Story & Lesson Highlights with Daria D. Kelman of Burbank

We recently had the chance to connect with Daria D. Kelman and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Daria D., thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: When was the last time you felt true joy?
When I’m laughing with someone so hard that we cannot even get words out and we look at each other with eyes wet, that’s pure joy for me. The same goes for time with my husband. He’s my best friend and every moment I get to hang out with him is pure joy. If we’re laughing together… that’s it… I’m the luckiest person alive!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Daria D. Kelman, a Ukrainian-American actress, film producer, and investor. I spend a great part of the year traveling the world, which inspires much of my work. As a Creative I focus on stories that explore complex people and their paradigm. Right now, my focus is a sci-fi film I’m starring in and producing, alongside building a real estate portfolio. Looking ahead, I’d love to establish a boutique studio that creates bold, cinematic stories while allowing me to continue exploring the world.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I believed I needed permission… permission to be seen, to succeed, to dream beyond the boundaries I was born into. I no longer believe that. Now I know that I am the permission. I create the life, the art, and the opportunities I want and no one can’t stop me.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I lost my older brother to disability, my grandfather during the pandemic, and my grandmother to cancer. I’ve gone through multiple immigrations, at one point as an unlawful immigrant in Spain. All of these experiences taught me that while pain is unavoidable, suffering is a choice. I choose to see even the hardest moments as blessings and I feel deep gratitude for the life I get to live.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Oh my god, I love this question. The public version of me is definitely more composed and put-together. At home, though, I’m goofy… my favorite thing is to hide behind a door and scare my husband with a loud ‘boo,’ or make silly faces and dances just to make him laugh. That’s also why I love my improv school, The Groundlings. It gives me the freedom to be bold, uninhibited, and fully expressive on stage in a way I’d never be in public.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
When I’m in the water – swimming or just putting my head under. It doesn’t matter if it’s the ocean, the sea or a pool… whatever it is, the water always calms my mind, body and soul.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dariadkelmanofficial.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daria-d-kelman-271642385/

Image Credits
Photoshoots.by Kelsey Henricks / event photography from Calabasas film festival 2025