Rising Stars: Meet Laporsha Ellis of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laporsha Ellis.

Hi Laporsha, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Its actually really special to be answering this question for VoyageATL again because you first interviewed me back in 2019. At that time I was figuring out what it looked like to pursue both sides of myself: the science and healthcare side i had spent years building, and the creative side that had always been apart of me. I had just started getting back into acting and modeling, and I talked about wanting to become a successful actress and model while also having a career in healthcare.

A lot has changed since then!

I realized that acting wasn’t just something I talked about wanting to do, it was something I truly wanted to pursue. I began training, auditioning, booking roles, and learning the industry through experience. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work on feature films, short films, television, and vertical series, including lead roles, and I’ve really grown into understanding what kind of actress I want to be.

Looking back, my journey has taken some unexpected turns. From graduating from Howard University with a degree in biology and earning my Master’s in Medical Sciences from New York Medical College, to working in hospitality, modeling, and now building my acting career. I have to say that every chapter has shaped who I am today.

So I’d say my story is really one of continuing to bet on myself. I’ve learned that my path doesn’t have to look traditional for it to be successful and I don’t have to limit myself to one version of who I am.

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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, especially with acting. In my first interview, I talked about understanding that entertainment would have its ups and downs. Now that I’ve actually experienced those, I can say that one of my biggest lessons has been learning how to handle rejection without allowing it to define me.

There have been so many roles I really wanted and didn’t book, opportunities that seemed close only to fall through, and even a moment I thought I was finally going to have representation, only to be told, “Sorry, we can’t accept you as talent right now.” I remember crying when i got the email because it was my first real industry heartbreak. But instead of allowing that “no” to make me question myself, I reactivated my Actors Access account and started auditioning again. Not long after, people I had worked with previously began reaching out about other projects. It reminded me that one rejection doesn’t determine my value or my future.

I’ve also had to learn not to compare my journey to someone else’s. It’s easy in this industry to look around and feel like you’re behind when you see someone else getting opportunities you’re working towards. Comparison is the thief of joy and I’ve had to remind myself that I’m on my own timeline and stay focused on what I’m building.

I’m still not where I want to be yet, but I am defeintely not where I started either! Every challenge has taught me resilence, patience, and the importance of keeping God first. Right now, I’m learning to trust the process and keep showing up.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an actress working across feature films, short films, television, and vertical series. Some of my most recent work includes Nice Was A Choice, Caffeinated Love, M3real1ty Series on Amazon Prime, and Camera Girl being released on 9/22/2026 on TUBI. I love to play emotionally driven characters where I can bring depth and authenticity.

I’m most proud of my ability to keep going. My most recent project challenged me in so many ways, but I stayed committed and became more involved behind the scenes, from helping with casting to finding filming locations. I ultimately received a producer credit in addition to playing the lead. That experience also strengthened the trust and creative relationship between the director and me, which is something I really value.

What sets me apart is that I’m not afraid to invest in the work. I care about understanding characters, being a collaborator, and contributing wherever I can for the project to be successful. I want my performances to feel authentic, but I also want to be someone people can trust creatively.

What’s next?
My plans for the future are really centered around continuing to grow as an actress and taking my career to the next level. I’m looking forward to working on bigger projects, taking on more challenging roles, and eventually becoming represented by an agency that believes in my talent and vision.

I’ve also become more interested in the creative and production side of the industry, so I’d love to continue learning behind the scenes and have the opportunity to create opportunities for others. At the end of the day, my main goal is to continue to grow in front of and behind the camera.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelaporsha/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EZCYap3dd/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Other: https://www.imdb.me/laporshaellis