Meet Deborah Shirley | Actress

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

Hi Deborah, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Choosing to be an actor/actress is a risk. You never know if you’re going to land your next audition. You don’t always know if or when you will be paid. And your loved ones/society will probably mock you (even if it’s lovingly.)

Choosing to follow your dreams and passions is never easy. It is always a risk, and it is always scary. But if your goal in life doesn’t scare you then it’s not a big enough goal. I’m not sure who said that, but I heard it once and it stuck with me.

I take a small risk every time I audition. Every time I step in front of a camera there is always the very real risk that I will fail or mess up the shot or not land the part. But my dream of acting and my passion for my art will always drive me forward.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an actress. Nothing about that statement is easy. I have to work hard every day to build my brand and make my voice heard. I am dedicated to my art. Not because I want to be famous, not because I want to be rich and not because I’m filling some vein part of myself. I am an actress because that is who I am. Nothing will ever bring me more joy then being able to bring a story/character to life.

However, this job is never easy. Thanks to social media people think that this job is easy. They want instant fame and fortune. They don’t think they should have to work hard or sharpen their skills on a constant basis. But thanks to social media that’s exactly what you have to do. Now a days there’s always someone with a bigger following. So, you have to stand out by being the better actor. You have to blow the casting agents out of the water so there is no way they can look away from you.

Through my journey I’ve learned two things. One there is ALWAYS someone in the wings ready to take your spot, so you better be ready to fight for it. Two there is nothing better than knowing that you are the best for that role and that is why you get to keep it. I’m a fighter and I never take anything for granted.

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?
The number one place I would start is my favorite bar in LA called the Scum and Villainy Cantina. It is full of good people, great music, reasonably priced food and drinks and the friendliest people around. Next, we would probably hit up some nice beach spots and get some street food. I come from Kansas, so we don’t have much of that out there.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have 3 people in my life who have stood by me more times than I can count on my journey to become an actress.

Number one is my Producer/Director/Co-Manager Abraham Lopez. This man has stuck his neck out for me more times than I will ever know. He has supported me and guided me. He has even taken private zoom calls to help me perfect my acting and showcase my skills.

Number Two is Talisa Malhas. She is my direct manager and there is no better support system than her. No matter what is going on in my life she is always someone I can count on to have my back and be in my corner.

Number Three is my best friend, Mallory. Without her I would have taken the safer route and become a Zookeeper instead of following my true passion.

Website: https://agreekgodproductions.com/management

Instagram: @deb_shirley

Facebook: Deborah Shirley

Other: TikTok: @Deb_shirley

Image Credits
Photos are all by Abraham Lopez