We recently connected with Vanessa Thorpe and have shared our conversation below.

Vanessa, appreciate you joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

What did my parents do right and how has that impacted my life and career? Wow! What’s funny about this question is that the older I get, the more I find out how “right” they were about everything. How it led me to this moment right here?

Don’t tell them that. They’re already hard enough to deal with, lol. My parents always said, “Don’t be in such a hurry to grow up.” I never really knew what that meant until I was out of the house. That was definitely a wake-up call.

I lived in a home where there were rules. Honestly, there were rules for everything and at the time, it was, “Why do I have to do this? Why do I have to do that? My friends do whatever they want.” Now, let’s be clear, I never said those words out loud because that would be the quickest way to get my butt beat. There wasn’t any questioning. If my parents said to do something, you did it. You didn’t give them lip, even if it was under your breath.

You did not talk back. You said “please and thank you,” and it was always “Mr. or Mrs.” when speaking to your elders; always show respect. You did your chores, and you went to Sunday School and Church. The Home Mission was your volunteerism. Right is right, and wrong will always be wrong, no matter who you are. You never went to a party unless you were invited (that meant a physical and not a verbal invitation), did not “sleepover” at people’s houses, never left your street while playing outside, and did not borrow. Education: You have to be 100% smarter and work 100% harder to be considered half as good; you never stop learning, and you’re going to college.

Nothing is going to be handed to you. If you said you were going to do something… speak up, speak out, you did it. When the “porch light” came on, it was time to go home; now, if that light was on for longer than my parents thought it should be, that meant you weren’t where you were supposed to be, followed by “this is going to hurt me more than it’s going to hurt you!” If you had a dollar and your sister had nothing, you both had fifty cents. Always protect those who can’t protect themselves. If you and your friends went out together, you came home together. And always know you are loved. Now, this is just a tiny sample because as I grew up, more was asked of me.

By being who they are, here’s what they did right produced: My faith is real. I am a child of God. Family is everything. Service to others is how I can be a faithful Christ follower. Their rules gave me structure, discipline, and follow-through. My word is my bond. If I start something, I will finish. No matter how long it takes (that screenplay won’t write itself)! Really, what it comes down to is my parents set me up for success (define that how you’d like). They gave me the tools to go after what I want and stand up for my beliefs. To know that life isn’t fair, people are human, and bad things happen. Yet, I continue to fight to be seen and to tell my story. For that, I am grateful.

Vanessa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

How did I know I would end up on this journey? This Path? Sometimes, things just land on your heart, and no matter how you try to shake it, it’s glue. Now, to be honest, I’m not sure how hard I tried to shake it.

I grew up at Metropolitan Baptist Church, where my grandmother was one of its founders. I spent a lot of time in the church. Every year, on Easter and Christmas we would have pageants. I remember it like it was yesterday. Mom constantly rehearsing with me. I’m standing there on the pulpit in my white dress, ringlets in my hair, yellow bow, patent leather shoes, and looking out into the congregation. “Jesus Wept,” I announced. Curtsied, and the congregation clapped. Maybe that’s where the “bug” came from, but if you ask my parents, I have always had the bug.

Now, when it comes to photography in my life, this is easy. My dad loved photography to the point he put a darkroom in our house. Because he loved it, I loved it. I learned everything I know from my dad and that Pentax camera. I still love shooting film in black and white. If I had my druthers, every image would be just that.

When it comes to writing, I guess that starts with passing notes and my Strawberry Shortcake diary. There’s something about the deliciousness of secrets.

At my core, I’m a storyteller. The vehicle I use to tell stories may change, but at the heart of who I am and what I do is based on story. I think what sets me apart is that each medium informs the other. The analytical part as a writer steps in when I’m breaking down a scene. The photographer aspect allows me to visualize what’s on the page.

As a photographer shooting a client, it’s a collaboration; as all things are, we work together to get what the client needs. Having a “character” and their qualities helps tell the story if I’m shooting a “living in the moment” series because that’s what I’m doing, capturing a “moment.” The writing comes in because I give them a homework assignment to answer questions that help me peel back the layers of what they say they want.

As a poet, lyricist, or narrative writer, my acting plays a huge role. It keeps it honest, as I can visualize the person and their actions and movements.

God has blessed me to do what I love, even if, at times, it was on the periphery of that “9-5” job. The hustle is real, and so is the struggle. But I learned from my parents and siblings to keep moving forward. Sometimes in life, you have to do the things you don’t want to do to be able to do what you want to do. Now, honestly, that is not something you want to hear. Often, the “truth” is like that. That’s why it’s essential to surround yourself with people that tell you the truth. I have that, and I’m blessed.

As a proud member of Actors’ Equity and SAG-AFTRA, I have been able to act in Shakespeare to SNL and everything in between. I look forward to continuing that exploration of roles in different mediums, from comedy to drama. But I have to say, making people laugh fills my heart. I’m also thrilled to be a part of a new series “The Giant.” I have the opportunity to originate the role of “Deputy Dale,” we begin filming in 2025.

