Check out our interview with rising actress Dana Heath who plays superhero “Mika” on Nickelodeon’s hit series “Danger Force.”
Follow Dana @missdanaheath
Hi Dana, please tell us a little about you.
My name is Dana Heath and I am a 16 year-old actress, who plays superhero “Mika” on Nickelodeon’s hit series Danger Force. My love of acting began as a kid in theatre and now I have the opportunity to star in multiple TV shows. I had my acting debut on WellieWishers in 2016, appeared as “Bree” on Fancy Nancy from 2018-2019, and guest starred on an episode of PEN15. Outside of acting, I enjoy art, comic books, video games, and playing the guitar and flute. I have two dogs named Bam Bam and Pebbles after the Flintstone characters.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
I would say I am resilient, kind, and creative.
How did you get started into acting?
As long as I could remember I was performing for people. I loved making people smile and laugh. I started off doing theatre and then moved to LA to pursue acting professionally when I was 9 years old.
How has this changed your life?
Acting changed my life tremendously. I went from being okay with a regular life to always needing to be working on-set and just needing to stay busy in general. Acting connected me to my feelings and gave me more insight on the nature of human beings as well.
What is the best and worst part of being an actress?
There are so many amazing parts. I would have to say the best part of being an actress is being able to entertain and inspire people all over the world. The challenging part would be the stress, rejection, and responsibility that comes with it.
How do you prepare for a role?
I prepare for a role by reading the script and putting myself in the shoes of the character. I take their experiences as my own and try to give the most authentic performance I can.
Tell us about your work in Nickelodeon’s hit series “Danger Force?”
Danger Force was a fun show to work on! It follows the lives of four teens, who are trying to balance their regular lives while also being superheroes. They work on mastering their powers with the help of their mentors “Captain Man” and “Schwoz”, and go on crazy adventures while doing so. On the show I play “Mika”, where I perform my own stunts. I am so honored and happy that Nickelodeon allows me to do that. I’ve learned a lot about physical acting through the stunt work I’ve done on the show.
And about your character “Mika?”
My character, “Mika”, is the leader of the group. She is extremely smart and sweet and takes her job as a superhero very seriously. She cares about her friends and is looking out for every citizen in the city of “Swellview”.
What other projects have you been part of?
I have been a part of many cartoons and have also been on a few commercials and TV. shows. I was on Disney’s Sydney to the Max where I played “Hannah.” I was on the show Scorpion where I played “Tracy.” I worked on the cartoon Fancy Nancy as “Bree” and the cartoon Wellie Wishers as “Ashlyn”. I’ve also been working on a few other projects that I can’t wait to announce!
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
I love to play either the villain or the hero in both live action and voiceovers. They are two opposite characters, but if they are done right you can have diverse and complex characters every time without falling into the stereotypes. However, stereotypes are fun to play too!
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part of my work is seeing the response from the viewers. I like to think that there can be a lot of positive takeaways from the characters I play and seeing my fans resonate with that is amazing. I love seeing how my hard work brings a story to life.
What’s your advice for the newer actors?
My advice for newer actors would be to look for good management that will invest in you. They will be the ones representing you and sending you to auditions that will build your resume and strengthen your skill!
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
The greatest lessons I’ve learned in this business would be to always give 100%, so that you are always proud of your work and have nothing to regret. I also learned how important teamwork is because it takes so many people to make a TV show successful.
How would your best friend describe you?
My best friend would describe me as someone who will always try their hardest to make a difference. I believe it is so important to stay true to yourself and stand up for what you believe in.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
If I was a book, my title would be The Resilience of a Black Woman.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
The advice I would give to my younger self would be, “don’t change yourself for other people.” I just feel that is an important piece of advice that everyone should be taught.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
Million Dollar Habits by Stellan Moreira is a great book for anyone who wants to get more out of life and have the courage to pursue their dreams. It helps readers to overcome limiting oneself.
What’s next for Dana Heath in 2022?
It’s self love from here on out for me. It’s a hard thing to practice sometimes but very important for my physical, emotional, and even spiritual well-being. I’m also working on some projects that I’m excited to share when I can! All I can say is that both are animated shows, but each one targets a different audience.
What is your favorite healthy food?
My favorite healthy food is a loaded salad! I make the best loaded vegan chicken salad that I could eat everyday!
And your favorite cheat food?
My favorite cheat food is literally any Mexican restaurant, I’m not picky.
What is your own definition of happiness?
My definition of happiness is being in tune and content with myself, while also being surrounded by loved ones.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
If I could meet anyone living or dead I would meet my idol Samuel L. Jackson. He is the only celebrity I think I would ever cry meeting. I am a huge fan of his work and look up to him.
Best advice ever given?
As corny as it sounds, “stay true to yourself.” Everyone is unique in their own way and that’s what makes you special.
Do you support any charity?
I support all charities and have done some charity fundraisers. One that was very important to me was The Suicide Awareness Stream I did with a few others where we raised money, while playing Dungeons and Dragons!
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
In five years from now I hope to have worked on a few more voiceover gigs as well as been on a few movies!
Favorite song? Why?
“Blinding Lights” by The Weekend, because it immediately makes me so happy.
What do you think of Social Media?
My relationship with social media is complicated. I use it to post positive things, interact with my fans, and stay in contact with friends. However, I’m not the biggest fan of it outside of that.
Where can we follow you?
You can follow me on Instagram @missdanaheath and on TikTok @miss.dana.heath.
Book: Lord of the Rings
Quote: “Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.” – Langston Hughes
Movie: Coraline
Tv Series: Stranger Things
Favorite Food: Baked Potatoes
Travel Destination: Egypt
Sports Team: Cowboys (they’re my mom’s favorite don’t @ me)
Photo credit: Marie La Franque
