We had the good fortune of connecting with Patricia McRae and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Patricia, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Acting is therapeutic. It has provided me opportunities to tap into the vulnerability and/or strength of the characters I portray. There is nothing more gratifying than collaborating with other creatives to facilitate a world based on truth or fantasy. Most importantly for me is the ability to impact the lives of people of all ages. Acting is a gift that provides reflections of real -life experiences that are common to us all (hope, love, joy, pain, anger, disappointment, resilience, etc).

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Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As an up and coming actor of a certain age, I have been blessed to collaborate with various Atlanta productions. A few of my colleagues suggested that I consider moving to LA. Every time I seriously considered relocating, I would book work in Atlanta. (LOL) I love the energy of Atlanta and strongly believe that I can “bloom where I am planted.” I have the ability to travel all over the world to work.

My journey has not been easy. However, I believe that ART awakens our senses. This time of awakening (last 15 years) was necessary in order for me to grow as a believer, woman and actor. I see timing of the start of my career as God’s protection. I was somewhat naive and starry-eyed. I felt the desire to become an actor but I didn’t have the courage or audacity it takes to pursue it. I didn’t know I could go after my dreams “scared” and differently. These past 15 years have garnered my top 12 LEARNINGS and LESSONS:

1. Success is personal.
2. Don’t to compare my journey to anyone else’s.
3. Dream bigger.
4. Stay open to receive manifestations.
5. Maintain a strong faith walk.
6. Alignment is more important than acceptance.
7. Surround myself with people who genuinely care about my growth and goals.
8. Never give up.
9. Balance is necessary.
10. Trust the process.
11. Delay is protection not denial.
12. Show the same grace to myself that I show to others.

I am most proud of having the courage to dig in, face the obstacles of the industry and not giving up. Although professionally I am not where I hoped to be. I want my journey to be an example that a “dream deferred” is not the end. I strongly believe that while the road to achieving success is filled with emotional and psychological struggles, the vision and dreams placed inside of us serves a purpose for the betterment of the world. Gifts and talents must be shared! Therefore, listen to the voice inside for wisdom and discernment. You don’t have to sell your soul to walk in your purpose.

Be proud of every accomplishment. Each one is a blessing and a building block for the next.
I am most excited about future opportunities to collaborate on faith-based projects, Christmas films and theater productions.

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Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My desire to pursue acting is grounded in the countless women who faced biases and challenges in an industry dominated by men. I watched a lot of television growing up. However, I didn’t see many women who looked like me on screen. Although I enjoyed singing and dancing watching Soul Train, I felt that there was a deeper connection pulling at me. It wasn’t until I started attending theater productions in New York City that I experienced a strong desire to become an actor. Women like Ruby Dee, Dianne Carroll, Cicely Tyson, Stephanie Mills, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jennifer Holliday, and Loretta Divine (to name a few) inspired me to pursue an acting career. Carmen McRae, Tina Turner, and Maya Angelou represented a boldness that spoke to my future womanhood. Witnessing their talents and careers led me to believe that I too could achieve success as an actor and as a woman. My SHOUT OUT goes to the many women who have forged successful theatrical, film and television careers against all odds. Thank you from the depths of my being. You motivated a little girl to want to become a successful woman.

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Website: HTTPS://www.sisterent.com

Instagram: @iampatriciamcrae

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Group of ten diverse people sitting and standing, dressed in formal and casual clothing, smiling and interacting.

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Image Credits
1892 SugarHill Photography, LLC
Dwayne Boyd Photography
Baz Brothers Production

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