Meet Cassandra Hunter | Actor & Writer

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

Hi Cassandra, what role has risk played in your life or career?

I think risks are a necessary part of growth and self-actualization. The phrase “no guts, no glory” comes to mind. Risk signals to me that there’s an opportunity for more abundance; more space to be in alignment with my true self.  When I look back at moments in my life where I took a risk, I see how I was prioritizing growth over comfort.  Of course, the journey comes with growing pains and the reality of navigating a world that is riddled with injustice, but I guess it’s made me more confident and resilient.

A few years ago I was applying to graduate acting schools across the country and the process is competitive. The top programs accept anywhere from 1%-6% of the people who apply. I worked really hard on my monologues and was laser focused on getting into one of these programs. But while that was happening, I was starting to see meaningful connections made. I was gaining more traction auditioning for work, and I also met someone on a random night in the middle of everything. Our first date lasted the entire day. So while all of this is happening, I eventually was accepted into 3 schools – all out of state. Big risky choice to be made. Ultimately, I decided to turn down all 3 schools, which was terrifying! It’s not like you can defer in these types of programs. I wasn’t ready to leave New York,  so I bet on myself that I could get in again. I needed to see things through, or else I’d always be looking over my shoulder at what could have been if I didn’t take a leap of faith. Not only was I accepted again, but I graduated a couple years ago and everything else has fallen into place. It looks different than what I imagined, and in a lot of ways, better. And that date I had? Well, we’re engaged now! It sounds cute, but it was all very scary and anxiety-inducing. However, the wise and wonderful late Melissa Smith once told me “sometimes, you just have to do things scared” and she was right. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I’m an actor and writer primarily. I’m excited to do more directing in the next year, and I’m working towards starting my own production company in the future. My art centers restorative justice and healing, but not without humor and respite. I want to encourage people to imagine, expansively imagine, what life could be like if we showed up with more vulnerability and humility. I love to play with absurdity, while grounding in character relationships. I’m always excited to explore. It’s all a dance. I’m incredibly proud that one of my films has been executive produced by Deniese Davis and Issa Rae as part of ColorCreative’s FYPP. It’s called GRIEF RETREAT and will be entering the festival circuit this year!

While it hasn’t been easy, I would say that it has been a steady climb. I started acting during a time when “ethnically ambiguous” was being tossed around in casting offices a lot. As a black and asian woman, I quickly learned that the industry didn’t know what to do with me most of the time. We’re not a monolith and there’s so much variety and beauty to our existence, but that hasn’t always been reflected. So I started writing roles for myself and my friends, went to grad school, and kept putting my work out there. I was noticed by the right people and got my foot in the door with places that champion innovative voices. My peers also wrote things for me or recommended me to others, so it’s been a testament to the power of community. 

Also, I want people to know that I would love to work with Quinta Brunson and Ayo Edebiri. Is this how manifesting works? If you’re reading this, I love you and you make me feel seen and excited to keep creating. 

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?

First, I’d start us off with a freeway tour around 5pm on a Friday and then I’d take them for dinner at the Shell gas station on Olympic. You know the one, it’s always overpriced so you know it’s good. 

But if that wasn’t an option (and in all seriousness), I would take them to Leo’s Taco Truck for lunch and then head to Malibu for a pretty afternoon beach walk. I love to take friends to Tu Madre in Weho and have them order a margarita flight, because they bring it out with sparklers and you basically get 4 full sized margaritas for $25 and a lot of attention. JACKPOT!

After the taco experience, I would tailor the trip to their interests. I’m still getting to know the city myself, so I try to check out comedy shows, film festivals, concerts, local restaurants, and anything festive and live. I love going to Wat Thai’s food market on the weekends too. A lot of my friends that visit are based in New York, so I also try to force a hike on them as a way of bragging about the green space here. 

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

There are truly so many people to shout out, like family, my chosen family, and my partner. Other champions of my work and development have been people like: Jamila Webb, founder of First Fifteen LA, writer Kemiyondo Coutinho (P-Valley), multi-hyphenate artist Aileen Kyoko, director & producer Loni Rodgers, actor & filmmaker Gracie Fojtik, American Conservatory Theater alumni and faculty, and my mentors and peers from ColorCreative’s Find Your People Program such as Talitha Watkins, Raamla Mohamed, Myriah Johnson, and Jamari Perry. And my manager, Brad Gelfond.

Website: https://cassandrahunter.com

Instagram: @cassandrastories

Image Credits
Aileen Kyoko
Luke Fontana