It’s often said that God gives His toughest battles to His strongest soldiers, and actress/filmmaker Leslie Black has proven that she’s built for it all. At her root, she’s a cultured creative with a diverse upbringing, having spent her childhood from the Asian grounds of the Philippines to the down-home woods of South Carolina. However, these days, Black finds herself posing for the paparazzi at a movie premiere or captivating the camera that makes them.
Her introduction to the film business came through the early production Metro, which saw Black as a series breakout and served as a stepping stone for her now-established career as one of the industry’s brightest rising stars. Since her ground-shifting debut, we’ve seen Black luminating a lane of her own, effortlessly delivering pulsating performances… line after line. From stellar appearances in Lee Daniels’ uber-successful Fox drama Star and Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings to Chicago Med, Peacock’s Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, and latterly, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, the South Carolina State University graduate only continues to raise the bar and solidify her stance at the pinnacle of plus size cinema.
But… while Black has triumphantly shattered beauty-standard ceilings in the acting space, her talents extend far beyond citing scripts. In fact, the Scene 29 Productions owner has shown her ability to write and produce them, with her gripping short film, MOMMAS, which rawly told the story of a group of Black mothers who lost sons to police brutality. It’s because of Blacks own trials that she’s transparently given us relatable characters that sit with the soul–be it on the brink of a mental breakdown or at the forefront of full-figured women with unmatched fearlessness.
Black is proof that where you started doesn’t determine where you will go. We must say, from life’s unfair lessons to the audition room, this Blockbuster beauty has come a long way!
We recently sat down with this powerhouse to talk about her journey to becoming a powerhouse trouper, navigating the field as a curvier woman, and more. Check it out below!
Actress & Filmmaker Leslie Black on Using Her Power for Purpose & Breaking Through Barriers
TCF: While doing my research, I realized you have a very interesting background. You were a military brat, born in the Philippines, grew up in Japan for a short time, before relocating to Louisiana and South Carolina.
Leslie Black: Yes!
TCF: If you can remember, what are some of your fondest memories of having that type of adventurous childhood?
Leslie Black: Wow. One of my fondest memories was when I was living in the Philippines. Mount Pinatubo erupted, and we literally had to leave the country.
TCF: Oh, goodness! Really?!
Leslie Black: The U.S. Navy came in, and they pretty much saved us. We went from the Philippines to California, and then from there, we were kind of dispersed. So, they came and got everybody off the military bases because the volcano had erupted. That’s one of my fondest memories of growing up in the Philippines, but living in Louisiana… it was interesting getting to know my father’s side of the family. A big part of their culture is food, so I got to try some new delicacies. That was very interesting. I finished the end of elementary school, went to middle school, and completed half of my tenth-grade year in Louisiana.
TCF: Speaking of your father, you previously explained that you developed your love for storytelling as a youngster. That was one of the things that truly warmed my heart—when you shared that you write books and your father would often make the binding for them. Unfortunately, you lost your parents relatively young, but I know that’s something you’ll always hold on to. So, reflecting on those moments, what would you say were the greatest lessons you learned from your parents that you’ve seen yourself applying in life today?
Leslie Black: Some of the greatest lessons I think I learned were to persevere, to always do what your heart tells you, and to do what you put your mind to. My parents, for the short time that I had them, always supported me in everything I did–like my dad, for instance. When I wanted to be a writer, he used to tell his friends that I wrote, and he would help me put my books together.
TCF: That’s a beautiful memory to have.
Leslie Black: At one point, I wanted to be an entomologist, so he would get jars for me to collect insects and stuff like that. My mom… she would always help me with the lemonade stand. That was her thing! She had me out selling lemonade. One of my biggest takeaways from that was… she always taught me how to turn lemons into lemonade. I feel like I apply that same concept to my life as we speak. I’m really a passionate person, and I don’t let life’s obstacles bring me down. I know how to turn lemons into lemonade.
