Today we’d like to introduce you to Ernestine Johnson Morrison.
Hi Ernestine, 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 remember watching a movie called Mama Flora’s Family starring Cecily Tyson in the 90s. I was ten years old and I loved the way the performances made me feel. I told my mother that night I wanted to act. I’m from Los Angeles so my mother got me signed up with a kids talent agency in Hollywood the following week. My first big set was the hit show 7th Heaven. My second set was Sabrina The Teenaged Witch. At the young age of ten years old, I began my journey into the arts. I took drama classes in high school, studied theater in college at The University of Nevada Las Vegas, and joined a theater group in my twenties. I’ve since ten years old, exactly what I wanted to do. While in my acting group in Las Vegas, Roger Bobb who was the president of Tyler Perry Studios at the time, told our group that Atlanta was where the industry was moving and that it would be advantageous for my career to move.
With deep thought and intentionality, I moved to Atlanta within two months of that seed being planted. I will forever be grateful to Roger Bobb for planting that seed. Like many actors, I had my heart set on coming to Atlanta, honing more of my craft and working with Tyler Perry! When I landed in Atlanta I enrolled in Terri J. Vaugn’s acting the very next day and the rest is history! I’ve landed roles in major movies, television shows and on stage in the theater. My career over the last decade has really flourished. And although in over a decade I have yet to work with Mr. Perry, one of my biggest roles to date is being the creator and founder of Green Lit ATL where I help other artists find their footing through resources, relationships and practical tools. Green Lot ATL is the #1 community for tv and film professionals where we believe in our motto Create Don’t Wait! We don’t wait on anyone in Hollywood to validate us. We have all the tools and resources to give ourselves the Green Light!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Let me tell you, anyone who says the road is easy is not keeping it real! Lol! The road is not easy at all. In fact, it’s one of the hardest things in my life. It’s like being on a roller coaster. There are ups, downs, highs and lows, times where it’s fun, times where it’s scary but when it’s your calling it is worth every second! Being an actor and an entrepreneur is to be constantly rejected and constantly told no. But what I’ve done in my career which keeps me working AND SANE is creating my own Yes’ and creating yes’ for my peers.
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?
I’m an actress, viral poet and entrepreneur. I have over three dozen IMDB credits and nearly 100 million views on the internet with my spoken word. I am known for this mouth of mine! Lol! My word have always been one of my greatest gifts. I’m truthful, transparent and powerful. What sets me apart is my vulnerability, willingness to tell the raw truth and support of others. I really have a gift of connecting people. One of my most famous spoken word pieces is The Average Black Girl that I performed live on the Arsenio Hall show. That piece alone sums up a lot of my what I’m most proud of. My power and ability to bring out the power in others.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
One of the greatest keys to my success is mentorship! It means everything. I will forever be grateful to the many people who have mentored me over the years. From track coaches to professors to acting coaches they have all played such an integral role in shaping me as an artist and professional. I recently produced a feature film entitled Scheme Queens with one of my mentors Cas Sigers. Also, being amongst the atmosphere of your industry is a MAJOR KEY! Being in acting classes, workshops, industry meet-ups and intensives have all been super beneficial in staying knowledgeable and educated in my field.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ernestinemorrison.com
- Instagram: @MrsErnestineMorrison @GreenLitATL
- Youtube: Ernestine Morrison
Image Credits
Purple top head shot – Dwayne Boyd. All other photos – Prime Phocus
