Today we’d like to introduce you to Romaine Waite.
Hi Romaine, 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 first got into acting through high school drama class, but I never saw it as a real career back then. My parents, like many immigrant parents, emphasized academics, so acting stayed more of a side interest. It wasn’t until I auditioned for a small indie film (purely for fun) that everything shifted. That experience became a turning point. It opened up a world I hadn’t fully considered, and it honestly felt like I’d stumbled into a room I was always meant to be in.
After that, I started saying yes to more projects — short films, indie sets, anything that allow me to learn. I also dove into theatre, which ended up being a real training ground. I did a two-hour stage play early on that pushed me in ways I didn’t expect. I remember walking off stage thinking, Okay… I can actually do this.
From there, the screen work started building: guest roles on Shadowhunters and Schitt’s Creek, then recurring roles, and eventually those surreal milestones like stepping onto the Star Trek: Discovery set with Sonequa Martin-Green and Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh. I also had the opportunity to be part of projects for Netflix, Lifetime, and OWN, which opened the door to a wider range of stories and characters.
In the last few years, my focus has expanded. Acting is still the core, but I’ve become just as passionate about creating — writing, producing, and directing. It’s important to me to shape the stories I tell, to work on projects that spark real conversation and reflect something meaningful. The journey has been a mix of risk, growth, and steady commitment, and honestly, I’m grateful for all of it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not really, but I don’t think it’s supposed to be. The early years came with a lot of uncertainty. Acting wasn’t a traditional path in my world, so there were plenty of moments where I wondered if I was making the right choice. It took time to trust that the pull I felt toward this work wasn’t just a phase.
Like many actors, I’ve gone through periods when opportunities were slow or the roles coming my way didn’t align with the kind of work I wanted to build. Learning to stay patient and continue showing up, even during the quiet stretches, has been a meaningful part of my growth.
There were also times when finding my place in the industry felt like its own challenge. I had to grow comfortable walking into rooms where I didn’t always see a version of myself reflected back. That taught me a lot about grounding myself and staying clear on who I am.
And of course, there’s the practical side, juggling jobs, balancing the hustle, and making space for the craft while still keeping life moving. It wasn’t always easy, but it helped build resilience and a real appreciation for every step forward.
Looking back, those challenges weren’t setbacks they were part of the process. They shaped the way I approach the work now, with more gratitude, clarity, and commitment.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At my core, I’m an actor that’s the foundation of everything I do. I work primarily in film and television, and I’m probably best known for roles in projects like The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel, DEPARTURE, and many other films and shows. Over the years, I’ve built a reputation for bringing a grounded, thoughtful energy to the characters I play, whether it’s drama, mystery, or genre work. I’ve moved between detective roles, sci-fi characters, heartfelt indie films, comedy and stage work, and I’m proud of that range. I never wanted to get boxed into one lane and I think that adaptability has been one of my strengths.
More recently, I’ve expanded into writing, producing, and directing. Creating my own work has become just as important to me as performing in someone else’s vision. I’m drawn to stories that spark conversation, challenge perspective, or highlight the humanity in people we don’t always see fully represented on screen. Being able to contribute to those narratives from behind the camera is something I’m genuinely proud of.
What sets me apart, I think, is intention. I approach every role with the mindset that it’s an opportunity to say something truthful. I try to bring a sense of authenticity and emotional precision to my work, and I’m selective about the projects I take on because I want them to align with who I am as an artist.
At this stage in my career, I’m proud of the body of work I’ve built, but I’m even more excited about the stories I haven’t told yet. That’s the part that keeps me going.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding a mentor is one of those things you can’t force. In my experience, the best mentorship comes from genuine connection, not strategy. Early on, I thought I had to “seek out” a mentor but the people who ended up guiding me were individuals I naturally built rapport with through work, classes, or shared circles.
What worked for me was showing up consistently. When people see your work ethic, your curiosity, and your willingness to grow, they naturally open doors. A mentor doesn’t have to be someone officially labeled as one sometimes it’s a director who gives you thoughtful notes, an actor who takes the time to offer perspective, or a producer who sees your potential and gives you a shot.
As for networking, the biggest shift for me was realizing it’s less about collecting contacts and more about building relationships. You don’t need to be “on” all the time; you just need to be present, authentic, and interested in people for real reasons. The industry is smaller than it looks, and genuine energy travels far. At the end of the day, mentorship and networking are really just extensions of the same thing surrounding yourself with people who want to grow, collaborate, and create. When you approach it with that mindset, the right relationships tend to find you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4582495/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romainewaite_/?hl=en
- Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-waiteing-room-w-romaine-waite/id1810461902
Image Credits
Cameron Fong
