Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanté Bowser.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Chanté. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Always loved performing. It was the one time I felt free as a bird, even though I was super shy. And I had always contemplated working in entertainment from undergrad – just not in front of the camera. Even took classes focusing on entertainment law while in law school. But, as the question was randomly posed to me by a friend during a conversation contemplating my life, why can’t you be in front of the camera? Aha! Why can’t I? So, I decided to try it and see what happened. My very first audition for the lead of an independent feature – I booked it. I was like – wait, seriously, I got the role? HA! The next audition – booked that one too. And once that flame was fueled, it overtook my soul. I couldn’t breathe if I couldn’t do this.
Has it been a smooth road?
Oh, definitely not a smooth road! The decision to leave the comfortability of full-time employment – 401K, vacation days, sick leave, etc. – for full-time acting was super hard. I agonized for months over the decision to walk away and live off of savings so that I could go back to school to study acting. But I knew that if I wanted to be competitive as an actor, I HAD to get training. But, in balance, I knew that if I didn’t pursue this, I would always have that dull ache in the pit of stomach, in my soul. Best. Decision. EVER!
Of course, if I knew then what I know now, it would have been a no brainer. I would have jumped off that cliff eyes wide open and trusted that God would have not put anything in my spirit that He wouldn’t manifest. There were times when things looked as if I needed to go back to working full-time but, somehow, the gap was always filled. We never went without and there was always enough to survive. Once I finished UCLA, I was able to find law-related employment that has afforded me the flexibility in the schedule so that I can audition, work when I booked, and to be able to continue studying acting all while being able to pay bills. For that, I am entirely grateful. Acting is expensive, y’all!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Chanté Bowser story. Tell us more about the business.
I am an actor who is also a licensed California attorney. I have had roles on several networks including Fox and CBS. My most recent role was “Rhonda Kirkman” on CBS’ Criminal Minds, Season 14, Episode 18!
I have three movies coming out this year – one where I am one of the leads and two where I am a supporting actor.
Dally & Spanky is a great family film about the dog & pony show – Dally & Spanky. If you don’t know who they are, Dally is a Jack Russell terrier and Spanky – her best friend – is a rescue miniature horse. It’s definitely a heartwarming story. Brianna D’Amico (Disney’s “The Descendants”) is the lead of the movie & I portray her teacher. Really excited to see the movie!! It will be distributed by Sony Entertainment.
“John Wynn’s Mirror Mirror” I’m super excited about because I got a chance to play a very multi-dimensional character – First Lady Robin Jones. She is a preacher’s kid who has her own ideas about a first-lady’s role in the church and life. Playing against Vincent Ward (“The Walking Dead) was pretty amazing & I loved matching (and challenging) his energy. The movie also stars Emmy-winning actress Judi Evans, Tom Sizemore (“Black Hawk Down”, “Saving Private Ryan”), & Noel G. (“Fresh Off the Boat, “The Mule”), so the cast is pretty awesome. It was the first lead I filmed after finishing at UCLA, so prayerfully I made my teachers proud!
And my biggest joy this year is “Best of Enemies” starring Oscar-nominated Actress Taraji P. Henson & Oscar-winning Actor Sam Rockwell. This movie is what we need right now!! Real life change that happened during a time period in America’s history when no one thought that type of change could occur. I have scenes with both Taraji & Sam, so, of course, I am excited to see how everything translated to the silver screen. Watching those two masters at work on set was the best master class I ever got paid to take!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I see even more diverse actors on the small screen and on the silver screen (including myself) as well as behind the camera and as decision makers in the industry (also including myself) . There is so much entertainment being made at this time that there is room for everyone. I’m excited to see what opportunity comes as the shift continues!!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chante.me
- Instagram: @chantebowser
- Twitter: @chantebowser
Image Credit:
Dana Patrick
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