The Spotlight Prize 2025 Finalists

What made you want to be an actor?
 
Growing up, acting was something I’d always enjoyed as a hobby, but I was scared to actually pursue it as a career because of the unpredictability of it all.
 
However, when I was in secondary school, a friend decided to put on a play she’d written about mental health and asked me to get involved in the production. While I was delivering the final lines of the play, I had this extraordinary and surreal experience where I was looking at the audience, seeing them in tears, and seeing how much it meant to them.
 
I realised how powerful storytelling is, how it matters and connects people and shines a light where it’s needed. In that moment, I decided to commit myself to this path.
 
Sometimes it’s hard, but my faith in Jesus helps me to keep showing up with integrity and heart.
 
What kind of actor do you aspire to be?
 
I want to be known as an actor that tells stories truthfully and with compassion, focussing on our shared humanity. I aspire to be bold, unpredictable, daring, fun and professional, and to bring life to a character in a way that feels honest and dynamic.
 
What films, shows or books are currently inspiring you?
 
I recently saw A Complete Unknown and found it very inspiring. Watching the story of Bob Dylan brought to life – the story of this guy who just got up and started sharing his art – was deeply moving. It encouraged me to start writing again and see myself as not just an actor, but a creative all around.
 
What would be your dream role?
 
To play ‘Nina’ from The Seagull by Anton Chekhov.