Today we’d like to introduce you to British Actress, Millie Gibbons.
Hi Millie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a British Actress from the rural English Countryside. I grew up riding horses, walking my dog, and spending much of my time outdoors amongst the beautiful landscape of Suffolk. In 2019, I moved to New York City to pursue Acting when I was just 19 years old.
I grew up Acting, taking part in School Productions, at the age of 11, I played the lead role of Tallulah in Bugsy Malone. It was the second I finished my solo, having pranced about the stage in a flapper dress and a pink feather boa, that I will never forget the moment of hearing my mum’s voice over the audience, cheering ecstatically! Everyone knew that that was my mum. I felt so at home on the stage, in character. It felt right, there was a sense of belonging and seeing how proud my mum was, as she knew that she had just witnessed the beginning of a new doorway for me. I was 11, and I felt like I could be anyone I wanted to be – I was fearless! That was the moment I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up.
Coming from a small village in the British Countryside where my playground was predominantly open fields, the move to New York was quite a change of scenery, to say the least! My sister is a Potato Farmer! I worked in a Telephone Centre when I was 18, cold-calling Farmers asking how many Sheep they had on their Farm for our monthly newsletters. Little did I know a year later I would be moving across the Atlantic Ocean to pursue a dream I have dreamt of since the age of eight.
I received a Scholarship to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 2019, and I was lucky enough to train there for three years. Since graduating in February 2022, I have been cast in two Feature Films and several Short Films. I am super excited to announce my upcoming Principal role in Justin Souriau Levine’s ‘Back To The Present!’ We are set to begin production in June 2023. In the meantime, I am also excited to share that I have written and will be performing in my very first Cabaret Show ‘A Night with Davinia and Friends,’ this December in New York City!
I want to share my story not only to show my gratitude to my family and friends but to encourage other like-minded individuals to follow their passions in hope that my story may inspire them to do so. Life is too short, after all.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The past three years since I moved to America on my own away from my family and friends have been the most challenging yet. I am constantly torn between chasing a career path I have dreamt of that is so unpredictable and the guilt and sorrow that comes from not being at home with my family. I love what I do and in order to be successful, I know I have to stay focused and keep fighting. But in doing so, I am fighting this internal feeling of regret, having missed out on so much crucial time with my parents. I know that if I can break through the American Industry, I can make it anywhere. I hope that by achieving the success I am aiming for, whether that’s starring in a major Feature Film or doing a Broadway Show, I can prove to myself that the long-distance phone calls and letters were a worthy substitute of my not being there. Whenever I feel at a loss of hope, I remember my Dad would say – ‘Life is too short Millie, you have to do what you want to, home will always be here.’
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Since graduating from AADA this past February 2022, I have been involved in several projects. I have worked on two Feature Films, a Leading role in Alex Kruz’s ‘In Search of The Peacock Angel,’ a Supporting Actress in Gabriele Altobelli’s ‘Art of Diversion III.’ I was also the Lead Actress in Henry Truitt Harshaw’s Short Film ‘L’aura,’ where I played the role of L’aura, this Short is set for Film Festivals next summer! Earlier this year I was cast as the Lead Actress in Grimstreaker’s Music Video ‘MIND,’ which had its official release earlier this year.
During the pandemic, I wrote, directed and starred in my first Sci-Fi/Thriller Short Film. This Short is definitely my most proudest work so far. Despite how challenging it was to be creative during such a disastrous time, I felt the concept captured the essence of what I was going through. Deadly Sinner explores the concept of how humanity cannot control their guilty pleasures. Ultimately relying on them as our temporary escapism from reality. Despite the short stem of serotonin they may release, we are always faced with a more challenging fate that awaits in result of our poor decisions. Working on Deadly Sinner gave me my own escapism from what felt like the end of our existence. I was so stimulated and driven to achieve somewhat of a storyline that people could enjoy, and I am proud of the results. Deadly Sinner won Best Short Film at the Academy in 2020.
I am excited to announce my upcoming Lead role in Justin Souriau Levine’s ‘Back To The Present!’ This incredible Feature Film begins production in June 2023. The Film captures the story of 5 Theatre Actors whom are taken on a quest back in time, their challenge is to complete tasks in order to stay alive and make it – back to the Present! I am ecstatic to share that I will be performing my own stunts, growing up as a horse rider and having the vital skill set necessary for stunts on horses, I am confident that I will be adequate for the role!
Additionally, I have another Short Film ‘Metal Hearts’ by DaMond Taylor, upcoming this January 2023. This beautifully written Short shares the story of two very unique individuals from opposing backgrounds who find themselves in one another’s company, questioning their compatibility.
This December in New York City I will be performing in my very own Cabaret Show ‘A Night with Davinia & Friends.’ The Show is full of songs for everybody, with short comedic skits and dances for everyone to enjoy. I cannot wait to be on a stage filled with other enthusiastic Artists as we go on our journeys together through this magical Cabaret.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I do love the occasional Book of Mindfulness, it’s something that helps me centre and ground myself on a daily basis. Particularly with the career path I have chosen, completing simple written tasks like what I’m grateful for help centre my being and bring me back to myself. It’s so easy to lose yourself in a career like Acting, often I have found myself being so self-aware that I lose parts of me because I am constantly chasing a goal, but it’s okay to ease of that pressure and rediscover why you’re doing what you are, reminding yourself to be proud of how far you’ve come and to be grateful for those around you who support you.
I love to listen to podcasts with Actors. One in particular stood out to me, it was an interview with Bill Nighy, he spoke about the importance of enjoying what you do now and how in the early stages of his career, he wished he had enjoyed the small projects more rather than constantly trying to climb the ladder to the next big thing. It was an important reminder for me to enjoy the moment rather than worrying about what’s next.
In my spare time, I read a lot of plays, not only are they a great escapism for the end of a long day, but I find reading to stimulate my imagination and creativity, I feel inspired and motivated after reading a play. My favourite play is Lungs, by Duncan Macmillan.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.milliegibbons.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milliegibbonss/
Image Credits
Luana Seu Marcus Underwood Stephen Mondics
