Rising Stars: Meet Melissa Niece Smith of Studio City

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Niece Smith.

Hi Melissa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started acting when I was 12 years old. I always loved being in front of a camera. I loved musicals and crime dramas. I would always memorize each dance, each song and every line in my favorite movies. I took acting classes, dance classes you name it. I would always act in front of a mirror and imagine myself on a red carpet taking beautiful pictures.If it had to do with entertainment, I was there! I ended up getting scouted by an agency in Los Angeles back in 1989. And that got me started on coming back-and-forth from Seattle to Los Angeles for jobs. I met some amazing actors at a young age who I was able to reconnect with upon moving to Los Angeles, and they have become such inspirations and great friends to me.Fast-forward a few years and I ended up getting married and having a child. That put my acting career on hold. But in 2020 the acting bug bit me again and I was off again going back and forth to Los Angeles! I ended up finally moving to Los Angeles in 2023 to pursue my acting career and dream. So far it has been a whirlwind, but I am so grateful for everything I’m accomplishing and achieving.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been a very rocky path. From a lot of “No’s” to a few “Yes’s. And to fully pursue my dream I ended up moving to Los Angeles from Seattle, unfortunately leaving my husband and my son behind. Due to my husband‘s work, he has to stay in Seattle so we travel back-and-forth to see each other. My husband and my son are my biggest cheerleaders and support me 100% in this goal and this dream. I miss them terribly, but this will all be worth it in the end.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an actress. And I specialize in acting, lol. I am known for a film that just came out called The Dream, which by the way just got finalist at the Cannes World Film Festival! I’ve done various television shows and vertical web series. What sets me apart from others is that I am bound and determined to reach my goals and dreams. There have been many times I’ve wanted to give up, but I haven’t allowed myself to do so. I’m proud that I’ve had the guts and drive to pursue my dream.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love the weather! Los Angeles has always been a part of my heart. For me, there’s nothing like waking up in the morning and seeing the sun shining and palm trees! Knowing I can go out for walks and just love the warmth. What I like, least about the city as the traffic!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissa.niece.smith?igsh=MXJpYmE2N3NncDY2Nw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070027194284&mibextid=wwXIfr