Editor’s Note: “The Reel Black List” is our annual spotlight of brothers and sisters in the worlds of advertising, film, TV, music, radio and media who are making a difference through their contributions and creativity daily. For the next 29 days, you will be able to celebrate wonderful human beings, like talented actress and writer Nakia Secrest who has appeared on Modern Family and Scandal.
Nakia is simply a ball of energy that doesn’t just grow on you – she envelopes you in a sense of warmth and relentless energy. It’s all-encompassing and inviting, making her very easy to root for when she is on a large movie screen or a large flat-screen. This rising multihyphenate is an American actress, producer, and writer who is known for Seven Rounds, The Perfect Sacrifice, Scandal, and Modern Family.
She hails from Boston. Nakia is also the writer of Radio Silence, one of the five exciting films chosen by the Oscar-qualifying 27th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF).
Let’s meet Nakia!
How did you get into film and TV?
I got into the Entertainment industry when I was about five years old. My mother took pictures of me every day before I went to school on her Polaroid camera.
So many, that I’d see flashes until I sat down in class. She sent out photos to agents while I did modeling gigs in department stores. I signed with Cameo Kids before my sixth birthday.
What did your parents think you would be?
My mother always thought I’d do something in the entertainment field or be a lawyer.
What’s a product or service that you are dying to do an ad campaign for?
I’d love to do an ad for a toothpaste commercial. I’ve always had great teeth! Never had braces and the gift of no stains even though I drink way too much coffee!
REELated: Read about others on The Reel Black List
Who is a talent, actor, director or writer, you are dying to work with?
I’d love to work with Denzel Washington in a Barry Jenkins film. To play opposite Regina King in a TV show or film she’s directing and with Anthony Hopkins in a Clint Eastwood film.
Lunch, Happy Hour or Dinner?
I’d love to have dinner with Josephine Baker. What a woman. Dancer, singer, actress, spy and mother of the Rainbow Tribe. Her contributions to the civil rights movement, attitude and style would make for a hell of a night full of bold insights and amazing stories.
Brewing in 2024:
I am blessed to say a few things are brewing already in 2024. “Radio Silence,” short film I wrote and starred in, made with super duo Ric and Jen Serena of Serena Creative, has won a Jury Award at the Thomas Edison Film Festival and has received six nominations at the Idyllwild Film Festival.
I decided to go back to school last fall and will receive my Bachelor’s degree this summer. Definitely snatching up as many acting opportunities that flow my way!
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