Rising Stars: Meet Lorene Chesley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lorene Chesley. 

Hi Lorene, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have loved entertaining for as long as I remember! I was in tap and ballet for many years, but when I played the Evil Stepmother in Cinderella in 5th grade I was hooked on acting! I was always in dance recitals or plays but by the time high school hit I officially let dance go. I always knew Acting was it. I’m grateful my parents supported me and I studied Theatre at Temple University and then went on to Grad School at UCSD. My Mom in particular prepped me that this Industry would be tough, and I would need to have a tough skin, and I’m so glad I held onto her words! Because it has been, but also incredibly rewarding! I have now journeyed from being an actor to creator and producer with my work:) 

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?
Whoo rocky for sure! I just knew I would be a series regular after grad school asap. HA!!! It would be 3 years before I booked my first TV gig in LA. But the persistence, and keeping up with the study of my craft, and enjoying LA all around really helped me through, and that was through being dropped by my 1st agents, and the dating life that is your representation. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I love being a creative and telling stories!! Whether it’s acting on stage as a villain or a romantic lead; or being that firm reporter/journalist and detective on tv. I’m here for it all! I’m really proud of my pilot I’m currently working on. It’s based off of the book I wrote, The Perfectly Imperfect Christian. I wrote it with my best friend Liz Jenkins (who is a comedic genius in her own right!) It follows Laila and her journey of faith, sex, and everything in between. It also includes animation which really pumps up the storytelling and fun! We’re in post-production for it now and it will be finished by the end of the year! 

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love that our city has so much to offer! Food, culture, arts & entertainment, and that each neighborhood carries something so unique to them. LA is so vast, and you can never run out of things to explore in this city. Traffic is rouuuugh, and it can be a hassle to get from one part of town to another, so be strategic about where you’re going and on what days lol! 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lorenechesley.com
• Instagram: @mschesley
• Facebook: Lorene Chesley
• Twitter: @Lorene Chesley
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVUlXs6rV7G02jiKRHiWhHA
• Other: https://chuffed.org/project/pic-fundraiser

Image Credits
Lorene Chesley
Katie McGhee
Meghan Moore