Meet JoAnna Aldridge-Wilson

Today we’d like to introduce you to JoAnna Aldridge-Wilson.

So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I hail from Memphis, TN and am a graduate of Clark Atlanta University, with a BA in Mass Media Arts – Radio, TV, and Film. Also, I hold an AS in Paralegal Studies from DeKalb Technical College, now known as Georgia Piedmont College. However, for as long as I can remember, I always knew I would be an Actress.

One of my earliest memories of performing was shaped at First Baptist Church, Lauderdale, in Memphis, TN. I would proactively situate myself as a participant of various church productions, ministries, and choirs. But, the performance that put me into acting motion, took place in Kindergarten at Stafford Elementary. I performed as Rosa Parks, during a Black history program.

From 7th-12th grades, I continued to showcase my acting chops at Harding Academy of Memphis, by performing in school plays. During this time, I started honing my journalism skills by reading the morning announcements, over the intercom. In addition, my hosting skills blossomed as a teenager, having hosted a few episodes of a Girl Scouts’ TV program, in Memphis.

Around this time, I would participate in regional oratory contests. Most memorably at the University of Mississippi, “Ole Miss,” where I advanced to the next round of the Dramatic Interpretation category. Also, it was on this campus that I witnessed my first remembrance of blatant racism. While my mother and I waited to cross, to our parked car, a group of Caucasian males, yelled out their car window at us, “Watermelons!”

After graduating from Harding Academy, I left Memphis to attend Clark Atlanta University, where I immediately took several acting electives, and participated with the university’s prestigious theatre group, the CAU Players. I had a chance to meet and study acting under the Late Great Actress, Carol Mitchell. Upon graduation from Clark Atlanta, I continued gaining acting education by taking classes at and working as a Teacher’s Assistant, at Atlanta’s Award-Winning Regional Theatre, Alliance Theatre. Thank you Al Hamacher!

I continued my pursuit of happiness by acting and performing, eventually leading to agency representation from Atlanta’s Houghton Talent. That was back during the days when an Actor would go to the agency, and hand over a stack of black and white headshots, every few weeks. During this time, I went through a divorce and was not as productive with furnishing the headshots. I found myself without an agent, but that never stopped me from auditioning for plays and performing.

My acting talents were showcased at various theatrical venues throughout the Southeast. I was featured in the short film, “Braids, Twists and Locs,” shown one year during the National Black Arts Festival, at the Herndon Home Museum, in Historic West End Atlanta. I traveled with the gospel, musical stage play, “I Know the Man,” portraying the Adulterous Woman.

Billed sometimes as JoAnna Lorene’, I was Church Girl Denise in Comic Pierre Edwards’ (For Da Love of Money, How to Be a Player) web series, “Dating Pierre.” I am a former Host of the Online talk show, “Chop It Up,” produced by Turning Point Broadcasting. If you dare to venture into a Walmart movie section, you may find the independent film, JBStar Productions’ “To Love the Soul of a Woman,” in which I portrayed, Henrietta. I have performed in a live, comedy sketch show, “The Mike Bend Show.” Maybe you saw me demonstrate how to make chicken salad or listened to my voice over in industrials, for a well-known chicken restaurant.

I continued to brush up on my on-camera, auditioning skills by attending class at The Renaissance Project Theatre, under the teachings of Actor Michael H. Cole (The Mule, Being Mary Jane).

Currently, represented by Barbara Garvey, owner of East Coast Talent Agency, I booked my first SAG role, in 2019’s “What Men Want,” starring Taraji P. Henson (Empire), with Director Adam Shankman (A Walk to Remember). Also this year, I am proud to mention my principal credit, in a commercial with Atlanta Falcons’ Wide Receiver, Calvin Ridley. Rise Up!

I keep my improvisation skills fresh by performing with, The Dinner Detective, America’s Largest Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Show, and Escape the Trap, Atlanta’s #1 Escape Room, located at Rap Mogul T.I.’s Trap Music Museum.

Recently, I tried modeling and liked it.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I knew that I wanted to get back into acting Full-time, but I was working a traditional job Full-time. I had been auditioning off and on for projects here and there and booking a few things. However, once I got my new set of headshots and started submitting with them, the auditions picked up.

I found myself utilizing my leave time more frequently, and traveling out-of-town. The Head of my department noticed and called me into his office one day. He said, “Jo, you’re going to need to make a decision about what you want to do.” So, I handed in my two week’s notice that same day. I promised myself as long as I had health insurance, car insurance, and my cell phone, everything would be all right. So far, I have upheld that promise to myself.

I had become used to never paying a bill late or asking for a handout. I had taken for granted never worrying about putting gas in the car, shopping, traveling, attending a special event, purchasing a gift and dining out. Trust me. It has not been an easy road.

So, periodically I am prompted to go back and work in an office setting. Typically, this work is through a temp service. I need flexibility. My jobs: ACTRESS, Rideshare Driver, Banquet Server, Standardized Patient, Administrative Assistant, ACTRESS, Schedule Coordinator, Payroll Coordinator, Essay Scorer, and ACTRESS!

I am blessed to have graduated from college, because I know having a degree has been advantageous, to my being able to find various work, in a crunch. Stay in school!

In this business, you find that people will lie, backstab, ask you to work for free, and promise you things, with no intention of following through. You have to watch your back more often than usual, and do it all with a smile.

What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I am an Atlanta, GA, based Actress. I can be seen performing in Film and TV, Commercials and Industrials, Theatre, Web Series, Comedy Skits, YouTube, Online talk show Host and Model.

Thus far, I am most proud of booking my first SAG speaking role, even though my lines were not heard. I have seen growth in my acting and am truly optimistic about my future.

I take great pleasure in volunteering with various organizations, and feel good about lending my talents when feasible, without receiving compensation.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?  My grandmother making my favorite dishes of smothered chicken and fried corn, using a cast iron dutch oven and skillet. I’m sure there was either greens or cabbage on the side, but, her chicken and corn was the joint. That lady could cook and I miss that. She is too ill to cook now.