The Actors Lounge

Mahdi Cocci currently stars in the BET+ series “Bruh,” a 30-min comedy series from powerhouse producer Tyler Perry, which celebrates black male brotherhood.  Cocci also co-stars in the NETFLIX romantic comedy feature THE LOVEBIRDS opposite Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani, which is now streaming.

BET+ series “Bruh” examines the contemporary world of dating, career, and friendship through the lens of four African American men with a brother-like bond. Cocci plays Tom, a doctor with lady problems, but he is also the glue that holds the group together.  “Bruh” Seasons 1 and 2 can be streamed on BET+, and they have been renewed for a third season.

THE LOVEBIRDS is a rom-com from Paramount/Netflix that tells the story of couple Jibran (Nanjiani) and Leilani (Rae), who on the brink of breaking up, get unintentionally embroiled in a bizarre murder mystery. Cocci portrays Keith, a coworker to Leilani, whose friendship with Leilani causes Jibran to be jealous. Originally scheduled to premiere at SXSW, the film is now streaming on Netflix.

Cocci was born in Minneapolis, MN, and was raised by his mother, Stephanie. Education was always emphasized growing up, and Mahdi earned a full Navy ROTC scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh. He put his burgeoning modeling career on hold to serve as an officer in the Navy upon graduation. After serving honorably, Cocci shifted gears and pursued a career in acting. His first professional credit was earned on the TV series, Dynasty, in 2018, roles on other network shows soon followed, including The Gifted, The Resident, MacGyver and more. Mahdi will appear in recurring roles in The Terminal List, Games People Play, and an upcoming Marvel project in 2022.

Caroline Harris is an actor from Chicago who is currently based in Los Angeles. Caroline's recent TV credits include WESTWORLD (HBO), AMERICAN GIGOLO (Showtime), BRUH (BET+), and SHOOK (Disney Youtube). Feature credits include a supporting role in HAPPIEST SEASON (Sony) and a leading role in DASHING IN DECEMBER (Paramount Network). Caroline is a graduate of Northwestern University and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).

Philadelphia/ South Jersey native, Ashley Monique Harper was born on June 10th. Both the acting and tennis bugs bit her at nine years old. She began her career interning at radio stations in Philadelphia and hosting radio shows while attending college at Morgan State University. She later transferred to St. John's University, in New York, from where she would ultimately graduate with her bachelor's degree. While there, she began her hosting career. She attended both schools on a full tennis scholarship.

Best described as witty, sarcastic and humorous; her talent, girl next door looks and welcoming smile have landed her roles in Netflix series', on BET stages and Disney shows alike. Throughout the years of her career, Harper has worked on voice overs, promos, independent films, print ads and served as a correspondent for many MTV Networks programs. Ashley is best known for her role of Jean Peterson on Tyler Perry's 'The Oval' (2020) on BET Networks.

When she's not in front of the camera, Harper can be found behind it, with her DSLR draped around her neck, taking photos of your favorite's favorites. A true content creator, her shooting eye is always open.

There is one main goal... Ashley desires to continue to passionately and enthusiastically tell people's stories; the good, bad, ugly and the funny ones.

The exciting talent of Alyssa Goss was quickly discovered by the ABC Discovers program in 2016. From the program Alyssa Goss quickly started working and found herself in the BET Mini-series THE BOBBY BROWN STORY - the successful follow up the the groundbreaking mini-series THE NEW EDITION STORY.

Alyssa starred as the ethereal yet complex Alicia Etheridge (Bobby Brown’s current and long term wife) opposite Woody McClain who once again portrayed Bobbie Brown. Alyssa brought her talents to portray strength with heart and was singled out as a grounding performance.

Additionally, Alyssa eager to exercise her comedy skills, moved to the female lead in the MTV Productions HOW HIGH 2. In the fun and irreverent comedy Alyssa relished her ability to be a comedic artist while at the same time providing a grounded performance.

