Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Underwood.
Hi Elizabeth, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m an actress and producer. My background is in theater/musical theater and I still do it today, as well as film/tv work. I’ve studied in New York, London and graduated from SCAD. It started with me loving performing and today, I’m still chasing the beautiful feeling of just connecting to another human being and being able to tell a story with them. I got into producing simply by creating my own projects that I thought needed to be told. I’m currently working on a film called “Rescued” about how a homeless man fights to build a better life for himself and his dog when he discovers his dog needs special treatment. It’s a really touching story just about resilience and pulling back the curtain so we see what life is like for someone who is homeless. And how the bond with a rescue animal can inspire amazing things.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not! It never is. I’m still facing daily challenges. Not to mention the actor/writer strike that’s going on. Outside of industry struggles, there have been and still are a lot of mental challenges. The doubts, the fear, insecurities, etc. are always present, and they can truly get in the way of your career. The comparison game and my personal fears/doubts about my career would’ve driven me to quit years ago, but I know there is nothing else that would fulfill me as much as acting does and that feeling it gives me. So, I keep pushing forward. I had a mentor tell me it’s about the baby steps you take, not the mountains you climb. Don’t focus on that; focus on the baby steps, and the rest will come. That is so true in this lucrative business and something I personally hold on to.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Aside from acting and producing, I also sing and dance. I love those just as much. It’s just something about the performing arts that brings such passion and fulfillment. Something I’m most proud of at this point in my career is my film called “I’m Fine.” It was a film I produced and starred in about teen anxiety and depression based on my own story. It’s won several awards at festivals, and so have I for my acting in it. I’ve won Best Actress at the LA Independent Short and the New York Actor and Director Awards. The film recently won Best Drama, and I won Best Producer at the Southern Shorts Awards. This film has led to me speaking with NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) and the Annual Girl Scout Summit that was held back in June in Atlanta. It’s a film I’m truly proud of!
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Be patient. It’s something I still struggle with. I’m constantly reminding myself that everyone has their own path. Just because you’re not famous by the age of 25 doesn’t mean you can’t get there or still have a very successful career. And films take time. If you rush the process, then you will be sacrificing the quality of your film and it won’t be worth it in the long run. Nothing ever goes according to plan, so be flexible, prepared, and patient!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth_u1/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.underwood.75/