TCF: I’m sure your parents would be extremely proud of the outstanding woman you’ve become all these years later. What was even more intriguing to me was the fact that you seemingly fell into acting by accident. [laughs] During your time in South Carolina, your introduction came through a friend who cast you in the local series Metro. In what way do you feel that experience laid the foundation for your career today?
Leslie Black: I feel like that experience gave me a taste of what it would be like to be in the acting world. It reminded me of the importance of storytelling, because that’s what it was. It was a soap opera series told from the talent’s point of view. I enjoyed being able to tell stories in a different format, with me as the talent. I caught the bug—I was really engulfed in my character. I enjoyed being part of the reason the show went number one in the region. It was a great experience. From there, I was set sail. My heart was set on it, and I just didn’t stop.
TCF: So, when you were filming that series, with that being your first breakout, was there a sense of nervousness?
Leslie Black: I was very nervous because I was in college. So, that was different from what my peers were doing. It was the first time I saw myself on a television screen! [laughs] I was extremely nervous. I also wanted to make sure I did a good job and that people looked at my character and believed it. So, it was definitely a nerve-wracking experience, but one I will never forget. It was well-received in the region. I happened to be on the show with a lot of other people who were local celebrities–like the radio personalities in town, some of the local rappers. So, everybody who was on the series was, at least, well-known locally.
TCF: Having uprooted from South Carolina to Atlanta after college, how would you describe that transition? Was it difficult to settle into a city like Atlanta, especially since it’s deemed a Black mecca, particularly in entertainment?
Leslie Black: I actually found it very easy to do, but I also prepped myself beforehand. I happened to meet this guy through a friend in South Carolina. His name is Len Gibson; he’s the founder of the Peachtree Village International Film Festival.
TCF: Okay.
Leslie Black: He invited me to be a part of his festival… as the host. While I was living in South Carolina, I would come, for maybe like two or three years, and host this festival for him. I would bring other people from South Carolina to help assist the hosting for the screenings. While I was doing that, I was meeting a lot of people in the Atlanta area who were in the film industry. I was meeting producers, casting directors, other actors, and things of that nature. So, I was building a network before moving here. The guy I was dating at the time… his father lived in Atlanta. When I brought up the idea of moving to Atlanta, he was like, “Let’s do it.” We ended up getting engaged, we moved to Atlanta, and I’ve been here ever since. I moved here in 2009.
TCF: Wow, so, you’re not leaving anytime soon! Atlanta is home.
Leslie Black: Yep! This is the longest place I’ve lived so far… since I’ve moved around so much.
TCF: Throughout your acting journey, you’ve seen a great deal of mainstream success since making that move, of course. You’ve had roles in Lee Daniels’ hit series Star, Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings, Chicago Med, the Miss Cleo biopic, and the latest is Peacock’s Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, which we’ll get to in a minute.
I would be remiss in not mentioning that… as not only a Black woman but a plus-size woman, we face challenges in any room. So, would you say being a woman of color, who’s also curvy, made it harder for you to break into certain spaces in the industry?
Leslie Black: I would say, initially, I felt like that. But… I think as time has gone on, and we’ve had some people pave the way for us–with shows like Survival of the Thickest–it’s opened the door for others wanting to see more plus-size roles. The truth is… we’re real people! [laugh] I feel like it took a while to break down the barriers, but once they were broken down, it was set sail from there. I’m grateful that the door has been opened, but there have been challenges… early on. Lately, I feel like there is an acceptance, a desire, and a lane just for us.
TCF: So, seeing the current climate of Hollywood, what do you feel is missing, and how do you hope that changes in the near future?
Leslie Black: I feel like more opportunities are missing. Since the strike happened, production isn’t as high as it was. There were more opportunities before the pandemic and strike. I think things have changed drastically, and I just mean in terms of opportunities. I’d love to see it pick back up to pre-pandemic and pre-strike.
TCF: The pandemic changed a lot! I feel like we’re still recovering from it, five years later.
