Meet Deborah Lee Smith: Actress | Filmmaker | Mental Health Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Deborah Lee Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deborah Lee, how do you think about risk?
I must admit that risk taking is probably one of the hardest things for me in my life and career, but I have proved to myself time and time again that when I take risks, wonderful things happen. I have always been a rule follower. It is really hard for me to push beyond my comfort zone. I can think outside the box all day long, but to actually bend the rules? That is very hard for me. I have learned to just trust my gut and still live a life of integrity and respect for others. Even if I feel like I might be doing something that is bending the rules, if I come to it from a place of respect I find that I am able to make that leap. From moving to Australia right out of college, to producing feature films, to starting my own company. Every time I take a risk, it pays off. It may not be immediate, but in the end I show myself that it was a risk worth taking.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am very proud that since I first transitioned my career to LA I followed “make your own content” to the umpteenth degree. In my 7 years in LA, I have produced four feature films (that I also acted in) and many other projects. I hit the ground running and started saying yes to everything that came my way. I absolutely love helping others with their storytelling so I began to help anyone with anything. From building spreadsheets to designing websites (for free), to endless table reads, I always acted in service to others. I never intended to “get” anything from these relationships, and I genuinely do love helping others with their dreams, but as karma would have it, I started getting opportunities from these members in my community. Whenever I have other actors ask me for my advice I always say, “find your tribe. Find the people you want to support and work with. That is the most important thing.” I would also love to share that I have found other things in my life that bring me purpose and joy outside of the industry. I run a non-profit called “More Than You See” which is a platform and a podcast providing non-traditional mental health resources to the community. Mental health is hugely important in my life, and again, I just want to figure out some way I can help give back to the community at large.

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?
I am a beach girl through and through. I actually have a little day trip that I would always do when people would come in from out of town. There is a hike in Malibu that is fairly isolated, overlooks the water, and always has parking available (score!). So we usually start there, work up an appetite, grab some food to go from a local coffee shop or restaurant and then enjoy eating on the beach. Recently, during covid, I have actually made going to the beach a key part of my routine and try to go at least once a month. There is a beach I frequent that is a bit more of a drive, but it allows dogs and it is usually very empty to I feel safe and at peace. Honestly, I think anywhere where you can get absorbed into nature and switch off your brain is an ideal location for me!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a special shoutout to Ms. in the Biz and its founder, Helenna Santos-Levy. I actually met Helenna through the Inside Acting Podcast and one of their hosts, Trevor Algatt. I met Helenna when I was still living in Australia dreaming about moving back to LA, and so when I did, I already had a group of badass women to align myself with. Having that community right off the bat was key. I am a very social person so having that group of people to grow with made the first few years in LA way less intimidating.

Website: www.deborahsmith.me
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deborah_lsmith/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/deborah_lsmith/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debnextdoor
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/actordeborahsmith
Other: You can find my weekly mental health podcast here: https://anchor.fm/more-than-you-see

Image Credits
BW – Violeta Meyners