Since wrapping a Recurring Role on BET+'s RUTHLESS, Guest Starring on CBS's NCIS, and a Lead in Black++ Production's indie film HATSHEPSUT, Selina is becoming a recognizably distinct actor.

Before Recurring on RUTHLESS, Selina Guest Starred on Paul Feig's FRANCES 2.0, Dr. Dre's VITAL SIGNS, STITCHERS on Freeform and MARRIED on FX. Most recently, her coaching clients have successfully booked a Series Regular role on STARZ's B.M.F., a top-of-show Guest Star on NCIS, and a Guest Star on SHAMELESS & BOSCH.

Originally from Buffalo NY, Selina majored in Broadcast Journalism from Buffalo State College. She started her career as a VJ & radio personality for 93.7 WBLK, the #1 radio station for Hip-Hop & R&B in Buffalo. She has studied and worked in Los Angeles for almost a decade and has been invested in and worked with Graham Shiels Studios since 2015.

Actor, Model, Athlete, Stunt Performer, From Winston-Salem North Carolina. Jejuan was a full time football & basketball player through grade school earning him a football scholarship. Starting with modeling at 16 for a local clothing line, then on going appearing in numerous music videos. Jejuan has made no stoppage since that point. From starting as a background extra on Drop Dead Diva & other hit shows to being a stand in & stunt double on films like Ant Man, Sleepless Nights, & AtlantaFX series over the years. Involved In Writing & Directing films in which he directed "Walk A Mile" which starred himself & other cast mates that he met alongside of networking. The film has been featured in numerous film festivals and other movie screenings gaining notice. Traveling across the country Between Atlanta GA, & Los Angeles , CA throughout the years, He has made no stoppage in pursuing his growth as an actor. Utilizing Modeling, & creative control with his projects to continue to pursuit his craft.

Candice Renée is an L.A. native who spent half of her life in New York. Candice began her acting career at age 12 when she booked her first play while training. After that, there was no turning back.

She received an acting degree while in New York. These skills have helped land her recent roles on Black Jesus on Adult Swim, and the most recent seasons of both Westworld and Insecure on HBO where she plays Condola's best friend.  She was recently seen in the feature film, BODIED produced by Eminem. Candice is currently a series regular on Tyler Perry's Bruh, playing the no-nonsense Regina and can be heard on the upcoming season of Archer on FX.

Experience the journey to an Oscar with celebrity acting coach Carnetta Jones. Her unique approach is borne out of 20 years in the entertainment industry. Carnetta was bitten by the acting bug at the age of 12 after sneaking into her father's rehearsal of the musical, Bye Bye Birdie. Recognizing her excitement, he arranged for the director to give her a part. This started a journey that took her from the stage to the big screen. Along the way she worked with great directors like Oliver Stone and Tyler Perry, and with great actors like Meagan Good, Taryn Manning, Kim Whitley, Guy Torry, Bill Bellamy, Faune Chambers, Tasha Smith, Malika & Khadijah, Kirk Franklin, and Macy Gray (pictured below). She also transitions comedians, singers, and musicians into professional actors.

Carnetta succeeds with her own “natural” technique: a powerful blend of Susan Batson, Meisner and Stanislavski. She tailors an individual plan that strengthens weaknesses and builds ones strengths. In addition to private and set coaching, she conducts seminars, workshops and webinars.

Carnetta's success didn’t happen over night!  She received her baccalaureate from the Claremont Colleges and her Master's from UCLA. In college she honed her craft through performance and education which led her to writing, directing and acting in plays and film. This led to teaching acting to everyone who asked for her expertise- college students, children, adults and seniors. These experiences prepared her to coach celebrities on studio lots and many unique locations! Carnetta's evolution of impartation continues to expand as she prepares to use her unique approach to introduce Hollywood-style acting to Japan.

Carnetta resides with her husband and three daughters in Southern California.

