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

Alright, Sallieu thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I learned to do what I do by going to class. I started in Theatre in College. I started at Washington State University doing plays. Taking classes where we would read plays, watch films and then have class discussions. I always had a strong opinion and something to say. The things I said carried weight with many in class and it was compelling. My thoughts and feelings really moved people because I believed in my interpretations.

To speed up my learning process, I would have taken even more classes, read eve more books, traveled to New York and watched live Broadway shows. I would have partied less and had more self discipline with delayed gratification being my principle belief.

Self discipline has been an essential skill. Reading. Journaling and self reflection have all been extremely important. I think the only real obstacle has been myself. Poor decisions. Perhaps wanting to fit in with the crowd and others. Fear of missing out.

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

I was born in Sierra Leone West Africa and at 3 years old, my younger brother Abdul and I flew to the states with an uncle of ours. Uncle Frank may his soul rest in peace. Here we lived with our dad for several years before our mom joined us. My parents stayed married till I was about 15 when my Dad left. I was a troubled teen, always fighting, getting arrested and in general having issues.

When I went to the University I discovered the Theatre, finally something I could do well and not get in trouble for. Something I discovered on my own and was celebrated for being a part of. I found my tribe of people. Those who didn’t fit in but reflected all of the people in the real world with all their intricacies.

I knew though that the life of an artist could be hard and with encouragement for my mother I ended up with a degree in nursing and many theatre credits which I graduated with. Shortly after graduating I had my beautiful daughter Ayessatou and then son Sallieu. My two biggest inspirations. I moved to LA and have been here ever since training with the Legendary Ivana Chubbuck for whom Halle Berry thanks when she won her Oscar for Monsters Ball. I’ve also done improv and audition technique classes to help facilitate my growth. I’ve had some very big bookings, most notably MANODROME a film which stars Adrien Brody (Oscar winner for The PIano) Jesse Eisenberg, and Myself.

I contine to work extremely hard to assemble even more people to my team. I’ve got Publicists now for the first time in my career. I’ve traveled to France on special invitation to attend the Cannes film festival. I’ve gone to Berlin Germany where MANODROME had it’s world premier and Red Carpet. I’ve gone to Italy (Rome and The Amalfi Coast).

Up to date information can be found on my web page. Salliuesesay.com. I’m also on Instagram: Sallieu Sesay | Artist.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an Artists is the final product. Surprising myself with a performance that moves even me. I’m not here to impress anyone but if I can impress myself, I’m sure it will resonate with others. Also, being a father, knowing that all of my work will be left behind for my children to see and experience.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes. I would love for my peers to recognize my work. I would love to win Oscars, Emmy’s, Golden Globes and SAG Awards. I would love to do broadway. Tennesse Williams, David Mamet and August Wilson.

Contact Info:

• Website: sallieusesay.com
• Instagram: Sallieu Sesay | Artist
• Facebook: Sallieu Sesay
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallieu-sesay-0192a570/
• Twitter: @iamsallieusesay
• Youtube: Sallieu Sesay
• Other: IMDb: imdb.me/sallieusesay

Image Credits
Guido Venitucci David M. Bennet