Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Deitra Leak. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Deitra, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

First dollar earned as a creative, was when I was living in Philly. I was non union and booked a docuseries called Unfaithful: Stories Of Betrayal. One of my first big bookings starting out as an actor. I was the lead in it, my name was Woodrina. It aired on OWN! I was soooo excited about that. We shot in New York and New Jersey, we were in condos and mansions. All expenses were paid, transportation, food and payment for the booking, I had such a great time filming. I met some cool people on set as well as some of the homeowners with whom I’m still friends with today.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m from Philadelphia, Pa. I seriously started to pursue my acting career in 2010. I’ve booked numerous independent films and plays, all while I was a Pit Manager in a casino! Talk about juggling, it was great because I had an amazing boss, she would let me take off whenever I booked a job. My support system in Philly was crazy and still is to this day!

I had an opportunity to move to LA in 2013, so I took a leap of faith and did! Ten years later…I’m still here…I definitely wouldn’t change it for the world. I became a Sag-Aftra member in 2014 and stepped into the professional actor ring. By no means is it easy, you definitely have to to decide if this is what you want. There’s a lot of no’s in this industry but that one yes could change the whole trajectory of your life for the better.

I started my own production company in 2021. Creative Release Productions, so far I’ve produced a short film and a couple of pitch pilot projects. I’m still learning,..it’s definitely different from being in front of the camera and I love it!

I’m proud of all my accomplishments! This is a journey and I am here for all of it!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Wow, the most rewarding is storytelling….to get the opportunity to just be! I’ll elaborate, to get the audition, to get pinned/put on avail, and to actually book the job!!! It’s such a high, because out of, (let’s just say) at least one thousand submissions/plus, they chose you! Because YOU brought YOU to the table and there’s only one of you! As a fan of Beyoncé…I’m one of one!

Let’s not forget, inspiring others and paying it forward. Now that is very rewarding and I will continue to do that forever!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My story…I started modeling when I was 18. I decided to pursue acting years later, off and on. Met my son’s father/fiancé, settled down and had a family.

I was kinda burnt out from the casino industry that I worked in for several years and needed some kind of a guidance. So, I asked him, “Should I quit and become a registered nurse?” He said “No, do what you love and that is acting…pursue that!” Unfortunately, he passed away six months later, suddenly.

From then on, I’ve focused on my acting career and never looked back! I am very pleased with all my accomplishments and endeavors thus far!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @deeactress
• Facebook: @deitraleak

Image Credits
Isabella McNeil Photography and Myself!