Born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, Barry Brewer began his career as a stand-up comedian in 2002 when he was just a teenager. Originally getting his start performing at local churches, Brewer perfected his craft performing in comedy clubs throughout Chicago before moving to Los Angeles in 2004. Brewer's early success came from televised comedy competitions such as Bill Bellamy's Who's Got Jokes on TV One alongside his peers, Tiffany Haddish and Lil Rel Howery and Comedy Dynamics' comedian showcase, Coming to the Stage.

Brewer is best known for his stand-up comedy special, Chicago I'm Home, streaming on Amazon Prime. He currently stars in Tyler Perry's Bruh and recently had a recurring role on the BET series, Games People Play. He appeared in Kevin Hart's Netflix show, Kevin Hart's Guide to Black History, as well as Tru TV's Laff Mobb's Laff Tracks and Comedy Central's Gabriel Iglesias Presents Stand Up Revolution.

 In addition to his comedy, Brewer is an accomplished musician, songwriter and music producer. He has worked with numerous artists including Brandy, Ray J and Tank and has recorded two studio albums.

Liz LaFontant is a Haitian-American Actress native to Orlando, FL. She attended the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL to receive her Bachelors in Public Health in the midst of pursuing a career as a Model and soon after an Actress. Liz has worked on projects such as Killroy Was Here, Tyler Perry’s The Oval, and Tyler Perry’s Bruh as a recurring Guest Star which will be premiering on May 27th.   She studied at Performer’s Studio Workshop, Andi Matheny Acting Studio, Russ Blackwell, and The American Stage. She recently relocated to Los Angeles to pursue acting full-time but continues to work in other markets.

Abercrumbie, a stalwart of the Chicago stage, is known more widely for her television roles on “The Chi” created by awarding wining, Chicago native,  Lena Waithe. The Chi entering it’s forth season. Set to begin May 23, 2021. Abercrumbie plays Nina Williams, mother of two teenagers played by Birgundi Baker (Kiesha) and Alex Hibert (Kevin), together they face more than their fair share of challenges as residents of Chicago’s south side. Abercrumbie has regularly appeared in programs over the past several years including, Proven Innocent, Easy, ChicagoPD, ChicagoMed, Girlfriend Experience, Shrink, Unexpected, The Animator - to name a few.She has acted at Court, Goodman, Northlight, Victory Gardens and Chicago Shakespeare, among other regional theaters.  A talented writer, Director,  she is the inaugural  recipient  of The North Side’s Raven Theater $25,000 new-play initiative. Her  play “Relentless” formally scheduled to open at Timeline Theatre last May before the pandemic shutdown is currently in negotiations for a winter date this season. She is also slated to direct a postponed world premiere “The Last Pair of Earlies” at Raven, this fall. Her favorite quote to live by -

“I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence.” -  Frederick  Douglass

From the artist...

Because 2020 is the best show ever written, I’ll use it to highlight my experiences and multi-cultural sensibilities.

I spent the last weeks of 2019 writing a comedy feature. Having spent most of that year battling depression, I was trying to write my way out of it. I entered the new year working on a rewrite, as well as a new comedy pilot. I was optimistic, determined and prepared for some wins.

Then Covid-19 hit.

I didn’t fear the illness as I successfully battled the flu. And quite frankly, the only thing that scared me more than finding a lump in my breast was the surgery to have it removed. It’s felt much easier to keep something from getting into my body than to having to get something out. Certainly, I could wear a mask and wash my hands.

Then outside closed.

I was relieved at first. I was scheduled for three weddings and a baby shower that I didn’t want to attend, all before June. Now I had time to write with no interruptions. But the walls started closing in. It was a familiar feeling. Around 2010, during my first stint in Los Angeles, I had a bachelor apartment in Hollywood. I only left home for necessities. I had no car and no money, and it was too hot to run through tourists on Hollywood Blvd chasing the metro. LA residents spend roughly $75 every time they leave the house. I made up that statistic but you get it. My studio apartment went from being a refuge to feeling like a prison.

