Check Out Brenda Howard’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Howard.

Brenda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m Brenda Howard — born and raised in Oakland, California, and a performer through and through. For the past 20 years, I’ve been living and breathing theatre and film, bringing stories to life from Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun to Shange’s For Colored Girls.

I earned my degree in Motion Pictures and Television from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco back in 2009, and I’ve kept my craft sharp ever since — training in LA and Atlanta with incredible mentors like Deja Dee, GregAlan Williams, and Tasha Smith.

Leaving Oakland wasn’t easy. The move to Atlanta was a leap of faith — new city, new faces, and starting over in a whole new market. There were moments I had to hustle harder than ever, but that same Oakland spirit — the drive, the community, the resilience — kept me grounded and pushing forward. Every challenge became fuel for the work I do now.

You might’ve caught me on TV in hit shows like Atlanta, Hightown, and Black Lightning, or in national commercial campaigns like Toyota’s “Let’s Go Places.” My work spans film, television, and print — but no matter the medium, my goal’s always the same: to tell stories that connect and uplift.

These days, I’m based in Atlanta, still doing what I love — creating, performing, and staying rooted in purpose. Oakland raised me to lead with heart, and that’s what I bring into every room I walk into.

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?
Moving to Atlanta and living on my own was a challenge, and last year I faced one of the toughest tests of my life: being diagnosed with blood cancer. Through every step — the distance from my family, the uncertainty, and the fear — I’ve leaned on God. My faith has been my anchor, guiding me, giving me strength, and reminding me that I am never alone. It’s that faith, combined with the Oakland spirit of resilience and determination, that I bring into every role and every room I enter.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m most proud of my ability to overcome anything life throws at me and my courage in facing challenges head-on. I bring authenticity, heart, and my spirited energy to every role, fueled by my deep love for acting. What sets me apart is my resilience, faith, and unwavering dedication to telling stories that truly connect and uplift audiences.

How do you think about luck?
I know it’s never luck that got me here. It’s always God. What’s for me is for me, and what’s not, He always has His reason. My faith has carried me through every challenge, every leap of faith, and every new role, giving me courage, resilience, and purpose. I bring that same heart, spirit, and love for acting into every project I take on.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.me/BrendaHoward
• Instagram: BrendamHoward
• Facebook: Brenda Howard
• LinkedIn: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/brendamariehoward
• Youtube: MsBrendaHoward

Image Credits
Brian Jones Photography in Atlanta