to introduce you to Janelle Gray.

Janelle, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was raised by a single momma of four girls. They were and still are my best friends today. I have always been a performer. Forcing my sisters to learn my dance routines and re-enact Grease for my mom weekly. I grew up on a dance team and that was my world for years.. especially after making the captain of my team where most of the girls were older than me. It made me work that much harder to prove my place.

Right before I graduated high school I was scouted by Ford models and sooner after moved to LA to pursue a career in modeling. I have been so crazy fortune to be able to call this my “job” for so many years and to still have it support me currently while I chase this crazy dream of being an actor. That, and my amazing family and family of friends supporting me every step of the way.

I knew I always wanted to be an actor but I don’t think I had the balls to take the first step. I think we’re all a little afraid of looking like an idiot at times. It took me walking into a movie audition, not knowing what in the world I was doing and trembling the entire time to shake me into knowing I needed to do this every day. The audition was HORRIBLE… I hope no one ever has to see that tape. But, It’s exactly what I needed. I signed up for a cold reading class the next day and have been never looked back since.

Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but it also hasn’t been horrible. I’m really thankful for all of the obstacles. They make me work that much harder and I know I will appreciate every place I get to so much more. Honestly, I’d prefer to not list my “struggles”.. that would make me feel as though I’m complaining and I don’t do much of that these days. The things I have gone through are already behind me.. and yes, new obstacles are ahead and I can’t wait to take them on!

We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am currently an actor and a model veteran. I have done television, movies, music videos, commercials, print, runway.. you name it. I’ve had roles on networks such as NBC, Disney, The CW and Tbs. As a model have worked for clients such as- Ugg, Pantene, John Frieda, Vogue Italia, InStyle, Seventeen, Betsey Johnson, Pizza Hut, Pepsi, Nordstrom, Hautelook, etc. A few music videos you can catch me in are- The Beach Boys, The Maine, Kane Brown, Hopsin and many mannnnyy more.

I’m known for being a goofball and also being the hardest working on set. That’s absolutely what I am most proud of too. I take all my jobs seriously but I also think everyone should enjoy what we are doing. Making magic and having a ball doing so!

I think what sets me apart as an actor and as a model is how heavily I lean into who I am as a person. I don’t really shy away from that or try to put on a front. And so far, that’s what has really worked for me!

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I am 100000% in the right city to turn my dreams into my reality! This is the right place for anyone who wants to be an actor and to start no matter your level. Experience is knowledge. Get into every single audition you can and start learning from every aspect of the process!

Contact Info:

• Phone: 3232730919
• Instagram: instagram.com/janelleallisa

Image Credit:
Michael Benatar
Ryan Scott Welsh
Sara Kiesling
Brave Rijah
Will Tee
Melissa Wenger
Daren Cornell

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