Today we’d like to introduce you to Kwajalyn Brown.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m an actress who’s relatively still new to the scene (no pun intended). I initially saw myself as becoming a professional singer, so I put a lot of focus on that. Eventually, I decided to put my career on hold for a little while, but that little while turned into a permanent break. So, I was pretty much just living life, doing my thing until 2010. My father passed away the year prior, and I suddenly found myself wondering if just ‘living life’ was all I wanted to do. Out of the blue, I decided to try acting as a way of therapy. As luck would have it, a friend sent me a casting notice for an independent short film, which I booked. I fell in love with acting then and there and decided to pursue it further.
Has it been a smooth road?
Not at all! There have been productions that I gave a lot of energy to that never got off the ground; storylines on shows unexpectedly cut; getting thisclose to booking big roles that ultimately went to ‘name’ actors, and routinely having to decide between staying ‘safe’ with a traditional 9-5 vs. taking (yet another) leap of faith when presented with an opportunity that could change the trajectory of my acting career.
I don’t regret taking any of the opportunities offered, but this road can sometimes be really scary, and there are times when doubt can creep in. Especially when you see your friends and family members taking the traditional route and watching them grow financially and personally. Don’t get me wrong. There is opportunity for financial growth and to have a family on this path, but navigating those waters isn’t quite as simple sometimes. Most people see me as fearless, but I’m usually screaming in my head the whole time. LOL!
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I mainly do film and television, but I started in theatre and still love being on stage whenever I can. Currently, though, I’m focused on booking more film work, while continuing to build my television career. I’ve had the opportunity to work on a couple of features and shorts, and I really enjoy the process. In television, I’ve played some great characters, but usually I’m only able to play them for a couple of episodes. With film, I’m able to spend more time really fleshing out the characters and telling their stories in a deeper way.
I said earlier that I’m usually terrified taking these leaps of faith, but I think that’s also what I’m most proud of. Continuing to bet on myself while journeying through the MANY peaks and valleys of this business. Through this process, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some amazing actors and crew, many of whose work I’d admired for years before entering the business myself. It feels surreal to me every single time I step on set. Someone once asked me why I always get so excited when I book a role. It’s because I really love what I do and any chance I get to work is a blessing that I don’t take for granted. Have I made mistakes? Absolutely. Have things always gone the way that I envisioned? Absolutely not. But each experience gives me a chance to learn and develop into a better artist.
I don’t really consider myself to be much different from other actors. I’ve made a ton of sacrifices for my career, but so have others. Some way more than me. At the end of the day, though, we all pretty much have the same desire. We just want the chance to perform and to have our work be impactful.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the energy of LA! When I first moved here, I was afraid that I wouldn’t like the people, or that I would get swallowed up by the city, but it’s been the complete opposite. The people are really nice, other actors have been very encouraging, and the vibe of the city really motivates me. I feel like I can accomplish anything!
The thing I like least is the cost of living! I know everybody talks about it, but wow! To be fair, I’m from the south, so it was definitely a shock to my system when I saw the rent prices. I still don’t think I’m quite used to it yet. I’m hoping that at some point there will be a good solution for this issue, or the people of this great city won’t be able to afford to stay and enjoy all it has to offer.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kwajalynbrown.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/
kwajalynb - Facebook: www.facebook.com/
kwajalyn1 - Twitter: www.twitter.com/
kwajalynbrown
Image Credit:
Lenna Davis, Cathryn Farnsworth
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