We were lucky to catch up with Melanie Byron recently and have shared our conversation below.

Melanie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue an acting and musical career goes so far back that I can’t even remember. My parents told me that they named me after the character Melanie, played by Oscar winner Olivia de Havilland, in the movie “Gone with the wind”. Apparently, they were watching the movie at home and my mom, who was pregnant with me at the time, felt my first kick during the scene where the character of Melanie is giving birth to her child in the film. So, that was basically a sign from the Universe, as to what I came here to do in this life. When I was about 5 years old my parents took me to see The Rockettes at Radio City, and it was during their Christmas show…so I ran up to the stage and my dad had to run after me because I was singing along and yelling that Santa wanted me to sing with him. From that day forward, It has been game on regarding my artistic career. My parents always nurtured my artistic nature and have been nothing but supportive throughout my evolution as an artist and my artistic career, I knew at a very early age that acting and music would be my profession. There was never and never will be a plan B. I always stuck to and will stick to Plan A…which is my artistic career.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a bilingual American/PuertoRican actress, singer/songwriter and television host. I’ve had success in both the American and Latin American markets. I began my professional studies at UCF, BFA in theater. During that time, I was given the opportunity to attend Sagrado Corazón University in Puerto Rico and study Spanish Theatre. This was followed by a two year move to London, England, where I attended both The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), and The Central School of Speech and Drama focusing on Shakespearean theater courses. Shortly after, I moved to NYC and became a member of the Puerto Rican Traveling Theater Company. I also became an intern and attended workshops at The Actor’s Studio (NYC). While in NYC, I studied soap opera techniques with Phoebe Rosenberg Jones, acting for film with film director John Gallagher, and dance at The Broadway Dance Center.

My big break came when I was cast as the host for a live two hour TV show, “The Roof”, which aired on Mun2/Telemundo. I later moved on to host “Da’ Klick” which aired on Galavisión and “Flow Zone” which aired on CTV. Besides hosting, I also got to apply my production skills by writing and producing my own, on location, segments. Around this time, I also hosted various live concerts and both The Billboard Bash and The Latin Billboard Bash back to back. Venturing into the editorial world, I later became the editor in chief of The Source Latino Magazine and wrote my own column in The Source Magazine, “Island Hoppin'”. During this time I joined SAG-AFTRA, which was a huge milestone in my career! I’m also a professional singer/songwriter and a member of MBMV, a duo founded by me and my musical partner, Mark Antonio de Villiers. MBMV is a fusion of pop | latin pop with R&B nuances.

As far as acting continues to go, thanks to Wendy Alane Wright and her HWC business course for actors, I was able to take my career to the next level. Through her course, I was introduced to the best acting coaches Hollywood has to offer! I studied different acting techniques with Howard Fine, Margie Haber and film director Gil Junger…just to name a few.

As a performer, I’m self employed, and I love the freedom and the perks that come with it. Having this freedom, allows me to be more creative and grounded, thus giving me the energy and confidence to perform at the highest level.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

This is a great question! The main books that significantly impacted my life were the following:

“A Dream of Passion” by Lee Strasberg, and “An Actor prepares” by Constantin Stanislavsky, which is a must read for every single aspiring actor.

As far as building my brand and business as an artist…I owe that to my mentor, Wendy Alane Wright and her business course for actors, HWC. HWC is a game changer, and it completely changed the game for me. Before joining HWC, I literally had no idea how to navigate the game for long term success…but now I do! HWC is a must join for every single aspiring actor, and working actor that wants to advance their career.

Regarding music, being consistent ever since I was a kid with voice lessons, has been imperative in my journey as a singer. I’ve been studying voice for the past 10 years consistently with my music partner, who also happens to be the best voice teacher I have ever come across, Mark Antonio de Villiers!

Regarding Philosophy, I’m spiritual and also a practitioner of Nichiren Buddhism. I love the philosophy and chanting “Nam myoho renge Kyo” changed my life. The mystic law of cause and effect is every cause has an effect. Nichiren believed this would lead all living beings to enlightenment in their current lifetime. This is about respecting all living beings as well! This philosophy has grounded me, lifted me and it’s my spiritual compass.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the love, feedback and recognition you get from your fans,

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3239196/
• Instagram: @melaniebyron1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melaniebyrontv/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbmvmusic/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MelanieByron
• Other: https://www.reverbnation.com/MBMVduo

Image Credits

Mark Antonio de Villiers
Telemundo/Mun2
Lady Luck Productions