Then the economy crashed.

I’ve been through that as well. I graduated from college into a recession. As an actor, I’ve learned to live below my means. Freelancing is a skillset I mastered in Atlanta, when I pursued  survival jobs that were reliable and flexible. In 2014 it was substitute teaching. By 2015, I was working as a stand-in. In 2016, I founded a social media management company. I could make money as long as I had wifi. In 2017, I returned to Los Angeles with a roster of clients. For the brands I represent, the nationwide lockdown turned me into an essential worker. I don’t make as much as the folks on Only Fans but I get to keep my clothes on.

Then both the George Floyd and Amy Cooper videos surfaced on the same day.

Overnight the world was forced to deal with something that has suffocated black people for more than 400 years: racism. I’ve endured microaggressions like having women clutch their purses when I walk by, not having the door held for me in my apartment building by whites and Asians, granting requests to be more urban during auditions, and my favorite, taking the notes that my writing sounds too much like Insecure or Atlanta because that’s the only experience the reader has with black shows. So now I get to protest for equal rights. Again.

And I get to do it all in a mask, which makes me look like a threat.

Meanwhile,  corporations offer apologies, cities are painting streets yellow, and all I’d really like to know is when did black pain become the new currency? Where was this ‘support’ when countless black people were murdered on and off camera? What will Hollywood do to tell more authentic stories that not only shape the perception of blacks in the public, but also employ us in rooms where 67% of shows have no black writers at all? I did not make up that statistic.

The sudden interest in my work may be fueled by this moment in time. But my perspective and sensibility have always been needed. Black women are simultaneously the most lucrative and underserved demographics in entertainment. My entire existence has prepared me for this. So I’m here, ready, vulnerable, and generous. Because in reality, 2020 has taught me nothing at all.

Everybody else is just late to the party.

Host Melanie Victor reflects on 200 episodes of the podcast. Her husband BJ interviews her and they talk about the growth of the podcast, the future of it and she gives more information about The Actors Lounge Membership Club, launching on June 1, 2021. Stay tuned!! 

Katt Arcos is an Ecuadorian & Peruvian Talent Manager/Casting Director/Executive Producer born and raised in Jersey City, NJ. She has worked as a business analyst for Showtime and that's when she realized her love for the entertainment industry. In 2015 she opened Arcos Management, a full service talent management company started in Jersey City and has been a passionate Latina talent manager ever since then.

Her mission has and will always be to represent the most diverse actors and provide them with the support, development and guidance they need in each step of their acting career. She pushes her clients to reach their goals and is dedicated to helping them push their career forward. Katt has helped her clients land huge bookings that they never believed they could.

She also works as a Executive Producer and/or Casting Director for independent short films with production company, Witness Entertainment, and has been able to secure roles for her clients on films that are currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video. She's all for actors creating their own content and building their own opportunities as well!

Angelo Maldonado Jr. is a Brooklyn born Latino-American actor, rapper, singer & comedian. His multifaceted talents have been showcased in principal roles on platforms such as Viceland (Danny's House), MTV (Revenge Prank), NBC (Last Call with Carson Daly), & Caroline's to name a few. Angelo is also an improvisator, impersonator & his vocal ranges are Soprano, Alto & Bari-tenor. Angelo's ability to adapt to any creative environment whether on screen or on stage makes his versatility & talent hard to ignore.

Amy Lyndon has been entertaining the public since the age of 10. Having grown up in New Rochelle, New York, formal training was as easy as jumping on a train. At 16, Lyndon studied at the Neighborhood Playhouse (NYC) and went on to England to tackle the prestigious London Academy of Performing Arts. After earning her BFA from Syracuse University, she experienced intense drama training with Stella Adler and Harry Mastrogeorge and extensive comedy training with The Groundlings, CBS Comedy on The Lot, Int’l Blend Comedy Troupe with Rick Overton and The Comedy Store. Lyndon has over 100 IMDB Credits.

