Rising Stars: Meet Natasha Stricklin of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Stricklin.

Hi Natasha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up in Los Angeles, I began acting training at eight years old. My mom enrolled my brothers and I in a class simply to see if we would enjoy it—and for me, it immediately stuck. From the beginning, I had strong family support, especially from my mom, who guided me with industry wisdom and perspective as I found my footing as a young actor.

I started working professionally at seventeen, booking my first feature film ‘Painted Horses’ alongside Grace Fulton, an Amazon Prime mini series ‘Reckless Juliets’, and a national commercial with Neutrogena.

Following a strong start to my career, I made the difficult decision to step away from the industry to focus on my mental and emotional well-being. I was young and grieving the loss of my father, a heartbreak that led me down a path of addiction and left me unable to fully pursue my dreams. At twenty-two, I chose sobriety and committed to healing and rebuilding my life.

After a five-year break, I returned to the industry in a much healthier and more grounded place. I was able to give myself a second chance to work on many projects in which I am proud of.

This year has already brought exciting new opportunities. I’m currently preparing to film another horror feature later this February, one on a much larger scale than anything I’ve done before! I’m eager to continue expanding my skills, challenging myself, and growing as an actor throughout this next chapter.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There is nothing smooth about this industry. It’s a lot of rejection, highs and lows, but with the love and support I have from the people closest to me I continue to preserver. I continue to ”trust the process”, as my mom always says.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
When returning to the entertainment industry in 2022, I eased back in through large commercial and print campaigns. Seeing my face on national billboards across Los Angeles and Times Square in New York City was surreal. Throughout that time, my family—especially my mom—remained a steady source of guidance and support, helping me navigate the industry with clarity and intention.

In addition to rebuilding my acting career, I gained valuable insight into the business side of entertainment through my work at my mom’s agency. My mom has been operating Jenny Stricklin Talent agency for 10+ years. I helped her scout and develop her clients throughout my own career. This knowledge helped me with my own personal development as well as the gratification of helping other actors reach their goals.

Since returning, I’ve worked in a handful of horror features films and later found my way into vertical shorts. Over the past two years, I’ve had the opportunity to lead in three popular projects for CandyJar TV: Secrets of Sin Parts 1 and 2, and She’s the Undercover Boss, alongside my on-screen husband Bryce Tipple. The traction and fanbase these projects received reaffirmed why I love this work—telling stories that connect with people and make them feel something.

I think what sets me apart is my professionalism and energy, both on and off set. Whether I’m leading or supporting in a project, I take pride in connecting with everyone I work with. From my fellow actors, the crew, even casting and production, I love actively participating in creating a positive work environment. Making a movie takes a village!

How do you define success?
I define success through personal growth. Success looks different for all of us and for me, it’s how I encourage and support myself. Of course booking a job constitutes success but so does overcoming all the rejection. I remind myself that what is meant for me, will never pass me. I remind myself of all the work I’ve done to receive these opportunities and by staying in gratitude, regardless of booking or not.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7602099/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natashastricklin/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@natashastricklin?si=wQzJLQAydHXzwsxt

Image Credits
Photographers mentioned: Alexis Rosario, Xander Photography, The Burbank Picture Company, Thom Kuo, Matt Burke.