Meet Marine Léa Thomas | Actress

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marine Léa Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marine Léa, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I didn’t feel fulfilled in a corporate environment. During my business studies, I had the chance to work in both companies and startups. While many of those experiences were positive, one in particular—mentally and emotionally challenging—shifted my perspective.

I ended up experiencing burnout, which made me realize I didn’t want to keep pouring my energy, time, and effort into places or people that didn’t value me. It was “just” an internship, but it became a turning point.

That experience pushed me to listen to my own aspirations—and for me, that meant pursuing acting.

Ironically, even though acting is seen as an incredibly difficult and uncertain path, it has felt like the path of least resistance for me. In many ways, it’s been easier and more aligned than working a traditional 9-to-5 ever was.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Professionally, my journey began with formal training. I attended Cours Florent in Paris, a three-year drama school that helped me build confidence in my art, voice, and creative expression. There, I also had the chance to meet and network with future collaborators. I then continued my studies at the Lee Strasberg Institute in New York City and spent a summer at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. Experiencing diverse perspectives from different cities and schools has kept me curious and open-minded. It has helped me develop my own techniques to stay authentic to the stories I tell.

My many perspectives have shaped me. Having moved and traveled extensively, I’m fascinated by human behavior, and every interaction leaves a profound impact on me. I love observing people and drawing inspiration from the cities, countries, and cultures I’ve experienced. These elements help me create authentic, layered characters that feel natural and original.

I’ve also learned to listen and truly collaborate with fellow creatives and not be scared of my own creativity and instincts. That’s what makes an outstanding and unique performance.

It wasn’t easy. As an actor, the biggest challenge is believing in oneself because we often seek external validation. There’s no straightforward feedback loop, so it’s essential to trust and grow into your own abilities. I’ve learned to face fears and insecurities head-on, and each experience—good or bad—has been a lesson. I want the world to know that I’m versatile, open-minded, hardworking, and creative.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This would be my perfect day. It all starts around noon in Koreatown, where the scent of sizzling meat and garlic fills the air. You slide into a booth at Quarters Korean BBQ (or Baekjeong, if you’re feeling extra traditional). We grill, we feast, we possibly overeat—but that’s part of the joy.

After lunch, it’s time for something sweet and cooling. We head over to Little Tokyo, just a short drive away. The streets here feel like a mini escape to Japan—colorful lanterns, manga stores, and the hum of city life. At Kuma Snow Cream, we order a towering bowl of Kakigōri, my favourite. Flavored with matcha, strawberry, or black sesame, it’s delicate, refreshing, and just what you need after all that BBQ.

Then we’ll make our way west to Santa Monica and enjoy the beach, the sound of waves, and seagulls. We stroll the Santa Monica Pier and watch street performers under the golden-hour sky. Also, we could rent a bike and cruise along the path toward Venice.

For the evening, we would probably settle into a spot for dinner or drinks like Elephante to enjoy the rooftop views.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, my parents and sisters have been a guiding light and an incredible source of daily support in countless ways. They gave me the freedom to explore while offering their perspectives and guidance, helping me navigate the many phases of my life.

I’m also deeply grateful to everyone who has believed in me and given me the opportunity to work—especially those who took a chance and hired me. Thanks to them, I’ve been able to collaborate with amazing creatives who generously invested their time and knowledge in me. These collaborators have played a meaningful role in my journey, and I couldn’t be more thankful.

Website: https://www.marineleathomas.com/

Instagram: @maynelea

Image Credits
Ted Ely photography
@justjac
@nnekaj