We recently connected with Deborah Baum and have shared our conversation below.

Deborah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Leaving Germany to chase my dream of acting on a global stage must have been the biggest risk I’ve ever taken. I had a safe, familiar life back home, but I knew that to grow as an actor, I needed to step into the unknown — into the world’s top training programs and creative hubs. I traveled from Germany to London, New York, and Los Angeles, studying at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, and UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television. Each move felt like a high-stakes mission: new cities, new people, and the constant challenge of proving myself in unfamiliar territory.

Moving to the United States changed everything. I stepped into a completely new world with only my skills and determination to grow as an actor. It was exciting, challenging, and at times intimidating — a true test of whether I was willing to follow my passion despite the uncertainty. Looking back, it was the best decision I could have made. It opened me to truly living my life.

I learned to trust my instincts and embrace challenges as opportunities. Every leap I’ve taken has brought me closer to the actor I aspire to be: versatile, fearless, and ready for roles that push me to the edge. That’s when my journey truly began.

Deborah, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Of course! I’m Deborah Baum—actor, producer, and action hero in the making.

I grew up in Germany, where I trained in martial arts from a young age under the guidance of my father, a European and US Open Karate Champion. That foundation of discipline and physicality carries into my work as an actor today and fuels my ambition—not just to play an action hero on screen, but to become one in real life as a stunt performer as well. Building on that foundation, I trained internationally in some of the world’s top acting and stunt programs. I see myself as a vessel for the characters I play, giving them justice and making their voices heard. I gravitate toward strong, complex women who break molds and carry both power and vulnerability. For me, acting is about pushing limits—emotionally, physically, and creatively—to bring unforgettable stories to life.

At the International Stunt School in Seattle, I was inspired by the generosity and skill of the stunt performers I trained with—some of the most kind-hearted and talented people in the industry. Training alongside them gave me a glimpse of what it takes to become a true action hero—and I can’t wait to get there.

Along the way, I realized that no one hands you the perfect role or project. You have to create it yourself. That’s what led me to producing. Producing has taught me how to develop stories from the ground up, assemble the right teams, and follow a vision through. My mission is to champion projects that give women in action stories grit, depth, and humanity—proving that intelligence, strength, and vulnerability can coexist on screen.

What sets me apart is my empathy and discipline. I’d describe my brand as fearlessness—driven by the resilience to carve my own path and grounded in the emotional depth to truly connect with audiences. No one is coming to save you or do the work for you; you have to take action—in every sense of the word. My journey has been about creating opportunities where none existed, training harder than ever, and staying committed even when it’s lonely.

What I want people to know is this: I’m not just here to play characters. I want my work to move something in the world. The arts are a mirror to society—sometimes even predicting and shaping the future. Our industry has more influence than people realize. For me, acting and storytelling are vehicles for empathy, imagination, and truth. As artists, we carry the responsibility of illuminating what it means to be human.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I would say the best thing society can do to support artists — especially women — is valuing our work not just as entertainment, but as a meaningful contribution to culture and dialogue.
That means investing in training programs, safe and inclusive sets, and opportunities for women to take creative leadership, whether as actors, stunt performers, or producers. It also means making the arts more accessible. Too often, financial barriers stop talented people from pursuing creative paths or having their voices heard. Scholarships, grants, affordable training, and supportive networks can open doors for those who otherwise wouldn’t get the chance to develop their skills and tell their stories. Support also comes through mentorship and community, sharing knowledge and leading the way for those following in your footsteps.

From my experience, having access to international training and incredible mentors has made all the difference. Society can multiply that impact by creating environments where talent and ambition are met with resources, encouragement, and respect—allowing artists not just to survive, but to thrive and inspire others.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes. I’m driven by a mission to create work that challenges audiences and transforms perception — giving complex women the space to be fearless, vulnerable, and fully human.

Beyond the roles I play, I aim to inspire and open doors for others, by producing work that offers meaningful opportunities, while working to make the industry more accessible and connected for international talent.

For me, acting and storytelling are more than just performance — they’re ways to spark empathy, ignite imagination, and drive change. My goal is to move audiences, challenge perspectives, and celebrate stories of courage, resilience, and humanity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://deborahbaum.wordpress.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dj_tree21/
• Other: IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm16653365/