We recently connected with Aurelia Gillium and have shared our conversation below.

Aurelia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I’d like to say that acting found me during one of the most trying times of my life, when we gave up everything and moved to Memphis, TN in 2017. At the time, I wanted to throw in the towel and give up after being diagnosed with PCOS and becoming seriously ill, losing so much hair, fatigued, bloated, and in pain constantly to the point it affected my work. I’d always tell jokes and perform at work in the warehouse. People would gather around and say, “You seriously need to get into acting and stand up” and I’m thinking “No, not me. I just enjoy putting a smile on people’s faces because I know what it feels like to be lonely and depressed”. One day, I finally decided to stop feeling sorry for myself and dived into the craft. I turned my pain into jokes and scripts. I would do background work to pay bills and gain experience on set. All of a sudden, it became a part of me that I couldn’t live without. I continue to train through classes, books, self-study, and watching classic films. As someone who comes from a creative and musically inclined family, it wasn’t something I saw for myself. I was always placed on stage or in the choir and I would get in trouble for not taking it seriously by telling jokes instead. I’d embarrass my family on purpose and loved every bit of it! My mother Odessa, was a model and a singer growing up. She always had us involved in the arts from singing and acting to dance. I would always be made fun of for having a deep voice, so I shied away from singing. Now it’s something that’s requested along with voice-over work for games. So, I’m forever grateful for my mother. She always told me that I’d make it and I never understood. She’s my hero. I would always sweep hair at her salon and tell jokes or perform and thought nothing of it. She’d always say “your gifts will make room for you”. Just last year, I got into stand-up after having a vivid dream back in April of 2024. I saw it all so clearly. Even down to the outfit I had on. It was the wildest thing. So, I moved on it. Here I am today! I always thought I’d grow up to be a doctor, but then I realized I’m better at making people laugh than keeping them alive. I’m grateful for my time in Memphis. That’s my second home outside of Cincinnati. Thank you to anyone that gave me a chance. Allowing me to be myself, to make mistakes, and to grow as a creative. I love my family, my friends my coaches and my agency. Thank you for loving me and seeing me.

Aurelia, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Some days I look back at the things I’ve accomplished and think “I haven’t done enough” and there are some days where I’m completely mind blown and the things I’ve done. I’ve done theatre, a Co-star role for TV-ONEs Fatal Attraction, and a decent list of films. My acting career isn’t anything that I brag on because I like to remain humble and also suffer from imposter syndrome. Although I love performing and the art of storytelling. I’m a private person and sensitive about my craft. When applying for jobs, I get nervous when it comes to background checks. Not because I have a record for rolling into 4 cars at 15. I didn’t know how to take my foot off the gas (no one was harmed but my mom’s silver Saturn), but because I’d be afraid they’d use me as a performance clown after finding me on Google and IMDb. Ever since I was a child, I’ve experienced the weirdest things, and I choose to use that to make people laugh or write a short film script. Alot of times I hear people say “hey, I needed that laugh”. I may not have a way to solve everyone’s problems but I’d love to make you forget about them, even for a short moment. I guess I am proud of myself, especially since I used to be scared of EVERYTHING as a child. Now, I feel unstoppable. That’s what sets me apart from most people. Consistency, the ability to think on my feet. and loving on everyone I meet (that rhymed, see I’m so cool). I want to continue sharing that love, energy, and creativity by telling stories through theatre, film, and stand-up. My goal for this year is to become a series regular, co-star and guest-star. I’m ready to receive all of my blessings and share with the people who need me. I want to give back to my community.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I’m a student first. Even if I’m not actively in a class, my head is in the books or studying human behavior through film and theatre. Some of the books I’ve read that have helped me as an entrepreneur and creative is “The Actors Life” by Jenna Fischer where she shares her life and the struggles of being an actor to her big breaking role in “The Office”. Truly inspiring. I took some of the tips in her book and it has helped me tremendously. If you really want to get up and go, read “The Perfect Day to Boss Up” by Rick Ross as he talks about his upbringing and his experiences coming up in the industry and how to stay afloat during the pandemic. He’s a genius and can’t wait to meet him one day. During my introduction to comedy, I invested in “The Comedy Bible” by Judy Carter who also happens to have a workbook for mapping out jokes. Of course I also study the great teachers who came before us all, Meisner, Stella Adler, Uta Hagen, Stanislavski (one of my favorite methods). There is no cookie cutter way to become a great actor or anything you plan to pursue in this life. It just takes consistency, studying, investing in yourself and staying true to who you are.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

When I’m set on a goal, I’m locked in and focused. It’s always annoyed some friends and family to the point where I don’t even get invited anywhere. They say, “You’re always doing that acting and comedy stuff”. Those are the things that bring me pure joy and have saved my life. I’ve never been the one to party or hang out. As a matter of fact, my first concert and last ever in life was the “On The Run Tour” with Beyonce and Jay-Z in 2014 at the Great American Ballpark. I’m 30 now… you do the math. I wouldn’t change it for anything, though. When people see an actor “blow up overnight” they don’t see all of the years put in, the “no’s”, the tears, almost giving up, investing in headshots or classes over having that new trending shoe or outfit, hanging out at the bar or even missing a meal because we are just that passionate. It’s like putting towards savings. It feels like you’re suffering at the moment, but you will thank yourself in the long run when the hard work finally pays off. It takes discipline and consistency. It’s not about who’s the prettiest or who has the most talent. It truly is about sacrifice. What are you willing to give up to create a better life for yourself, your family, your community, and the people looking up to you?
The simple things in life make me happy anyway. Playing pool, going bowling, family time, and entertaining people. If you have a dream, go for it. Don’t sit back and wait for something to fall in your lap. Put in the work and watch what happens. Look at your life as a garden. Remove the weeds that suffocate you from flourishing.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @theaureliag
• Facebook: The Aurelia G
• Other: TikTok: @theaureliag

Image Credits

Ovations Entertaintment
K.I.P Designs (Maria Cavallaro) for my comedy flyer

Skatephi Media for my modeling and headshot photos

TVone for my scene clip

Aaryn & Anaria McFadden for my stand-up show photo