I have photographed footballers to “Hall of Famers.” I am a published poetess and have written lyrics for Mercedes Benz, short films, and a feature.”

I started in the theatre, and I am so grateful because it is my foundation in acting. It was a learning curve transitioning into film and television. If I heard, “You’re too big!” one more time, I was going to show them what “big” really was. It was a soul-crushing moment when the teacher yelled those words at me. My parents taught me to “never let them see you cry.” I pushed those tears down until class was over, and when I was alone, I let them rip.

Dang! What the hell? I paid money for that? Now listen, this was after college, after conservatory. It was the real world. I didn’t want any part of it. The theatre never treated me like that. I counted on my friends and teachers. I made some calls. Once they talked me off the ledge, they explained what the teacher meant, as they had gone through similar experiences. I said, “Why didn’t she just say that?”

That moment taught me everything. I speak to be understood and to understand. As an SME (Subject Matter Expert) at Verizon, I learned that when I taught systems training, you have to teach the 90%, not the 10%. By now, you know that didn’t sit well with me. I understood the concept; however, the data doesn’t explain why the 10% aren’t getting it. What I realized and what I know to be true is that we all learn differently.

Instead of saying “you’re too big” ad nauseam, break it down to what that means for the medium. So, after people talked me into returning to the class I paid for and before it was my turn, I said, “Can you please explain to me what ‘too big’ means? This is my first class that isn’t theatre and I’d like to know.” She took a moment and explained. For the first time, I didn’t want to cry or break her neck. Sometimes, you have to meet people where they are.

When people hire me, I meet them where they are, and they get three for one, and that is something I’m proud of. I want them to have a “lived” experience in front of the lens. I want to bring “life” to every character I play and speak “truth” into every word I write. That is how I honor the “story.”

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

I honestly love being an artist, telling stories, and shining a light on the humanity and struggles we all have that are seen and unseen. That’s where great storytelling comes from and how we change perception, and if I can make you laugh in the process…even better.

Storytelling is done by making you feel, making you laugh, cry, shout out, or act out. However it manifests, you can affect change, which is beautiful. Its advocacy in action. That’s what good storytelling can do.

As an actor, writer, and photographer, I take the written words off the page. I capture family dynamics, love, hate, laughter, betrayal, joy, loneliness, kindness, and self-worth through my lens. For me, it’s an honor and a privilege to shine the light so the world can be moved and changed. People need to know they are seen.

That’s why I act, why I write. It is why I take images as a photographer. I’m drawn to stories. My stories, their stories. I capture their spirit in a moment when they think no one is watching. They are just being, not putting on a face, just being. When I capture that, act that, or write that, it is a thing of beauty.

Seeing the undiscovered beauty in each of us brings joy and a sense of community and freedom. Who doesn’t want to be free just to be and live your best life? I know that’s what I want, and having to go through some shit is how to get there.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

This question is probably the easiest of all. Let me share “Mary’s Heart” with you. I’m in LA for a Convention. Having lived there previously, I walk. I like to walk. I’m in the 90210 neighborhood, and I happen to like Gelson’s. I go in, pick up a few things, and head back to the hotel.

I have my camera, and as I walk— I stop and talk to many people on the walk. But Mary, she was special. She was carrying maybe six or seven bags with her. I saw her from a distance, and I went up to her and asked, “May I take your picture?”

She said, “I’m not beautiful!” I snapped an image and showed her. She said, “I’ve never had my picture taken.” Well, now you have. She smiled. She asked, “Are you from here?” I said, “No, from NY, out here for a Convention.” We talked about our journeys in life as we stood at the intersection of Santa Monica Blvd. and the Avenue of the Stars. Somehow, we started talking about church and if I went. She then said, “Are you a Christian? You must be a Christian.” I said, “Yes, but why?” She said, “You have a lovely energy. I, too, am a Christian.” She then started digging into her purse and took out money.

As some tourists passed by, they looked at me and then her and tried to figure it out. I said, “No, I’m good.” She said would you please put it in the offering plate.” I said of course, and I will say a prayer as well. Then she asked if I would send her the picture. Absolutely. She said, “I’m from New York and still have family there. I went to Hunter College and studied biochemistry.” That’s awesome. We spent more time talking about her family and life. She thanked me and asked if I’d join her for dinner. I said, “I’d love to, but unfortunately, I have to decline because I’m on a convention schedule.” I thanked her for her kindness and wished her well. She did the same.

Connections.

No judgment.

Kindness.

Mary, you are a beautiful soul, and I celebrate you.

That’s why I do what I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vanessathorpe.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplyvthorpe/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplyvthorpe/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-thorpe-b0727847/
• Other: Photography Website: https://simplyvphotography.com/Instagram Photography: https://www.instagram.com/vanessa.r.thorpe

Mary’s Heart Taken by me

Saturday Night Live

Vanilla Chai by Lisa Monacelli

Unseen

My photography sample

My photography sample

My photography sample