CelebrityHauteSpot

Photo Credit: Steven William Photography

We recently had the chance to chat with the lovely Debbie Sherman about getting her start in the entertainment industry, her role in “The Forgiven”, her favorite project and more!

Check out the interview below!

1. How did you get your start in the entertainment industry?

I have been an entertainer my entire life. Singing, dancing, acting… you name it, I’ve done it. I began my career as a singer and transitioned into acting professionally last year. I feel so unbelievably blessed to have had the opportunity to be in three films last year. That was a whirlwind and I enjoyed every second of it. This year is proving to be an eventful one as well. I cannot wait to share the new projects that I am a part of!

2. Can you tell us about your role in “The Forgiven”? 

I play Linda Cotzee in The Forgiven. She is a very complex character and I thoroughly enjoyed diving head first into this role. The movie is set in South Africa at the end of the Apartheid. It was a challenging time for so many. All of the research I did for this role gave me a real grasp on just how intense and deeply painful this time was for South Africans and people around the world. I am truly humbled to have been a part of the historic film.

3. What was your favorite part about working on that project?

There are so many reasons why I loved working on this project. One very big reason was working with Forest Whitaker. Filming with him was a dream! He plays the great Desmond Tutu. And let’s not forget The Forgiven’s legend of a director, Roland Joffe. He pushed me to new limits and really helped me to find a new level. I will always be grateful to him for his gentle guidance and fearless leadership. I also love that this film brought me to South Africa. I had never been and having the opportunity to spend time in Cape Town and take in the beauty of the country was a real thrill. The people were just wonderful! Everyone was so inviting and made me feel at home. One of my favorite experiences in South Africa was spending time with some of the beautiful children at the Siyaphambili Orphanage. Many of these children have lost both of their parents due to the AIDS epidemic in South Africa. Despite their tragic losses, and many of them living with AIDS themselves, they have the most loving attitudes and beautiful spirits. I feel so honored to have spent a few days with them.

I grew so much personally and professionally while filming in South Africa and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity.

4. Can you tell us about what it was like working with other notable actors on your film “The Vault”? 

The Vault was my first role and it was a wonderful set to work on.  The Vault stars James Franco, Francesca Eastwood, Taryn Manning, Scott Haze and Jeff Gum. In this film, two estranged sisters are forced to rob a bank in order to save their brother, but it’s no ordinary bank. Dan Bush and Conal Byrne wrote the film and Dan Bush directed.  I had a wonderful experience on the set and I’m excited for this film to premiere!

5. What has been your favorite project to work on so far? Why?

I have been so blessed with every film that I have worked on. Each film has had such fun and professional cast and crew. Every set was different, as was every film, but each had an aspect that I truly loved. One of the things that I love about filming is that in many cases I get to visit cites and even countries that I have never been to before. The Vault filmed in Atlanta and that was a city that I have always wanted to explore but never had the opportunity to do so. While filming I got to experience some delicious BBQ and see some of the classic Atlanta landmarks. Day of The Dead filmed in Sofia, Bulgaria and the studio there is just amazing! I enjoyed my short time learning about Bulgarian culture and touring the city. The Forgiven took me across the world to Cape Town, South Africa. This was my first visit to the African continent and it had been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. Cape Town did not disappoint. Its beauty was in nature and in its incredibly welcoming community of people. I love to travel, so being an actress really suits me as I get to discover new places all of the time. I even have a section dedicated to my travels on my website (www.debbie-sherman.com). I am so excited to be filming in new locations this year as well. Those spots will have to remain secret for now, but I will reveal them on my Instagram soon. Stay tuned!

6. Do you have any upcoming projects that your fans can look forward to?

Fans! Wow, that seems so funny to say. I don’t know if I have any “fans” but for the sweet folks that are following my career I can say keep an eye out for my films’ premieres at the end of this year. I will also say stay tuned, friends, as this year has a ton of fun surprises that I will be sharing soon! I am beyond excited and extremely blessed with the films I was featured in last year and for the brand new films I have on the horizon this year. For the most up to date information on what I am up to check out www.debbie-sherman.com. I will be breaking some exiting news there soon! Stay tuned!

7. What are your social media accounts?

Instagram – @debbiesherm

Twitter –  @debbiesherm33

Facebook –  https://www.facebook.com/thedebbiesherman

Website – www.debbie-sherman.com