Meet Rachel Sullivan | Actress

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

Hi Rachel, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Little did I know that when I stepped into my local dance studio at age 3 that I would make the first steps into a lifelong career of performing. Ever since I was a little girl I knew I wanted to play pretend professionally. I loved the storytelling elements involved in dance and choreography, which prompted me to lead with the more artistic side of my brain all throughout school and my creative endeavors. Math and I never got along, and I certainly knew I wasn’t going to go pre-med. Once I started putting myself out there as far as different acting conservatories and other methods of training, I developed a new passion for performance that drove me to get my bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts and Screenwriting and to now pursue my big girl career in this industry, whether it be on camera or stage. I want to love what I do for the rest of my life. If you do what you love you’re never really working, right? Isn’t that what they say? Well, that’s the goal anyway.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Growing up as a dancer, I knew from a young age that I wanted to perform for the rest of my life. This early exposure to movement and expression laid the foundation for my passion for storytelling, which has only grown stronger through my training at Loyola Marymount University. I love acting in both theater and film, each offering unique experiences such as the intimacy of live theater and the subtle, nuanced storytelling on film. Throughout my journey, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is the importance of being your own cheerleader and growing a thick skin for this industry. While I am just getting started, the challenges and rejections have only strengthened my passion for acting and the goals I have to achieve in my career. As I step into this new chapter, I am excited to continue exploring the limitless possibilities of performance. Looking ahead, I am thrilled to be part of the short film “Flow,” directed by Emily Kelly, set for release in 2024. I am also grateful for the opportunity to play Menelaus in “Troilus and Cressida,” directed by Kevin Wetmore for LMU’s Shakespeare on the Bluff in July 2024. As I truly begin my journey as an artist and performer in this industry, I am excited to embrace new challenges and bring captivating stories to life, both on stage and on screen.

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’m no tour guide, but living in LA the past 3 years has given me some insight. I personally love the beach, so hitting Manhattan Beach is a must. Whether you want to swim or tan, this is the best place to do either. There’s plenty of restaurants and shops around as well which are always fun to explore. Then I fear we’d have to stop by Hash in Playa Vista before it closes at 2pm. I would lay my life down for their chilaquiles. If you care for a beverage, Hopdoddy happy hour has great options and it’s always a good time. If you have the urge to go out, we’d circle back to Manhattan Beach and go to Shellback Tavern, where you can buy a classic trucker hat and a Shellback Shot all in one place! Like I said, I’m not a professional, but these places are certainly a good time.

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?
I would not be who I am today if weren’t for the immense love and support I have received my entire life from my family, both immediate and extended. From every dance recital, staged play, or film premiere, they have been there every time. I couldn’t express my love and adoration for them enough in this one lifetime. I also owe a huge part of who I am to the constant encouragement of my friends. Both my hometown friend group and college friend group have shown me that you don’t have to be blood to be family. They celebrate my wins as their own and consistently show up for me. I am proud to say that I am a product of those who love me and they constantly push me to be the best version of myself.

Website: https://www.rachelasullivan.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelaverysullivan

Image Credits
Joanna DeGeneres, Yves Bright, Cary Qian