Leslie Black: I agree.
TCF: Have you ever had an audition gone bad? And, if so, in a field that does require a level of approval and validation, how have you been able to push past those hiccups and get back to why you started?
Leslie Black: I have had an audition go bad. [laughs]
TCF: Really? [laughs]
Leslie Black: Yes! I was auditioning in person for The Miki Howard Story. I got in the room, started delivering my lines, and then, all of a sudden… I froze! I completely forgot the lines.
TCF: Oh, my goodness!
Leslie Black: [The casting director] gave me the chance to start over, and I was like, “No, I got this!” I tried to jump back in, but I just couldn’t remember the lines. She wanted to give me another opportunity, but I was so embarrassed that I just left. She’s seen me since then–thank God. That was pretty interesting! I’ve relied on my support system. I’ve been blessed to have a lot of peers, who are in the acting industry like me, who I can go to as a source of comfort when things happen. We rely on each other to be able to talk things through [and] to vent. I always tell myself, “I have twenty-four hours, forty-eight hours max, to sit in my funk.” But after those forty-eight hours, I got to jump back in because I have a dream that I’m pursuing. So, yes, I was bothered for like a day or so. [laughs] I just moved on to the next opportunity.
TCF: What about the audition process for Fight Night, where you portrayed the character Wanda? What were your immediate thoughts when you saw the script?
Leslie Black: I was excited. I actually auditioned for three characters in that particular show, and I ended up booking the plus-size one. [laughs]
TCF: [laughs]
Leslie Black: I auditioned for Chloe Bailey’s role and the role of Charmaine as well. I was asked to do a retake; they wanted my character to be just a little bit more feisty. So, I went back in and gave her some more pizazz. It took me a while to find out that I even booked it! It’s crazy because, at the beginning of [2024]–we were just coming off of the strike, actually–my agent reached out to me. She was like, “Hey! I just wanted to let you know that I see this role and its breakdown, and I just think you’re perfect for it. I’ma put you in for it, but I just want to make sure that your head is in the game.” [She said that] because even after the strike, I really wasn’t back. I was like, “Yep! I’m in. Whenever you feel like it, submit me!”
A week later, I got like three auditions for [Fight Night]. I was like, “Hmph! Whoa! This is awesome!” So, I went in, and I read for all three of them. When I got asked to do the retake, I wondered if they were considering me. I’ve been asked to do retakes in the past, and sometimes… you get them or you don’t. They just want to see what you can do with the character. So, anyway, I did the retake, I sent it back in, and then I went on a fast.
TCF: Hmm! Okay.
Leslie Black: A week had passed, and then another week passed. I remember texting one of my friends like, “Hey, did you audition for this new show? I just wanted to see if you’ve heard anything.” She was like, “Girl, I don’t even know what you’re talking about.” [laughs] So, she didn’t audition for the show. I was like, “Dang!” I literally was going to text my agent the next day, after talking to her, to see if she knew anything, so I could move on because I was over here fasting, holding on to hope. That night, I got in the shower at 7:29. I always see twenty-nine, that’s like my angel number. I got in the shower, got out, saw my angel number, and went to bed. I woke up the next morning with the offer in my email! When I tell you I screamed, hollered, jumped up, and cried! I messaged my agent like, “Oh, my God! I’m about to be in a show with Kevin Hart!” My fast worked! That was the second fast I’d ever gone on in my life. My fasting and prayer really worked. It worked! You hear me?
TCF: You knew it was God at that moment.
Leslie Black: It was God! I was reminded that what’s for you will not pass you.
TCF: How was it working with heavy hitters like Kevin Hart and Taraji P. Henson? I know that had to be amazing!
Leslie Black: It was a blessing. I feel honored! It wasn’t that many plus-size people in Fight Night, but I was definitely a memorable one, and I’m grateful for it.
