We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dianna King a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dianna , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I got my first taste of performing on a stage when I was just 2 years old. I grew up dancing all over California and ended up on Star Search with Ed Mcmahon in 1992 with the dance group: Slick and the Dimples. We were on for 6 shows before we finally lost in the finals. I then signed with Bobby Ball Agency and started booking music videos, commercials and did some print modeling. I knew at that point I wanted to be a performer and pursue my dream of becoming a triple threat (Dancing, singing, and acting)! I knew my passions were different from others at school so it was hard fitting in and feeling like I was one of the kids. I took a break right before high school so I could be “normal” and experience high school life like my peers. I knew I always wanted to be a mom first, so I ended up getting married and starting a family. This passion never left my soul and it in fact grew so big that I had to jump back in. Besides knowing I would be a mom someday, I felt the same about performing. I just KNEW it was my calling. I am now represented by Peter Yanke with Phirgun Mair and Heather Roy with Nesian Management! I just wrapped a supporting role in a feature film that will be released soon, in 2024! I absolutely love to entertain people and just seeing the joy and excitement on peoples’ faces is enough for me to be here for the long haul!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

As I stated above, I just KNEW I was meant to be in this industry. I remember when I was working in the “corporate world” and one day it just hit me… WHAT AM I DOING? I am not happy! There has to be something bigger out there! This can’t just be it, can it? I miss dancing and acting on stages… I felt free when I was dancing and acting. I felt like SOMEBODY. It feeds my soul! I am so proud of the woman I am today because the woman in the “corporate world” was insecure and let fear keep her from her dreams. I had to go through a rough stage in life where I had to learn to trust myself and believe in myself even if nobody else did. I have an amazing husband who is very supportive of what I do and I am forever grateful to have that because I know it’s rare. In 2023, I started a podcast called, ‘Blonde Ambitions Podcast’ where I interview entertainment industry professionals, do mental health check-ins, and inspire/help others to follow their passions in life. I am so proud of this podcast because I have self produced it from the ground up and I speak a lot about getting yourself on that other side of fear! I know how hard that road is and I hope by using my platform on ‘Blonde Ambitions’, I am igniting a fire within others to get out and go get the life they have always dreamed of!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Being a kid performer, I think I grew up constantly trying to find acceptance. It was always hard to feel like I was good enough in life as a person and a performer. That feeling definitely stayed with me well into my adulthood and I struggled for a long time finding my answers within. I looked at others to give me that stamp of approval. It was almost like, “Yay! They like me!” I had to dig deep within myself to find the strength to trust myself and BE ME. I often went back and forth deciding if I should keep pursuing my dream… Who wants to watch a MOM in her 30’s perform on stage? WHAT AM I DOING? Those were my insecurities talking and it was also my need for acceptance coming through. Then I would look at who has inspired me… Pink, Beyonce, Britney, Erika Jayne, Whitney, Jlo, etc… All middle aged moms! These women are literal ICONS so why am I minimizing myself and my talent? The lesson being that it goes beyond ‘who cares what others think?’ Let’s take that one step further and normalize that It is about US and the way we speak to OURSELVES. I learned to speak to myself kindly and it switched up my mindset tremendously! WE contain the courage, strength and trust within, it’s just finding it and using it to your fullest potential! Keep following those dreams. They’re in your heart for a reason!

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Oh, how hindsight is 20/20! Unfortunately in this business, there is a lot of gate keeping. I came across a woman on Instagram about 4 years ago and I had no idea that she would change my life. She is a talent manager from LA, acting business coach, mentor, and a previously successful singer amongst the many other amazing hats she wears. Her name is Wendy Alane Wright. She’s the founder of The Hollywood Winners Circle Academy. HWC is a fantastic program for actors of any level and it provides SO MUCH information that is normally not shared. Wendy keeps it real and she teaches us how to navigate through this business in a professional and highly effective manner. I wish I had Wendy in my corner in the 90’s or even just 10 years ago! Since Wendy has become my mentor, I have learned the business like the back of my hand, my package is amazing and I have found a top notch community where I feel comfortable in my own skin. If you’re an actor struggling to find direction, I highly recommend HWC! I have a discounted price sign up link in my IG profile for anyone out there needing guidance! I am so grateful for Wendy and the other fantastic coaches and mentors at HWC.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/diannaking
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/diannakingofficial

Image Credits
@hdjmediaspotlight