Actress and Singer Audrey Harris shares her journey with us today…
I am a working actress, singer, and motivational speaker who is blessed to be doing what I love and changing lives in the process. I was raised as an only child on the South Side of Chicago and learned at an early age that I had a knack for the performing arts and helping my community.
My first television appearance was as a solo vocalist on the nationally syndicated competition show “Showtime at the Apollo.” I was a junior at Hampton University and was majoring in ‘Theatre Arts.’ Shortly after graduation, I garnered a small role on HBO’s hit series “Six Feet Under.” In 2007, I landed the role of Renee Devereaux in the hit stage play “The Bachelorette Party,” written by Don B. Welch and in association with Will Smith. The play was nominated for an NAACP theatre award and toured nationally for over 2 years. The show was reprised this past year by the fans with most of the original cast in tow. A plan for a “Bachelorette Party” movie is in talks.
I have also been blessed to book roles that I am proud of and hopefully incite change in our community. Several critically acclaimed films and television roles include “Courage,” the “Whitney Houston miniseries” for the Reelz channel where I star as Whitney Houston, Netflix “Drug Lords,” “Dear Vivian” which is currently streaming on Amazon Prime, and “Just a Phase” film which is sweeping the film festival circuits.
My big break, however, came when I booked the official role of Billie Holiday. Booking the role of ‘Lady Day‘ for Hologram USA was a dream come true! That whole year changed my life. A year before I booked the role, God also decided to send me back to school, where I enrolled fulltime in Loyola Marymount Universities ‘Pastoral Theology’ program. I have been busy, booked, and blessed.
Playing the role of Billie Holiday has been the role of a lifetime. Paying homage to one of my vocal idols was an amazing experience. I perform all the icon’s greatest hits with a full live band and dancers. Produced by the estate of Billie Holiday and Hologram USA, this one of a kind 3D concert has received amazing reviews and become one of Hollywood’s “must-see” tourist attractions on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Currently, I will be reprising my role as I Jocencia in Ted Lange’s award-winning play “Four Queens -No Trump” taping live this upcoming week. I was honored by the Torrance city, the State of California, the United States Senate. I received the Certificate of Congressional Recognition from the U.S. House of Representatives at Congress for my live stage performance in “Four Queens, No Trump” Working with television and stage legends such as Ted Lange, Anna Maria Horsford, and Chrystee Pharris was such a treat.
I am always beyond humbled and incredibly honored to be able to share my many talents and giftings with the world. There have been a lot of ups and downs over the years, but my one constant has been my relationship with God. This industry can be difficult to navigate if one is not centered and vertically aligned. I have dealt with depression, rejection, and loss. I try and teach when I speak on the importance of prayer, following your dreams, and giving back to one’s community.
I look forward to every opportunity God gives me to share my gifts, shine my light, and to make the world an even better place.
You can check out her Instagram handle and her IMDb profile.