Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanel Young.
Chanel, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve been acting since college where I attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, NC which was in 2001. I really didn’t know what I wanted to do when I first entered college, it wasn’t until about midway through the semester, I took an acting class for non-theater majors and that was all she wrote I immediately fell in love and switched my major from Electronic Media and Journalism to Theater. I was in my first production in 2001 Black Nativity and I had the role of singing Silent Night and I’ve been acting and modeling ever since. I later took my talents to Atlanta GA in 2015 where life changed forever. One of my biggest accomplishments was when I landed the role of Aunt Linda in the Tupac All Eyez on Me Biopic.
I saw an open casting online from WSA casting that they were looking for extras and we needed to dress in 70s, 80s, 90’s clothing. I came in 70s outfit with my Afro and corduroy skirt, high boots. I ended up sitting in the front row in front of the executive producer LT Hutton and when it was my turn to walk in front of him he asked for my headshot and he put his initials in the top corner in red, I later received a phone call to come back and read for the role of Aunt Linda, I said I’m on my way!! When I returned, there were several Aunt Lindas I may have been the only one there that didn’t have an agent. I noticed that from the clipboard, it was my turn to go in and I read for Ms. Winsome Sinclair and she asked me to do it again but don’t be so happy and she was telling me about Aunt Linda and she asked me to do it again. After I was done, she gave me instructions to read for Mr. Benny Boom the director after I was done he said “it’s a party!! I had to switch it up immediately on site and I was able to deliver the lines as he instructed, weeks past and I still hadn’t heard anything until Dec. 21st, an email come across that said Congratulations you have been selected for the role of Aunt Linda!! I cried! I had to pull over and call my mom who’s name also happens to be Linda as well. I just started thanking God!! He places me at the right place at the right time.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Balancing being a single mother to my 16-year-old daughter and continuing to work towards my dreams has not been an easy task. I don’t know where I’d be without my family and close friends, they have been my backbone and support system throughout my journey and I love them so much for not giving up on me.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
My business is myself, my brand, me and my talents that I want to share with the world thru art. My art is acting whether, on stage on in front of a camera, I want to give my all in everything I do. I am blessed to be apart of a wonderful production company G Davis Productions, and I have been traveling and touring the country with them for about five years now.
“Mama’s Girls” is a stage production (Play) about five sisters that overcome different obstacles. “Mama’s Girls” is a touring play written and directed by Garrett Davis. The first four years “Mama’s Girls” focused on caregiving for the elderly and now we are bringing awareness across the country about diabetes [while] working alongside the American Diabetes Association to get the message out this is something that sets us apart from others. My character is KeKe. She is that one sister, friend, cousin that just can’t get it together! She always has a lot going on and she has many issues with men. She’s the sexy sister, a very different role than my role in “All Eyez on Me”.
A moment that I’m most proud of is my role in A raisin in the Sun, where I landed the part of Ruth Younger, one of the lead actresses. This was a play that was presented to the entire community of Greensboro, NC and ran for three weeks straight. A moment in time that I will never forget and will cherish forever and also one of my most challenging pieces to date.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have to start first by saying that I wouldn’t be where I am today nor would I had experienced all that I have done without my God on my side and walking with me each and every day! So thankful for the gifts that he has given me. My parents and my brother have been my rock through it all. My family near and far, I know you all are rooting for me and please believe I won’t quit Ive come too far! My friends are my sisters and I love them for their continued support, even when I get on their nerves they haven’t left me yet 17 years and counting! Javetta Milton, if it weren’t for you coming out to see my very first lead role in a stage play, I don’t know where I would have been in my acting career. You saw something in me that night and I will forever be grateful! The networking and connections you presented in front of me after our first encounter started the ball rolling for me. You believed in me, I had to perform and do the rest and I’m so happy that I’ve made you so proud!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm6539692/?ref=m_nv_sr_1
- Email: ychanel28@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/8chanel8/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/8chanel8/
- Other: tonya.hensley@tdhtalent.com
Image Credit:
2 Headshot pics by Jamall McMillian
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