She has 45+ films to her credit, some including: "The UnMiracle" with Stephen Baldwin, "And They're Off" with Sean Astin, "The Poughkeepsie Tapes" for MGM, "The House That Jack Built” with Joe Mantegna and 4 LionsGate Feature Films: "B.T.K,"  “Dracula's Guest," "Ed Gein: The Butcher Of Plainfield” and "Chicago Massacre: Richard Speck."  Lyndon also Starred in Chris Pratt's first film "Cursed Part 3," written & directed by Rae Dawn Chong.

On Television, Lyndon Guest Starred in over 30+ television shows, some including: "NCIS," "Adopting Terror" for Lifetime, "Law and Order: Los Angeles," "Eagleheart," "Ugly Betty," "Entourage," "NYPD Blue" and "JAG." She was also Recurring in "Days of Our Lives," "The Bold and the Beautiful," "General Hospital," "Young and The Restless" and a Recurring Guest Lead in "Freddy's Nightmares."

On stage, Lyndon's wacky performance as “Bobbi Michelle” in "Last of The Red Hot Lovers" at The Tiffany Theatre earned her a “Marquee Comedy Award” and critical acclaim starring as “Roberta” in “Danny And The Deep Blue Sea.”

Additionally, Amy Lyndon is a Multi-Award Winning director, writer, producer. Her film "Odessa" starring the late Yolanda King (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's Eldest Daughter) won “The Gold Plaque Jury’s Choice Award” at the TV/FEST Chicago International Television Competition, “The Diamond Halo Award” at the Angelciti International Film Festival, “Jury’s Choice Award” at the Temecula Valley International Film Festival and was honored to be chosen 15 times for Official Selections. She won the “Spirit of Moondance Award” for the Best Family Screenplay "Unleash My Heart" at the Moondance International Film Festival and she directed her first World Premiere Play "The Parasites," which was produced by The Met Theatre to sold out audiences. Lyndon also directed and produced "Award-Winning," which won “Best Comedy” at the G.I.A.A. Film Festival in NYC, “Audience Choice Award” at the Washougal International Film Festival and then received a “Directing Award” and an “Audience Choice Award” for the film "The Whiskey Girls" from The New York International Film Festival. Lyndon also wrote, directed and produced the Pilot sitcom "I Wanna Marry Larry," directed the films “Chloe’s Song,” “Dice,” “#Unfiltered” and “Faking Death.” “Love is a Tickle in the Heart” just won “Best Documentary Short” from Studio City International Film Festival and her award winning short “Odessa” is now being shopped to studios by a big time production company.

Steven St. Pierre is a New York native; born to Haitian immigrant parents and raised in Queens. He began acting professionally in 2016 and has since appeared in over 20 film and TV productions, including Emmy Nominated web series Tough Love, HBO’s High Maintenance, and Discovery ID's The Perfect Murder. St. Pierre's upcoming projects are in the feature films The Pill as the lead and Serial Killerin Harlem in a supporting role. 

His filmography also include credits as both a writer and director, most notably for his award winning short film Corey, now streaming on Amazon Prime. Corey written, directed, produced and starring St. Pierre, was screened in 20+ film festivals across the country and Canada. The film won 7 awards including 2 best short film wins. 

Steven is an avid creative constantly producing new ways to tell stories and entertain an audience both with original drama and comedy content. St. Pierre created the mini-series Room for Rent, a 1 minute character based comedy series that premeired on BronxNet TV in September 2020. He is also a contributing writer at Monologuestogo.com where original monologues can be purchased by performers. Steven also wrote and performed on the inaugural season of the People's Improv Theatre house sketch team "Victory Cereal" for 2 seasons. He's directed the theatre's signature Saturday night show "Old School Sketch Show" held monthly at the PIT on several occasions. St. Pierre honed his comedic ability at the PIT and UCB. 

Fun fact: He and Spike Lee share the same birthday and are die hard, suffering Knicks fan. 

