Meet Danielle Kendler-Rhodes | Actress

We had the good fortune of connecting with Danielle Kendler-Rhodes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Danielle, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I love the Theatre. Ever since I have stepped on the stage, playing an old crow, and through every step I’ve made since, it has only strengthened my resolve to be an actress. I have grown up in a household which thrives off music, theatre and art, and always jumped at the opportunity to take part in any drama activity throughout my school years.
I found comfort and joy within the arts, whether it was in my room creating stories from lego, or in school plays, It all felt like a calling rather than a chore. Taking the next step and converting my passion into a career was just an easy and natural step forward.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In 2020, whilst the COVID pandemic was still the news of the day, I made a life changing decision to join the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York, many miles away from my home in London. I was 18 at the time, and have never lived by myself. I would love to say that this just went splendidly well, but surprisingly it didn’t. It was hard, it was lonely, and it was cold… but – I’ve done it, and I have the scars to prove it. I’m still here in New York, and I can honestly call this town home. This was and still is, a journey of a lifetime, and while act 1, or as I would like to name it ‘school days’ is over, act 2 is now in full swing – and it is utterly exciting.

On the topic of ‘what sets me apart’ – I find this question something that I might never be able to fully answer, and something that I’m sure many actors like myself are constantly questioning. I don’t think art is something that can be graded as better or worse, rather each artist brings a unique perspective to any story that is being told. I’m working hard to apply this message to my art, as my journey is one unique to me, therefore I can’t help but bring my own individuality to any role I’m presented with.

Regardless of my current and past work, I feel that this is a beginning of a long and winding road for me as both an artist and a person, and I’m looking forward to do as much variety as possible to find my unique voice, that I can call my own.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Wow, making a list of places to visit in New York is more like writing a novel – this city is an endless list of attractions to the eyes, the mind and the tummy. I wish I could consider the following list as a definitive one, but really it’s just the things that come to my head as I’m writing this…

Let’s start with a quote – “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think…”
This is one of my favourite quotes from my favourite icons – Winnie the Pooh, hence my first destination will obviously be the ‘New York Library’, where you can see the original staffed animals that inspired A. A. Milne to write his stories, as well as other utterly interesting exhibits.
From there, just a “short” walk away is the best park in the world – Central Park, where my favourite part is very near the Shakespeare statue (surprise sunrise…). And what better to do in Central Park rather than to do a lovely picnic anywhere – just grab something from any deli – and enjoy.
In the evening – of course we have to go and enjoy one of the many wonderful shows available daily on Broadway, I don’t have to sell you this one, although I must say this is one expensive experience – thank god I have a ‘National Theatre At Home’ subscription 🙂

For the next day – as I’m an avid ‘walking machine’ – a lovely journey from Manhattan to Brooklyn via the Brooklyn Bridge – where the sights going ‘to and from’ are move than enough to take your breath away. This will lead me to one of the more interesting restaurants in Brooklyn – called ‘Shalom Japan’. If you want to experience the definition of ‘fusion food’, go no further than Japanese food meets Jewish deli – and the results will surprise you as well as delight you – a must in my book.
In the afternoon – we can go back to Manhattan and enjoy a lovely stroll through Washington Square Park, full of life, interesting people and lovely street performers to entertain.
Let’s finish this ‘mini-tour’ at ‘The Village’ – where I’m sure we can get listen to amazing music, eat, drink and tell stories from our wonderful days in New York.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am the luckiest person for having been surround by people I am grateful for. I think I would be foolish to not mention my family. They are the most hardworking people I know, with the most kindness in their hearts. My parents especially taught me what it means to be brave, they built themselves up from the ground, and have always encouraged and supported me to do my best, and to stay happy. They are my toughest critiques and the people whose words mean the most to me. I also must mention the teacher that inspire me, not just my drama teachers who pushed me and made me a better actor, but those who took time to know me and make me a better person.
I thank all of the above with my entire heart.

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Image Credits
Rob Blackham