We recently connected with Melissa Denize and have shared our conversation below.

Melissa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I’ve always been a creative soul—the kid who put on shows at every family gathering, lived for weekend dance lessons, and thrived in storytelling contests. When it came time to choose a high school, I knew I wanted to explore the arts, so I auditioned for Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, convinced it was my first step toward becoming a backup dancer for Missy Elliott.

Then, at the school’s open house, my mom suggested we check out the drama department. It had never crossed my mind—I was a dancer! But the moment I stepped into that black box theater, something clicked. It felt like fireworks going off. My mom and I dove headfirst into preparation, borrowing monologue books from the library and rehearsing tirelessly. Audition day arrived, and I performed with everything I had. Weeks later, I came home to find a thick envelope from Frank Sinatra—I’d been accepted into the drama department. My father couldn’t have been prouder, calling his friends to boast that his daughter was going to be a star.

Every day of Freshman year I fell more in love with acting—it felt both new and completely natural. But during Christmas break, everything changed. My father suffered a fatal heart attack, and my world shattered. The only place I found solace was the stage. Acting became my refuge, my healing, my purpose. From that moment on, there was no doubt—this was what I was meant to do.

When it came time for college, I set my sights on The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Once again, my mom and I prepared monologues, rehearsed relentlessly, and when audition day arrived, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be. Conservatory training opened my eyes—not just to the craft, but to the realities of the industry. I learned about typecasting and the limited roles available for people who looked like me. Playing maids, mammies, and slaves wasn’t why I fell in love with acting, but I knew I had to fight for richer, more complex stories.

Since graduating, I’ve continued that fight. I’m still learning, still growing, and still completely in love with acting. And I know, without a doubt, I will be until the day I die.

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

Hi, I’m Melissa Denize, an actor and plus-size model passionate about bringing authentic, diverse stories to life. My journey into acting started with dance, but the moment I stepped into a black box theater, I knew this was my calling. As a Black, plus-size woman in the industry, I’m committed to breaking barriers and creating space for more inclusive narratives.

I’m also the co-founder of MaJGic Productions, a company I started with my best friends Gaby Roy and James Gamble. We tell stories that highlight diversity, adversity, and social injustices—always with a touch of comedy and entertainment. I’m incredibly proud to have been cast in national campaigns, commercials, and TV spots my mom can actually watch after all her support.

At the end of the day, I love this craft, and I want to share that love with the world—whether through my performances or the stories we create.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

As a professional actress, plus model and emerging writer my mission is to bring my ability to deeply connect with characters and audiences ,and using my insights as a performer to complement my growing voice as a storyteller, allowing me to create authentic, relatable narratives for marginalized groups.

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

I think society can support artists and creatives by showing up! Consume the content! Be open to receiving new messages, and engage. Giving money when you can is always greatly appreciated, but getting enough eyes on something, can help get funding to produce more. also think when being exposed to more, society changes their mind, and if we stop putting people in boxes, creatives can really thrive!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @denizecinette

Image Credits

Photographer: Margherita Andreani
Makeup Artist: Brenda Garcia Jaramillo, Shelee Reynolds
Creative Director: Nick Luis we