About Joy

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It's been said that Joy inspires all that are drawn to her to find and live their highest vision of their life.

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What kind of characters do you play?

I typically play women who are complex, smart, determined and strong.  My characters usually possess a sense of elegance and depth no matter what end of the social economic scale the character resides.  It has been said that my work brings levels of steadfast, hardworking, reliable, lovable, straight shooter, nurturing yet stern team leader, self reliant and dedicated. 

 

How did you get started?

While in high school in Louisville, KY I performed in my first professional play and with that first paycheck I learned that it is possible to make a living doing what you love and what you are purposed for in life.

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My teachers and a few of my favorite TAKE AWAYS?​​

Bill Esper "Good actors adjust the text to the inner emotion created by their response to the other actor."

Hal Scott "Track the script, the answers are there."

Maggie Flanigan - "Get out of your head." "Don't be tepid."

Loyd Williamson "It's ok, it's ok, it's ok to feel what you are feeling."

Israel Hicks "It is ok to ask for what you want."

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What did you do after school?

I graduated from Youth Performing Arts High School, in Louisville, KY where I found acting.  I later graduating from North Carolina A & T State University, I then earned my MFA from Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of the Arts.  After grad school I booked a couple of off-Broadway and regional theatre gigs, where I met one of my mentors the late Israel Hicks.  I traveled a bit, before I making the plunge to move from New York to Hollywood with a one-way ticket.  During this time I have had the honor of sharing the stage or screen with outstanding talents and Academy Award nominees  - Mrs. Ruby Dee, Sidney Poitier, Tim Roth, Forest Whitaker, Michele Shay, Taraji P. Henson, Stephen Henderson, Anna Deavere Smith and a few others. ​

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I came to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting, however it is the life experience of marriage and motherhood that prompted a journey of deep self-discovery that has elevated my sense of purpose and brought texture, clarity and depth to my life and craft of acting.

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My daughter is now a soon to be high school graduate and has found her passion on cinematography and I am shifting my focus and intention back to my passion for acting.

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What is your biggest accomplishment?

My biggest accomplishment is my one and only daughter Zenzelé. 

When she was born my mission was to raise a healthy, conscious, compassionate, self reliant, creative joy-filled human being and she is that and so much more.  I am grateful for every moment. 

Now, that she has her own passion and vision for herself, I am eager to put more energy and attention on me and my acting career.​

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What  excites you as an actress?

Wow...the thing that excites me most about acting is the opportunity to transform while addressing issues and ideas bigger than me on a medium that has the ability to live beyond the moment and has the potential to lead to a larger transformation.  I get excited about the possibility of being able to move, inspire and raise consciousness by the masses; large groups in the theatre and globally with television, film and voice-over acting.  

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What do you want?

As an advocate for conscious, heart-centered living I desire to partner with people who are ready to explore the complexities of the human experience through art and performance.  Let's make a difference with art.