Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Kay Whitley.
Tyler Kay, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up, I admired and was inspired by my aunt Kym Whitley, who is an actress/ comedian. She introduced me to the entertainment business at a young age. At the age of nine, I accompanied my aunt to an audition she had for a TV Pilot. The casting directors let me read for the young daughter in the family television show, and I ended up making it far in the audition process and getting an Agent in LA. That’s how my passion for acting curated. I took a break from acting for a few years to finish school and graduated from Georgia State University. After graduating, I took on a role a 9-5 job and found myself unhappy. I left my job abruptly and found myself lost, having to reevaluate what it was that I wanted to do with my life. I realized that it was nothing but perfect timing to pursue my acting career. I worked on independent films and participated in sets doing background work. In winter 2018, I attended a holiday event where there were casting directors and agents. A good friend of mine introduced me to his agent, and I ended up getting his business card. The next day, I had my father film my little sister and I acting in a scene. I used that footage to send to the agent, as well as my headshot and resume. I was asked to audition and come in for a meeting. By the grace of God, I gained an amazing agent in Atlanta, and have been auditioning and working ever since on this journey.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Pursuing my dreams full-time has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. Being an actor has challenged me in many ways- creatively, spiritually, financially, & emotionally. I have grown to learn that I am definitely a lot stronger than I ever thought. I am learning the importance of faith, gratitude, tenacity, and… of course, patience. I will choose happiness over comfort any given day, and this journey makes me happy. I encourage everyone- women, creatives & starving artist, to get uncomfortable. God gives us our visions for victory.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am an actor that can be seen in the Upcoming TVONE original movie, The Bobby Debarge Story portraying the legendary Janet Jackson. I can also be seen on Raising Whitley on OWN, Florida Girls on Pop Tv, Murder Calls on the ID Discovery Channel, and the Act on Hulu.
A lot of people don’t accomplish their true passion and dreams in life because they lack determination and perseverance. What sets me apart from others is my tenacity.
Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
To build and keep relationships with people. A lot of my success is attributed to the connections that I have formed with others over the past years as well as hard work and dedication. It’s important to work on your craft every day, even when things have the tendency to be slow. Think outside the box. Create a plan and stick to it. Get uncomfortable. Keep God first in life, keep going, and never give up on your dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tylerkaywhitley.com
- Email: whitleytyler1@gmail.com
- Instagram: @ty_kay
Image Credit:
Brian Jones Photography, DeWayne Boyd Photography, Colby
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