Deanna Rashell was born in Vallejo, CA. She was a bit of a tomboy in her youth, but decided to embrace her feminine side. She began acting much later in life.
This award-winning actress did not take the standard route into this profession. Instead of putting the focus of her attention on finding acting jobs only in Los Angeles, Deanna branched out. She has had acting roles in LA, New Orleans and now lives and works in Atlanta, GA. Deanna's acting highlights include playing Scott Bakula's wife, Shirley MacLaine's daughter-in-law and starring in two scenes with Christopher Plummer in the comedy-drama film Elsa & Fred (2014), guest starring in the CBS TV series NCIS: New Orleans EP #214, again appearing alongside Scott Bakula, and acting in the film Sunset Strip Crime (2015), for which she was awarded Best Actress. Deanna also directed Sunset Strip Crime, which was released by her company Outlook Productions.
Deanna can also be seen playing a Secret Agent in the TV mini-series Government Lies (2012 - 2018). She has just finished playing the co-lead role in the SAG feature film The Contrast, which is in post-production. Deanna is currently playing multiple characters in a web series she created, called The Granny Diaries. She does most of the camera work, writes the episodes and edits them. She is also slated to star in and produce a Sci-Fi TV pilot called Soul Wars in fall 2020 and has another strong supporting role in a feature film called Heir of the Witch, which films in NC in the summer of 2020.
Deanna plays both comedic and dramatic parts equally well. Whether she is playing a glamorous wife, a secret agent, a hippy chick or even a granny, Deanna always brings her 'A' game to any acting role she takes on. Aside from her obvious acting talent, Deanna has diversified to offer her services to budding filmmakers, keen to bring their own stories to life on the internet. In this regard, Outlook Productions is willing to deal with all pre production and production work, associated with these projects and will advise on post production. Deanna is therefore keen to give back to the profession, which has already given her so much.
RC:
How is filming progressing with The Granny Diaries?
DR:
I just wrapped one of my favourites. It's called Corona Quarantine Pranks. This was actually tough to create, but I knew I had to. I, like many others, was feeling down and unhappy with the whole shutdown situation and after a few days, I knew I had to bring some laughter to the world and create some art! An idea just came to me, so I wrote the script and started filming. I didn't even study the lines. I picked up the script and went straight to doing the takes. I didn't do many takes either. It ended up being really funny and dynamic! I have another one I'm almost done writing. I may shoot that this week!
I just wrapped one of my favourites. It's called Corona Quarantine Pranks. This was actually tough to create, but I knew I had to. I, like many others, was feeling down and unhappy with the whole shutdown situation and after a few days, I knew I had to bring some laughter to the world and create some art! An idea just came to me, so I wrote the script and started filming. I didn't even study the lines. I picked up the script and went straight to doing the takes. I didn't do many takes either. It ended up being really funny and dynamic! I have another one I'm almost done writing. I may shoot that this week!
RC:
What has been your favorite acting assignment?
What has been your favorite acting assignment?
DR:
I would say the ones with the big stars, but actually the role with The Contrast because I was in so many scenes and had a lot of unique dialogue. It was challenging and then midway through the shoot, they fired the director and we basically reshot everything and my character went from overly bubbly and shallow to dark, deceitful and shallow.
I would say the ones with the big stars, but actually the role with The Contrast because I was in so many scenes and had a lot of unique dialogue. It was challenging and then midway through the shoot, they fired the director and we basically reshot everything and my character went from overly bubbly and shallow to dark, deceitful and shallow.
RC:
As an actress, which genre do you prefer - comedy or drama?
DR:
As an actress, which genre do you prefer - comedy or drama?
DR:
Oh man, I prefer to do action and comedy! I do love drama, but only when I play a strong bad ass character. Those are fun or a really bad guy! I'm a great bad guy ☺. But comedy is awesome, I have a lot of energy and can just go go go when I'm on set.
RC:
Is there any acting job you would refuse to take?
DR:
Yes, anything that really conflicts with my core beliefs or something that promotes something I am totally against. I would have to read the whole script though to be sure there was actually a conflict. Sometimes you can play the character that you hate but the overall message you love, so I would advise any actor to read the story before turning down a role.
RC:
You have acted with Shirley MacLaine, Christopher Plummer and Scott Bakula. Is there anything specific you have learnt from any or all of them, which has helped to hone your skills as an actress?
DR:
I would say Scott was super friendly and just a regular down to earth guy. He cared about me as an actress and made sure I got the camera time I needed. I was actually going through a tough time on that set because my kitty cat was at home dying. It was so sad really but I kept upbeat, didn't tell anyone about what I was going through, so his kindness really helped me to stay focused.
RC:
What is the best acting advice you have ever received?
DR:
Let it go, forget it, after an audition, don't beat yourself up, inspect it quickly, find out how you could improve it then forget about it, "next".
RC:
What is the worst acting advice you have ever received?
What is the worst acting advice you have ever received?
DR:
This will be unpopular but I am not a fan of substitutions. I don't want to picture my mom dying or my partner having an affair or some other awful thing happening to someone I know just to reach an emotional state. I don't feel it's healthy for the actor's "real life".
This will be unpopular but I am not a fan of substitutions. I don't want to picture my mom dying or my partner having an affair or some other awful thing happening to someone I know just to reach an emotional state. I don't feel it's healthy for the actor's "real life".
RC:
I understand that you would like to secure an acting role in the UK or Ireland. If you manage to do so, which British-born actor would you want as your leading man?
I understand that you would like to secure an acting role in the UK or Ireland. If you manage to do so, which British-born actor would you want as your leading man?
DR:
Oh Lord, I have no idea ☺. Hopefully someone that is skilled, has a great attitude and good breath ☺. Off the top of my head, I'd go for the gold and choose Sam Heughan from Outlander!
Oh Lord, I have no idea ☺. Hopefully someone that is skilled, has a great attitude and good breath ☺. Off the top of my head, I'd go for the gold and choose Sam Heughan from Outlander!
RC:
What do you hope you will be doing in 5 years?
What do you hope you will be doing in 5 years?
DR:
I'd like to be working as a series regular on a network show and team up with some other creatives and be working on our own projects for theatrical or network release.
I'd like to be working as a series regular on a network show and team up with some other creatives and be working on our own projects for theatrical or network release.
RC:
If you had to choose, would you opt for wealth or happiness?
If you had to choose, would you opt for wealth or happiness?
DR:
I want both. I wouldn't choose one over the other. I don't need to be a billionaire, but money can certainly make life more enjoyable and if you are not happy then what's the point!
I want both. I wouldn't choose one over the other. I don't need to be a billionaire, but money can certainly make life more enjoyable and if you are not happy then what's the point!
Deanna's latest project The Granny Diaries can be seen on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/GrannyDiariesTV/. Otherwise, you are welcome to watch it on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGhxEjKEzqzupO2SXS1oWVTJBS6yOizA.
https://www.facebook.com/GrannyDiariesTV/. Otherwise, you are welcome to watch it on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGhxEjKEzqzupO2SXS1oWVTJBS6yOizA.
If you would like to see more of Deanna's work as an actress/producer, please check out her personal website www.deannarashell.com. Alternatively, you can visit Deanna's business website www.outlookproductions.net for a closer look at her accomplishments as a director.
Thanks, Deanna.
Romer Cherubim
Freelance journalist and Blogger
UK
Romer Cherubim
Freelance journalist and Blogger
UK
