What pulled you into film and TV in the first place?
I fell in love with film when my mom introduced me to movie musicals as a kid. She loved them and they opened a world for me that led a 25-year career performing musicals on Broadway, which led to also appearing in various TV and film roles. Now I’m focusing on the writing side. I have two full-length musicals that have been produced (and another on the way) as well as a TV sitcom and dramatic episodic in development.
What do you think the industry gets most wrong about women like you?
It’s still shocking to me that when a woman is strong and direct and passionate she is looked at as difficult, but when a man is the same way, he is revered. Also, as much as there is a culture of needing to have multiple creative outlets, there are still some people who don’t believe you can be really excellent at a lot of things. That’s the beauty of being a creative though, using all the gifts God gave you, not just the ones somebody else says you should use. Women in their very nature can do a lot of things well and I like to celebrate that.
What does success mean to you?
To me success is a very personal thing. It’s knowing that I’m living out my purpose every day to empower, entertain and educate others, and to be a source of strength and bravery for the human spirit. If I’m doing any form of that, I consider that a successful day. I do that through my brand The Organized Actor® which began with a bestselling book I wrote in 1994. This year I released a digital app, Organized Actor® Online, that helps actors manage the business side of their careers, from tracking auditions, bookings, contacts, income and expenses, goals and more. And my podcast, Unstoppably Creative, helps fellow creatives build their confidence so the highs and lows of a creative life are balanced by a strong belief in themselves. When I empower someone else, I feel successful.
What are you most proud of that most people don’t know about?
I suffered from extreme audition anxiety in my early years, particularly singing. So it’s still amazing to me that I overcame that and made a living singing to thousands of people a night. The pinnacle moment was performing a solo concert of my original songs in Times Square back in 2019.
What keeps you going when the industry makes it hard?
I always think it’s best to face reality for what it is, not as you wish it would be or as it used to be. So when the industry blocks me, I find a way around it. I feel like I’m a master pivoter.
For more on Leslie, check out her website: https://organizedactor.com