TCF: Yes! You were. [laughs]
Leslie Black: [laughs] After it premiered, I got to see some of the reviews from people. People were really excited that they chose a plus-size girl for my character. That was the main thing running in the comments. They were like, “I’m so glad they used a plus-size girl!” It was a blessing. Everyone [on set] was wonderful and respectful. It was a career highlight… for sure.
TCF: You definitely left an imprint with that character. I will say that! [laughs]
Leslie Black: Thank you!
TCF: So, 2024 was pretty busy for you. The year also saw you as the leading lady in Lyfe Jennings’ “Tell Me (A.O.U)” video. Could you let us in on how that came about?
Leslie Black: Yes! One of my really good friends was the producer of the music video. Lyfe let her know that he was looking for a plus-size girl to play a role in his video because the message that he was trying to relay was that a lot of smaller women assume that they fit the pillar of what beauty is. So, in the beginning of the video, I’m walking with some of these girls, who are of smaller size, and he attempts to holler at me. I’m thinking he’s trying to holler at the other girls, but in real life, he’s trying to holler at me, so I’m shocked and confused. They asked me to dress down and portray a character who’s more like insecure in the beginning because he wanted the person to be insecure, but, in the end, he wanted to be able to uplift the character and let her know, “Regardless of your size, baby, you are beautiful!”
That was the message. So, I was honored to come on board. Lyfe was great to work with; he was excited to have me. I feel like the video did very well. It was a great experience and my first music video!
TCF: It was amazing. I watched it at least two or three times! [laughs]
Leslie Black: Awww!
TCF: What I’ve noticed and applaud about your artistry is that you seem to bring a sense of passion and audacity to each character you play, which is commendable. Another thing you’ve previously expressed is that your goal is to evoke some type of emotion in the viewer whenever you step in front of the camera. I’m sure your real-life hardships have helped you connect with the fictional individuals’ stories.
However, with that said, how are you able to then disconnect and not let the vulnerability of these portrayals affect your own mental health?
Leslie Black: I have had to do a self-disconnect. It has been challenging at times. I actually produced a project, not too long ago, where I played a slave. I caught myself talking like a slave even a week later.
TCF: [laughs]
Leslie Black: [laughs] I practiced with a dialect coach, and I was literally in a cabin for like four to five days straight filming that character. I was a lead, so that was my day and night. I only went back to the Airbnb to sleep, got up, and went right back on set. So, it was hard to find that disconnect and to let it go. I do feel like there’s a need for production therapists. I recently spoke on a panel where a new production company is in place for actors who need that type of disconnect help. I think it’s important because I’ve had to do it on my own. I’ve been grateful that I’ve been successful at it, but I see a lot of people suffer from the disconnect sometimes. So, I’m hoping that particular lane that was introduced will come to fruition because it helped me in another project I had to disconnect from. That was the first time I ever had [a production therapist].
I starred in For What It’s Worth on BET Plus. That was a project where I had to go very, very deep. I related to that character so much that I cried so much that I caught an ear infection from all the tears and stuff like that. They had a production therapist on set because the project was about mental health. She was the outlet to help us go those places but come back out. It was extremely therapeutic. So far, [outside of that, my therapy has been] self, but I love the idea of having a production therapist [on other projects].
TCF: Right! I feel like that’s important because getting into those characters and having to go back to those dark places can be depressing. It’s impressive that you’ve been able to handle that on your own so far.
Speaking of mental health, you’ve spoken very candidly about having to watch your late sister’s battles, as well as going through your own troubles, such as grief, a car accident, and even abuse. Having endured those adversities, how have they shaped the trajectory of who you are at your core, and what have they taught you about your own strength?
Leslie Black: It’s taught me that I’m an overcomer, and I’m grateful for that. I’ve been through a high level of obstacles, and I have witnessed and been through a lot. Somehow, I’m still able to come out strong, and I don’t look like what I’ve been through. I definitely feel like the core is Jesus. I’m a very faith-based person, and God is the center of my life. He is who keeps me together. Through Christianity, I’ve been able to sustain myself in staying grounded and moving in the Word.
