Meet Lily Shaw: Actress, Voiceover Artist, Writer, and Public Speaker

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

Hi Lily, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
This is one of those questions I’ve struggled with repeatedly, in my life as an actress. Especially since the job of an artist isn’t one of 9-5, and most people (friends and strangers, alike) feel compelled to help you by telling you to give up your ‘life of fantasy’ and get a ‘real job.’ In these circumstances, most artists, like myself, find themselves alone, unsupported, and often, openly mocked. Over the years, as my life got more isolated and the struggle of finding a foothold in the entertainment industry intensified I contemplated giving up my artistic ambitions, and getting a real job. But, something always always stopped me. And in my case, it was fear. First, it was the fear of giving up. For me it felt like throwing a match – it was one thing if I got beat, but to admit that I didn’t have the guts to keep moving forward, no matter how insurmountable the obstacles, was too big of an ask. I would get beat, but I would never bow out, just because I got punched in the gut a few times. I wanted to fight to my last breath! Second, and the more scary aspect of the two was the fear of NOT being an actress. From the time I was little, I have related to my world through the magic of movies, it has inspired me and given me hope. It has scared me and brought me joy. And frankly, I don’t actually know how to live without this magic in my life. So, as long as the fear of failure and the fear of not being an actress was greater than the fear of getting knocked out, I knew I kept going. and the rest, I trusted, will take care of itself.  

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

I’m a purpose-driven actress and public speaker, who stands for social justice. As an actress of color in Hollywood, I’ve long felt the pain that comes from being muted and from being shunned from expressing yourself and to have opportunity taken away from you, simply due to your skin color or your size. I’m determined to become a voice for inclusion and for promoting equal opportunity for all.  I’m a first generation Indian American who grew up on a steady diet of Bollywood cinema, but once we emigrated to US– I threw myself into becoming a Hollywood actress. All I wanted to do was act, and it didn’t matter to me where it was and in what language! While I was always an actress in my heart and soul, I took the physical leap after college and drove out to LA a week after graduating college. Not realizing for one second that as the first woman in my family to shun tradition and pick an artistic career — I was doing something I was simply not permitted to do. And the backlash started immediately, especially from my mom’s side of the family – who treated me with absolute cruelty and shunned me. And that was just the beginning. My first agent, while appreciating my natural acting talent and skill dismissed my chances of succeeding with this succinct observation, “if only you had the right look, you could be Sandra Bullock.” Despite this subtle racism, I had some initial successes as an actor. My career began by working with acclaimed actor-director Christopher Guest. Other well-known directors include Wim Wenders, Mark Sikes, Victor Nelli Jr., and actress Lake Bell. My acting teacher once proudly proclaimed, “we don’t know how high you’ll rise in this business.” But none of my talent and skill and hard work seemed to matter… as when it came time to create some lasting success– I hit the great white shark– and, for all intents and purposes, just couldn’t get past it. But I refused to quit. I knew I was here for a purpose. The silent voice in my head kept me going. Against all odds. The real turning point happened during the #MeToo movement when I fully understood the depth of racial and gender discrimination that permeates our country. And it was capped by the Black Lives Matter movement this summer. And for the first time, I saw clearly in black and white — no pun intended — just how race and gender had played a bloated over-sized part in my career and my life. And that was it. I vowed to fully embrace my story. I’m now on a mission to inspire other young women & men and help them step into their divine feminine power. I’m focused on performing roles where I’m empowered; where my voice is heard; and where diverse voices are celebrated. This is the change I want to make in the world and the impact I desire to make on audiences globally. In my latest project for Crypt TV’s horror show, ‘The Girl in the Woods,’ I’m playing the role of Kal Penn’s wife. Playing an undercover cop, “Ms. Orange,” (brilliantly played on-screen by Tim Roth) in an All-Female adaptation of “Reservoir Dogs,” has been my most fun role to date! During the pandemic, I also discovered my writing voice, and am now writing regularly for publishers like Backstage and ThriveGlobal.

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 would absolutely start with a visit to the Hollywood Sign. Nothing signifies LA to me more than this sign! Followed by a walk on the Hollywood Walk of fame, taking pictures, drinking Starbucks or Kombucha, ending at the Kodak Theatre. A nice little organic lunch! Next would be hiking. Again a lovely LA activity. My go-to is Fryman Canyon! Hanging out on Ventura Blvd, maybe getting a tarot card reading done (for funsies), doing some exotic and spiritual shopping would be lovely! One of my absolute favorites eateries is M Cafe – we would definitely check that out! And of course, the best of all would be a trip to the Santa Monica Beach. Chilling by the ocean, swimming, taking pictures, going to the pier- is very relaxing for me. Something I love doing as often as I can! and then depending on the crowds and the season, we would check out all the Disney attractions!!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My first SHOUTOUT absolutely goes to my family – my mother and my brother. They’ve been through hell and back with me, but never once left my side and have always supported me and my ambitions, sometimes, at great personal cost, and with nothing to go on, except faith. I wouldn’t be able to pursue my dreams without their unconditional support. My second SHOUTOUT goes to my lovely coach, Heather Burgett. She came into my life during the height of Covid, when I was feeling lost (just like the rest of the world) but with her precision guidance, I was able to make giant steps forward in my career. Heather has really helped me connect to my strengths and hone into my voice and my passion. I wouldn’t be where I am today, without her. My third SHOUTOUT goes to Thought Leaders like Deepak Chopra, Sadhguru, Oprah, Abraham Hicks, and many others. Their spiritual and ‘Law of Attraction’ teachings taught me to align with myself and my higher vision, and not get caught up in the realities of the physical world. The physical world can be restrictive and can be disappointing, but as long as you re-calibrate to your highest ideals, the universe conspires to make your dreams come true, all the while making you a better person for it!

Website: www.iamlilyshaw.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lily_shaw_la/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lily_shaw_la
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaifalibr/

Image Credits
Joanna DeGeneres Photography, Devin Ford Photography, Knopfoto- Sascha Knopf, Stephanie Girard Photography, Stephanie Girard Photography