Meet Azizi Donnelly | ACTRESS

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

Hi Azizi, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I think Risk taking is everything in the creative field. How can anyone stand out or create something new by staying inside the lines? Or doing what’s already been done. As an artists we have chosen a risky career to begin with so why play it safe. My favorite quote that I heard from Jim Carey is “ Risk being seen in all of your glory” I love that and do my best to live by it although I am far from perfect. All of my successes I believe have come from taking risks.. Weather that be I risked being rejected yet put myself out there anyway. And a great opportunity came from it, Risked making a bold choice and was remembered or made an impact. risked telling my own story, risked being vulnerable, risked being uncomfortable, risked not being liked. Any time I’ve played it safe I have always felt like I’m holding myself back and only presenting a small part of me and in my personal opinion playing small dose not inspire, teach or help anyone grow. Risking being seen may make people not “Like” you and you may trigger people, I strongly believe risking something is everything when it comes to innovation, creativity and success. I Can certainly take my own advice and implement this even more! I hope this inspires someone to take a risk in their next creative endeavor. I can’t wait to see what people create and do!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It has its ups and downs. There are times where I feels “easy” and it’s flowing really nicely and I try to ride that wave of momentum the best I can because there are other times where it is harder and slower and things feel a little stagnant. I have learned that the more I grow as a person the more I grow as an actress. I also remind myself that I chose this career and I get to choose what I make of it. I think these days artists have a lot more control of their careers and creating opportunities for ourselves. Ive had lots of challenges in my career so many no’s and the biggest thing I’ve learnt is to not take it personally and not just keep moving forward, the more I am myself and do what I want and take a risk then even if I get a No or hear nothing back at least I know I left it all on the table and did my best and the right projects and people will come to me if I continue to show up like this and also to have fun with my craft it’s easy to get lost in just “ making it happen” if I’m having fun playing a character it’s very likely the person watching it is enjoying it as well as a posed to desperately trying to be something you think someone wants to see. Don’t be afraid to wake them up. In my Career I am most proud of my work as an actress and a writer. I always strive for absolute truth in a story weather I’m acting it or writing it. Recently I have written a Pilot called Black Sheep with my writing partners McKenna Ralston and Grant Crocker that I am so proud and excited about. It follows four black sheep who’s lives intertwine and unfold the truth the local Italian Reasturant Franks and the disappearance of a young girl named Kristen. As an actress I am always very excited when I get to play a character with depth and who is out of the ordinary. Currently I am in pre production on a film called Treataway Directed by Sebastiano Pigazzii. Recently wrapped on a film The Student directed by Brian Skibar coming out later this year.

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.
I love the nature in LA. Point dume. Los Angeles crest national forest. Joshua tree and big bear.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to say a big Thank you to My Agent Ryan Hall who has been by my side since I was 17 years old! Also to my Manager Eric Kind who I feel truly sees me as a person and artist. I feel very grateful for the people In my life both on the business side and friends and family. I am extremely grateful for my beautiful mother Amelia who supports me unconditionally in my choice to purse an artistic career along with my friends who I get to lean on and create with in particular McKenna Ralston and Grant Crocker..

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Instagram: Azizi__donnelly

Other: imdb.me/AziziDonnelly