TCF: That brings me to my next question that I was just about to mention. I can tell that you’re a woman of faith. Just the way that you speak about your walk with God and the hand He has over your life. Have you always had such a strong relationship with God? If not, what did it take to get to this point?
Leslie Black: I feel like I always have. My grandmother in Louisiana—even though we’ve had an estranged relationship—knew the Bible front to back, and she taught me about God. I learned the foundation of Christianity just living in her house. I became a faith-based person there, because my prayer was always to get out of it. [laughs] So, that was my nightly prayer—for God to free me of that situation. I witnessed the power of God when He got me out of that because it seemed so surreal how I was ever able to escape that abusive situation. But one day, my prayers came true.
So, I’m actually living a dream times two. I’m living my acting dream, but I’m also living the dream of wanting to escape that life. He showed me that, through prayer and faith, those things can come true because I’m living a dream. Getting out of that situation was a six-year dream for me. While I was there, I prayed every night for God to deliver us.
TCF: Wow, wow, wow.
Leslie Black: And I saw His power the day the judge said, “Y’all are not going back into that house.”
TCF: So, that was six years of turmoil you had to experience.
Leslie Black: It was. I lost my mother and my father during that time frame. So, it was just me, [and] I had to figure out how to get my siblings and I out of that situation. My older sister had become mentally ill, so it was either I step in and figure out how to get us out of there, or we were going to be stuck.
TCF: Right.
Leslie Black: We didn’t have any parents to come and save us.
TCF: Faith was your anchor!
Leslie Black: Yes! Faith was definitely my anchor.
TCF: Switching gears—I have to ask—in all facets, how do you want to continue unwrapping your gifts before the world?
Leslie Black: I want to do it through storytelling. I recently started a production company called Scene 29 Productions.
TCF: Congratulations!
Leslie Black: Thank you! I appreciate it. I have a partner—her name is Shala Dawn Salter—and together, we’re going to be telling stories and writing and producing our own projects. We can’t wait for the world to see what we have in store.
TCF: Of course, there’s a difference between acting and producing, but what would you say is the key difference for you when it comes to being on each side of that sword?
Leslie Black: When it comes to the acting side, I’m compelled to tell the story that the producer wants me to tell. When I’m in the producer’s seat, I get to tell the story that I want to tell and tell it through my lens. Being able to merge those worlds is exciting to me. It kind of puts me in the mindset of Tyler Perry and how he’s able to write those projects but also be a part of the stories that he’s telling.
TCF: Yes!
Leslie Black: Like, when he’s playing Madea. He writes the stories through his lens, but he also gets the opportunity to step in and play the character he sees in his mind. So, a similar facet of that. I will be, nine of ten times, participating in the projects that [my company] is putting out. So, I’m excited to be able to do that.
TCF: As you’ve grown in life and love all-around, what have you come to embrace about yourself that the younger you would find most admirable?
Leslie Black: I think the younger me would find my ambition the most admirable because I could have easily fallen into depression. I could’ve stopped. I could’ve let life’s obstacles get in the way of the dream. But, the truth is, I remained steadfast—through every obstacle—and I’m able to say out of my mouth, truthfully, that I’m living a dream. So, the younger me would probably pat me on the back and say, “You go, girl! You kept going, and you didn’t stop.”
TCF: In closing, do you have any new projects in the pipeline you can give us some details about?
Leslie Black: I have a project currently in development with Scene 29 Productions. I can’t give out details right this second, but I’ll be able to announce it soon. I also have another project that I just produced that’s in post-production, through Scene 29, called Celia’s Cabin. I hope that’ll be out soon. That’s pretty much what I have at the moment, and I’m really looking forward to what the future holds!
Catch up with Leslie Black on social media:
This article, Hardships to Hollywood: How Actress Leslie Black Rolled Out Her Own Red Carpet to Success first appeared on The Curvy Fashionista and is written by Ashley Blackwell.
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