Today we’d like to introduce you to Diamond Franklin.
Hi Diamond, 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’ve always felt “at home” on the stage and began working in the Performing Arts world at four years old, first as a singer providing entertainment at weddings and events, before moving on to Theater and Film/Television acting. In 2010 at the age of 12 I even had the opportunity to perform a tribute to the world renowned poet Nikki Giovanni as she was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award. At that time I was a member of the Art Sanctuary North Stars of Philadelphia, a program that further exposed me to the world of Performing Arts. From then on over the years I went through many years of study in school and through private lessons. My first vocal coach was Jazz great, Monette Sudler, who introduced me to techniques used by professionals which helped me in my solo work and in Musical Theatre. My classical training began in high school with Opera as the focus. Working with my second vocal coach, Maja Lisa Fritzhuspen, who is an amazing Opera singer, really helped me to further refine my craft and prepared me to become a member of The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Symphonic Choir and The Philadelphia Chorale. When it comes to both music and acting, my relentless pursuit of improving myself has contributed to where I am today. My mentors and coaches have always noted how great I am at taking direction and employing their methods no matter how tough or critical, which has truly helped me find success in the Entertainment Industry.
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?
My journey has been on the bumpiest road ever! I have struggled with everything from biased teachers and directors who were hesitant to take a chance on me with lead roles in plays and solo work in musicals because as a Black woman I’m not a stereotypical “belter”, to professional theaters and classical Opera ensembles practicing open discrimination against performers of color, not because we lack the necessary skills, but because they feel we don’t fit the traditional mold their audiences are accustomed to. There have been many challenges in the Arts world, but I have always strived to persevere through those barriers and not allow bias, racism or colorism to deter me.
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 began my career as a singer, specializing in several different music genres, such as: Gospel, Jazz, R&B, Pop and Opera. I perform live and am a songwriter and recording artist, with my original songs, “Boss Girl Energy” and “Polarity” receiving radio play. I’m most known as a musician, but I have acted in stage plays and Musical Theatre since I was eleven years-old. This past year I decided to transition to Film & Television acting because of the many biases and difficulties that exist in the Theater world, and I have been finding much success. My first movie, Group Therapy, an Independent Thriller, premiered in September of 2024 and I have been cast in other films that are set for future release and a few that are currently in production. I am most proud of both my music and acting careers, as I’ve sung behind Opera legend, Andrea Bocelli, for the past three years, and just recently received my first IMDb credit as an actress with more credits to come! I’m especially proud and thankful for the work I’ve accomplished, since I’ve managed it all thus far without an agent! What sets me apart from others is my dedication to my craft, as well as my discipline and perseverance. At the age of nineteen I was diagnosed with epilepsy, which has definitely been a stressor as I have to take care of my health. The Entertainment Industry involves exhausting work with many hours of rehearsing and performing, often without time to get proper sleep and have meals. When I filmed Group Therapy over the course of one weekend, I not only had to stay on top of my medication, but was also recovering from a severe second-degree burn that I had to clean and dress each day. We even endured a full day of food poisoning onset, which made filming even more challenging, but through every difficulty I managed to power through and demonstrate my resilience.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I believe with great risk comes great reward. Though I’ve been performing professionally for over 23 of my 27 years of life, I only recently took the most major risk of resigning from a position in the corporate world, in order to pursue a career in Film & Television. I traded in a job that offered more financial stability for one that often gives little to no pay. I have been told that I’m chasing a “pipe dream” and have come under scrutiny for my decision to perform full-time, but had I never made that choice, I would never have experienced the many milestones I’ve achieved. I’m acting in several films and commercials, and am completely immersed in a field I’m most passionate about. I am blessed and thankful to work in the Entertainment Industry and am always willing to take the necessary risks in order to achieve my goals. I truly hope my story will inspire many others to pursue their goals relentlessly and without fear of what others will think. Sometimes in life we must encourage and uplift ourselves the most to keep moving forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.diamondfranklin.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesingingdiamond/profilecard/?igsh=bDByOGo4bWw3Ymhi
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diamond.franklin.79?mibextid=ZbWKwL
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diamond-princess-franklin-217245176/?trk=public_profile_browsemap
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/dpf10
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesingingdiamond?_t=8rzdF3OCkd4&_r=1
Image Credits
Nicole Souza