Sean Perez has been a Talent Agent since 2015. He has been a Talent Booker since 2013 starting in experiential marketing booking talent for corporate businesses & well known brands for events, activations & campaigns.

​Sean Perez has a wealth of experience being on both sides of the table as he is a performer as well as an agent. Sean has a BA Music (Music Theatre) from The Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Mackay - CQUniversity, Cert IV Music Theatre from The Western Sydney Institute of TAFE, NSW & a Cert II & III in Live Technical Theatre & Production.

He is known for empowering his clients & other actors in the business that is Show Business which allows them to confidently pursue their dreams with the tools he has given them. He is also an acting coach where his actors have booked, been flown to LA for Pilot Season & callbacks for Networks TV Shows.

Kinnik is a veteran of stage, television, and film. Originally from Columbia, SC, she spent 14 years honing her craft in Atlanta, GA working professionally in musical theater. She has performed in more than 30 stage plays over the past 20 years with major theatre credits including, “Dreamgirls,” “For Colored Girls,” and Tyler Perry’s “Madea's Class Reunion.” Finishing as a Top 13 Finalist in the hit show American Idol (Season 5), Kinnik then went on to win the Dreamgirls competition sponsored by the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, CA and Blackweekly.com and was flown to Italy to perform. She also executive-produced, wrote, and hosted the celebrity and entertainment news web series, “Straight From the Sky” that can be seen on KinnikSky.com.

Powerhouse directors and producers Tyler Perry, Robert Townsend, Will Packer, and Kenny Leon have cast Kinnik in their projects to utilize her vocal range and acting abilities, but Kinnik’s greatest theatrical achievement to date is writing, producing, and starring in the stage production, “Sunday Mourning” under her Dazzal Mi Entertainment production company (pronounced Dazzle Me), which won three NAACP Theater Awards. The play received a total of seven NAACP Theatre Award nominations, including her nomination for “Best Playwright” and her win for “Best Leading Female.” To date, her production company has received a total of 11 NAACP Theatre Award nominations and seven wins for its stage productions.

In 2017, Kinnik launched Dazzal Mi Entertainment’s 501c3, Athletes and Entertainers For Change. AEFC’s first program offering is The Sky Academy designed to expose underserved youth in Los Angeles to jobs in theater and filmmaking, as well as arts and culture.

In 2019, Kinnik Sky Films released its first short film, “PAWN,” which was written, directed, and produced by Kinnik, who also starred in the production. “PAWN” world premiered at the prestigious, Oscar-qualifying 2019 BronzeLens Film Festival where it was the official selection. The film has received multiple accolades, including being named the official winner of the Los Angeles Movie Awards 2019, the official selection of the Las Vegas Premiere Film Festival 2019, and the Top Shorts Film Festival 2019 Honorable Mention for Best Story.

Kinnik continues to climb in notoriety, expanding into directing and coaching. In 2019, she was hired as the Dialogue Coach for the ABC hit comedy Mixed-ish. She is consistently referred to by writers and directors on the set of Mixed-ish as the “Youth Whisperer” due to her innate and invaluable talent for nurturing young actors in a way that empowers and excites them to give their best performances. In 2020 after watching her work, the show’s staff and crew began requesting that Kinnik privately coach their kids, which inspired her to launch Stars and Sky Private Coaching for actors. Kinnik is also the second Black female instructor ever to join the team at the highly prestigious Lee Strasberg Theater & Film Institute in Los Angeles by personal invitation from founder Lee Strasberg’s son. The institute boasts A-list alumni including, Angelina Jolie, Alec Baldwin, Shandra Wilson, Lady Gaga, and Matt Dillon.

Currently, Kinnik Sky Films is in pre-production to turn her award-winning stage play Sunday Mourning into a feature film. Kinnik continues to break new ground and push barriers as an artist, and her motto guides her work: “Not even the sky is the limit when there are footprints on the moon.”