Meet Desteny Tolbert | Actress & Voice Actor

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

Hi Desteny, what matters most to you?
The principle that guides me the most is Memento Mori, the reminder that life is running out for all of us and that we must make the most of the time we have. It’s not about fearing death but about embracing life with purpose, passion, and authenticity. Knowing that nothing is guaranteed pushes me to pursue my dreams fearlessly, take creative risks, and be fully present in everything I do. Memento Mori reminds me not to hold back, not to wait for the “right” time, and not to let doubt keep me from chasing what I love. It also keeps me grounded, helping me appreciate the small, beautiful moments, the laughter, the connections, and the stories we share. Because to me? Those are the things that truly matter in the end.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is extremely rooted within storytelling, Whether through acting, directing, or even streaming. I have always loved entertaining and telling stories that have power to connect us as humans, to make us feel seen, and to leave a lasting impact. What’s set me apart is my deep love for performance and my genuine advocacy to be a representation for young black women with attention-deficit disorder!

One of the things I’m most proud of is booking a lead role in an upcoming feature film alongside incredible actors. It’s a huge milestone that reminds me how far I’ve come. But getting here wasn’t easy. I started with student films, background roles, and countless auditions that led to nothing. Rejection is a constant in this industry, but I’ve learned to see it as redirection.

My biggest lessons I’ve learned is to trust the process. Every setback, every challenge, every “no” has played a role in shaping me into the artist I am today. I’ve also learned the importance of networking, taking risks, and staying true to my creative voice.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about me and my journey, it’s that I’m here to tell stories that matter. I want to create work that lingers in people’s minds long after they’ve watched it.

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 absolutely love Little Tokyo. I feel like everyone in Los Angeles should visit at least once. It’s such a vibrant, welcoming place filled with incredible small businesses that showcase culture, creativity, and amazing food. Every time I go, I find something new to love.

There’s such a genuine strong sense of history and community in Little Tokyo. Whether it’s the art, the festivals, or just the overall atmosphere, it’s a place that always makes me feel connected to something bigger. It’s a must-visit for anyone in LA!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There’s so many people who have truly played a role in my journey. I’d love to dedicate a shoutout to my mentors, friends, and creatives who have helped me along the way. My acting teacher, Diego, who has not only helped me grow not just as a performer but as a person. His guidance has truly pushed me to dig deeper into my own craft and trust myself. I also want to acknowledge my friends and my mother, Those experienced in the industry and those outside of the industry, specifically those who encouraged me, challenged me, and reminded me to love myself and why I love storytelling.

I did not do this all by myself, I have had plenty of support within my journey.

Website: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm15967254/?ref_=mv_desc

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisdesteny/

Twitter: https://x.com/destenycalls

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@destenycalls

Image Credits
Nikola Tenzera