Today we’d like to introduce you to Odessa Feaster.
Odessa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Well, I knew at the age of 8 that I wanted to be an actress. I booked my first role as Glenda the good Witch in The Wizard of Oz at Northside Elementary Shreveport Louisiana. I can remember having butterflies prior to me walking out on stage, but once I did I was on cloud 9, and from that moment I was absolutely hooked! As time moved on, and life showed up with me getting married and starting a family, I placed my dream on the back burner. In 2005 Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, and most productions were moved to Shreveport, so I decided to try my hand at acting again.
I signed up to be an extra in the movie Mr. Brooks starring Kevin Costner, and Demi Moore. I was so excited to be on set that day, and low and behold I was upgraded to a featured extra. My first day on a real movie set, and I was upgraded! Well, that excitement was short- lived, because Demi kicked me out of the Café scene. I was pulled to the side by a PA, and he asked me if I knew what happened. I told him no, and he informed me that Ms. Moore stated,” if I was at the movies I’d be watching the lady in the brown, and not me, so get her out now!” I was so hurt and confused to say the least, but then the PA asked me if I was an actress, and I replied no this is my first time on set. He suggested that I should get and Agent, because I looked great on camera.
It was a Friday when I was on that set, and the following Monday I was signed with an Agent. That was 15 years, and over 40 productions ago. I’ve been acting fulltime since December 4, 2013. My amazing Husband Kevin Feaster told me to follow my dream, and I did! I’m beyond blessed to not only get to do what I love, but to encourage others as well.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Nothing is easy in this business! You have to have tough skin, because you will hear a no more than a yes at times. Anything worth having is worth working hard for as my Grandma Daisy would say. The real struggles for me was before I met my current Husband Kevin Feaster. I can remember when I had to choose to go to work, or to make an audition. That was a hard decision for me, because after missing so many days of work, you can get fired. This is why I’m truly blessed to get to allocate all my time to what I love to do. I appreciate the support of my Husband!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I guess I was lucky that Demi kicked me out of that scene that day, because a fire was ignited inside me to pursue acting. I can also say that I’ve been in the right places at the right times where opportunities were prevalent. I would like to add that I’m more blessed than lucky!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.odessafeaster.com/
Image Credit:
Magazine Street Photography – Jackson Beals
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