Check out our interview with Canadian actress and producer Leanne Noelle Smith.
Leanne found her passion for the performing arts at the young age of five beginning as a dancer, where she toured North America and Ukraine until the age of 23. Shortly after, she moved from Saskatchewan to Toronto to pursue acting as a professional career.
Currently, Leanne can be seen starring in the new AMAZON PRIME series THE INFLUENCERS, about six social media influencers who are selected to live together and compete for an exclusive brand deal in a series of creative challenges. Coming up next, she can be seen guest starring in the upcoming season of the hit television series GOOD WITCH (STARZ/HALLMARK CHANNEL).
Follow Leanne @Leannensmith_
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Fun. Fabulous. Fearless
How did you get started into acting? How has this changed your life?
I started performing from a young age through dance, and from that my artistic curiosity helped me discover acting back in high school. The effect it has had drastically changed my life, and continues to do so. I went from growing up in a small city in Saskatchewan, to moving across the country to Toronto, and now several years later I’m adjusting my life to be able to work easily between LA, Toronto, and Vancouver.
What is the best and most challenging part of being an actress?
The best part about being an actress is the work itself. I constantly get to learn, grow, and build with every character while getting to meet and collaborate with other professionals. The challenging part I find is to keep going. Sometimes as an actress you can be told 1000 no’s before you get that one yes. Rejection can take its toll so the career is definitely not for the faint of heart.
Tell us about your work in the brand new hit series “The Influencers” and about your role as Deandra Styles?
Playing Deandra was beyond fun. She’s bold, a diva, and extravagant, but completely different when the cameras are off. When Mike Heslin asked me if I’d like to be involved it was an instant yes. I got to bring out my inner Rupaul when the cameras were on in amazing outfits, yet have a no-bullshit attitude behind the scenes.
How do you prepare for a role?
Each character is so different. I found myself watching a lot of Rupaul’s Drag Race (laughs). I wanted to have the boldness of Drag Queens and ooze with confidence. The outfits provided by Toronto Fashion Academy, styled by Basil Waris, definitely helped to make me feel like a million bucks.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
I would love to be in an action movie or better yet Marvel. I grew up watching action and thriller movies with my dad so they have a special place in my heart. From old westerns like Tombstone to James Bond and John Wick. Charlize Theron is definitely an actress I look up to and a role like she had in Atomic Blonde would be surreal.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Seeing a project develop from start to finish and then giving it to an audience to dive in. So many people don’t see all the work that happens before or after filming. It’s incredible how many people are involved.
How would your best friend describe you?
So I felt writing this in my words wouldn’t do, so I asked my best friend Vasilios FIlipakkis and he wrote the following: “The hardest working bad ass bitch I know.”
What’s next for Leanne Noelle Smith in 2021?
In the near future I’ll be on set for Goodwitch again, a Hallmark Channel Original Series. Past that I’ll be working with some amazing creatives developing and pitching other projects. Covid has forever changed our industry so developing and learning to work with it will keep me busy until it’s safe again for restrictions to be lifted.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I really like salads and poke bowls. The more colour the better.
And your favorite cheat food?
Chocolate, peanut butter, and fries. I don’t know if I could pick only one.
How would you explain your fashion style?
Classy with a bit of flare. Black and white are staples in my closet but then add some coloured heels or glamorous jewelry.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Happiness to me is truly enjoying every moment. Being present to all the beauty around us and focusing on the positive instead of the negative.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Viola Davis because her performances rock me to my core. I also recently watched her in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and her transformation was beyond inspiring for character work.
Best advice ever given?
My dance teacher used to always say there is no such thing as I can’t. There is only I can or I won’t, it’s your choice. She was right. We can either choose to do something to not to. It may not be easy to achieve, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not possible.
Do you support any charities?
My sister back in Saskatoon has always worked with SaskAbilities Programs like Camp Easter Seals and I like to support her with that as well as organizations like the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.
Where do you see yourself and your career five years from now?
Drinking champagne with my closest creative friends/colleagues after a successful season of our latest show. Then deciding what we’re going to produce next.
Favorite song? Why?
At this moment, Work from Home by Fifth Harmony. Why? Because it is legit our lives right now and my bestie and I know all the Choreo.
What do you think of Social Media?
We have a love hate relationship and it’s no joke how powerful it can be over our lives. I love how we can stay connected with each other and have fun by creating inspiring images, video, or sharing a cause we believe in. However, it’s also made many of us need instant gratification through likes, be glued to our phones, distorted realities, and encourage violence. So, overall I am for social media if being used in a positive way.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram: Leannensmith_
Facebook: Noelle Smith
Quote: “Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick, and pull yourself together.” – Elizabeth Taylor
Favorite Singer/Artist: Beyonce, Cardi B, Shakira
Movie: Moulin Rouge
Travel Destination: Italy this year, Greece the next, and Japan hopefully in the future
Sports Team: Sports what?
TV Show: Hannibal, most recently Queen’s Gambit, always down for Queer Eye
Book: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
