Meet Sebrina Purcell | Actor

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

Hi Sebrina, why did you pursue a creative career?
I was introduced to acting at the age of 13 in my Jr High School and went to a performing arts high school in NYC. When I graduated HS I was in a position were I had to make a living so I was offered a job in the fashion industry. After working in the fashion industry for 8 years (hating it) I was laid off for the second time. I realized not only was I not happy but the money was not secure. Since there is no real security in a corporate job I decided to go back to what I truly love, which is acting. I’d rather be happy and unsure about my finances instead of being unhappy and unsure of my finances.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an actor and producer.

I am most proud of getting to work on projects that align with my artistic vision, which is telling stories through the eyes of minorities that are raw and complex.

I have gotten to where I am today through dedication. Staying in the game even when I doubt myself, I just stay in. It was not and is not easy. I get denied multiple times a day, every day, but I am also fighting for something that is bigger than me. I have asked my family to sacrifice for my dream. It would be a slap in their faces if I gave up.

I have learned many lessons and still are learning lessons. A lesson I have recently learned about myself is “how you do one thing is how you do everything”. For an example, if you have a hard time letting go of people in your personal life you will probably have a hard time letting go of people in your business life but now it’s not just costing you your sanity but also money and opportunities.

I don’t really know what I would want the world to know about me as an actor but I do hope I can be an inspiration for women who think that it is too late to pursue what they love. We as woman are told we have a timeline to get things done and because you have hit a certain age or have started having children, that it is too late. That is stupidity and other people’s fears. We can do whatever we want as long as we have breath in our bodies.

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 love history so I always take people downtown to Olvera Street and then just make a day of checking out all of downtown LA. Even Skid Row. It’s important for people to see for themselves the homeless crises in Los Angeles.

I would do a West Side beach day. I take people to see Venus Beach and then make our way up to Santa Monica and then also drive up the PCH to Malibu. I love eating at Geoffrey in Malibu.

I also love taking people to Universal Studies. When I first moved to LA I bought a season pass and anytime I felt depressed I went to the Studio Tour ride to keep me focused on my goals.

Los Angeles has some great museums. I take people to the Getty, The Broad, The California Science museum and a few more.

I don’t really drink when I am in LA. I leave my drinking for when I am on vacation but there are some really cool spots downtown LA. One of my favorites to take people is The Little Easy.

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 Husband ,who I have been with for 23 years. He never fought me when I said I wanted to leave the fashion industry and go back to acting full time. When I felt it was time to move to LA, he gave up everything and came with me. When I question my ability and if I should go on, he supports me 100% even with tough love when I need it.

Instagram: sebrina_purcell

Linkedin: Sebrina Purcell

Twitter: @sebrinap

Other: IMDB = Sebrina Purcell