ANDERLYN E. SMITH
My love affair with acting bloomed from a small rivalry among elementary school friends. My two best friends won coveted lead roles in the school play, while I joined the ensemble. As I watched my friends perform on stage, I promised myself that I would join them the following year. Sure enough, “Andi Pandi” was cast as Explorer #2 in the fourth grade play. I only had two lines, but it was enough to electrify me. I was hooked!
THE MEANING OF ANDERLYN
CHRISTIAN.
STORYTELLER.
God has blessed me with an adventure that has exceeded all of my fourth grade expectations. I graduated with a B.F.A. in Acting from North Carolina A&T State University on a full scholarship. Can I get a AGGIE PRIDE? My professional acting journey includes performing at Triad Stage, North Carolina Governor’s School, The National Black Theatre Festival, and the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival as an Irene Ryan Acting nominee. I recently made my television debut in OWN’s Delilah, which filmed in my hometown of Charlotte, NC. My joy in life-long learning has enabled me to study with legends like Phylicia Rashaad. My proudest work is performing as Sophie in Lynn Nottage’s Pulitzer Prize winning play Ruined.
Acting is my lifelong partner, and with any relationship, there are worries and uncertainties. However, I coast on Belief Highway! As my father always says, I am determined to “be brave, do my best, and always show my faith.” I live by the philosophy of the beloved Frankie Day who often stated “It's not about me. It’s about the work.” I am fiercely determined to be a change agent that brings light to the world. This drives me to silence the doubt, send a prayer above, and LEAP!