We had the good fortune of connecting with Aliha Strange and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aliha, what do you want your legacy to be?
I am turning 29 in a couple weeks and my life and legacy is at the forefront of my mind. Some people will say that I’m still young, but I say you’re never too young (or too old) to do something that will change the trajectory of your life.

This morning, I woke up with a dilemma. I said, “God, I want to do something bold for my 29th.” His response: “Love. Love is the boldest thing you can do.” LAME! I definitely had it in my mind to solo-camp or run away into the woods somewhere. Instead, that bold act looks like forgiveness.

I don’t want to sugar-coat anything. Before I was two years old, my dad left our home. At 18, I boarded a plane alone and went looking for him. I found him. He was homeless and battling undiagnosed mental illness. My formative years were spent with my mom, my brother, my maternal grandmother, and my uncle who also battled mental illness. My mom loved me and my brother fiercely. But, as you can imagine, there was brokenness there. I resented my mom for all of my bad experiences growing up.

So, when my mom said she took the whole weekend off work to spend my birthday with me – the bold thing to do is say yes. My legacy? Accepting my parents for who they are, loving them anyway. Accepting myself for who I am, loving myself anyway. Taking one baby step at a time toward a future that would make little Aliha proud. Snatching my joy back. Letting God redeem each heartbreak and looking back ten years from now, in awe of the new landscape. Making decisions to break generational patterns for myself and for my children’s children. Acknowledging that these things are hard, doing them anyway.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My name is Aliha Strange, born in Washington DC and raised in Seattle, Washington. During the height of the pandemic (2020), I moved to LA to be an actress by invitation of my cousin Cassandra, whom many know as Andra Day. Overjoyed that I made it to my dream city but a little direction-less, I took on any and all opportunities to find the shoe that fit: sketch comedy (Blackverse Comedy Show), commercial modeling (Target), young adult comedy drama (Plugs), script supervising (Les Toxiques).

In 2022, director Robin Larsen approached me in a coffee shop. She asked, “Are you an actress?” There was a pregnant pause, two introverts meeting for the first time. My cousin nudged me: say yes. Robin offered me coaching and three years later, she is like family to me. I have the honor of being the founding associate producer of her theatre Lobby Theatre @ AGBO. To this day, I can’t deny that God sent her my way. I was a no-name actress in LA, you guys.

In 2024, I experienced multiple heartbreaks that threatened to set me back and question my purpose. I felt that time was ticking and my efforts (acting and otherwise) had not propelled me into the career and life that I envisioned. I couldn’t answer the question, “So, have I seen you in anything?” because I hadn’t been on TV. This led to feelings of failure, or more so, imposter syndrome.

Through a challenging couple of introspective years, I’ve realized that my reason for being here is to tell my story. I am not in Los Angeles to be an actress simply for me – I am here to be a messenger of God’s love, and the rest is a bonus.

Years ago, I deleted my Instagram. Not just to be weird, but because God told me to. Now, I have the pleasure of sharing through my YouTube and podcast, Fine for Jesus, where I feel uninhibited. In the last season, we focused on studying the lineage of Jesus and during that time I also witnessed my dad break free from over twenty years of homelessness.

I have reconciled for myself that my life looks different than the idealistic version in my head or what I have seen from the journeys of other actors, other women my age, and other Christians.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If a friend or family member visited me — say it was Sunday — we’d go to church. Grab a matcha latte from Juicy Ladies or wherever is closest. We would go to the beach or to the pool. I have just learned to swim at 28 so this girl is getting in the water! For an early dinner, I would take them to the Italian restaurant Uovo. Afterwards we would get ice cream wherever they choose. (I wish Leavenworth’s Whistlepunk had a location here, so we could get their amazing lemon bar ice cream.) Then a drive-in movie. No drive-in movie theatre? Melrose Rooftop Theatre is a great spot. Best case scenario: absolutely no traffic, unlimited energy, and home by 9pm. That would be an excellent day!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give thanks to God who redeemed my story this year. My friend and mentor, Rachael, for our weekly calls that refresh my soul each time. Robin Larsen and Deborah Puette, for being bold women who I admire and for reminding me of my strength. Steven Klein, for being an incredibly intelligent producer yet so down to earth and a pleasure to learn from. Yvonne, you have become one of my dearest friends (Happy 96!). Mia, for being the Christian therapist that I searched for and found. Amaris, thank you for waiting outside of the bathroom for me on set and now I see you as a sister. Dia, you are the big sister I always wanted. Vera, your heart is inspiring and I feel that I’m going to learn a lot from you. To the FFJ girlies (and Darian) for helping me start my ministry. My cousin, Cassandra, for 3am talks and laughs and for helping a dream like being an actress be less daunting. Thank you and Auntie Missy for giving me a home in LA. Auntie Kai, thank you for pushing me toward my goals. My mom, for being a light. My brother, for your patience and kindness. My dad and Auntie Sandy, for our weekly calls that remind me that loss is not the end. We are victorious when we get back up!

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@alihastrange?si=uvehE0DBzEuGNuhL

Other: IMDb: imdb.me/alihastrange
Email: aliha.businquiries@gmail.com

Image Credits
Hannah So

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.