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

Donna, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I’ve definitely found joy in working regular jobs in the past. The experience taught me a lot so that when I entered the acting world, I had the two to compare. There’s a sense of structure and predictability in traditional employment that can be reassuring. However, for me, routine lacked the artistic freedom and the constant flow of creative energy that I find in my current profession. It made me appreciate the diverse challenges and rewards that come with being an artist. The stability of a regular job has its perks, but the fulfillment and passion I find in my creative endeavors are what truly make me happy.

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

I’m a Filipina Canadian actress and singer born and raised in Vancouver, BC. Growing up as an ethnic minority, I decided to make a switch from full-time singing to pursue acting in 2013 because I saw a gap in Asian representation. Since then, I have gone on to become the first Filipina lead in multiple TV movies, including Incendo’s Farmer Seeking Love, as well as guest starring on NBC’s The Good Doctor, and booking recurring roles on CW’s Supergirl and ABC’s A Million Little Things.

In addition to acting, I’m currently working on her first original album and recently released two singles that appear in the Lifetime original movie Wrath. I’m is also an avid boxer and kickboxer, having trained for 4 years at various MMA gyms in metro Vancouver.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

My social media presence really started building up from sharing authentic behind-the-scenes content. I wanted to promote the projects I worked on by providing glimpses into the fun and camaraderie we shared on set, because that’s one of the things I love most about my job. When I posted funny candid moments between my fellow cast members, this approach worked wonders because they genuinely appreciated the content and often reposted, spreading the word further. Additionally, I made a point to highlight crew members, particularly those I spent a lot of time with, such as hairstylists and makeup artists. The people behind the scenes are an integral part of my experience, and I think highlighting them also allowed my followers to connect with the film world and get to know everyone’s personalities. For anyone starting to build their social media presence, my advice is to stay true to yourself. Authenticity resonates well with audiences; the camera has a way of revealing truth, so it’s best to embrace your individuality. Share what genuinely excites you and showcases your personality, and don’t worry about pleasing everyone. There will always be negativity out there, but you will attract the audience that’s right for you. As interacting and engaging with your followers is crucial, having like-minded and positive support makes doing so much easier, and you can foster a community and build stronger connections. Additionally, focus on offering value to your followers – whether it’s entertainment, information, or a unique perspective. Ultimately, the key is to be consistent, patient — and most importantly — yourself.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is fueled by a mission to break down barriers and redefine the narrative. In 2020, I scored my first leading role during a pivotal moment in the entertainment industry – the demand for diversity was surging, spurred by the Black Lives Matter movement and the impact of the pandemic. This breakthrough marked a turning point in my career, being seriously considered to lead a movie for the first time. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of leading in three more films, something that I think shows a positive shift in the industry’s approach to POC female leads in Canada. After more than 120 years of film, doors are finally opening for Filipinas in leading roles!

My goal is to be a source of inspiration for my fellow Filipino and Asian actors, encouraging them to dream beyond the limits imposed on them by the industry. Reflecting on my own journey starting in 2013, the landscape seemed limiting beyond supporting roles for anybody who looked like me. I am beyond grateful for the opportunities that came my way and looking ahead, I believe it’s crucial to push for more diversity in every aspect of our work, from casting choices to the narratives we bring to life. I remain opumistic about the future, excited to witness the increased representation of my dark-skinned Southeast Asian sisters and brothers on screen.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.donnabenedicto.ca
• Instagram: @donna_b4real
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/officialdonnabenedicto
• Twitter: @Realest_DonnaB
• Youtube: @DonnaB4u

Image Credits
Photographer: Jason Benson Stylist: Emily Gray MUA: Kianna Lopes Hair: Danielle DeRosiers