Reel 360 News’ Reel Black List is more than just a month-long celebration—it’s a commitment to recognizing the impact of Black professionals in advertising, film, TV, music, radio, and media every single day of the year. In a time when DEI initiatives are being challenged and progress is at risk, it’s more important than ever to amplify the voices and contributions of Black creatives, leaders, and innovators who shape our industry. For the next 29 days, we’ll shine a spotlight on extraordinary individuals making an indelible mark with their talent, vision, and influence. But let’s be clear—Black excellence isn’t limited to February. It’s 365. Today, we feature entertainer Andrea Laing.
Andrea is a force to be reckoned with—a multi-talented performer whose sharp wit and undeniable presence have made waves in comedy, film, and beyond. The youngest of three siblings and a first-generation Jamaican-American, Andrea’s early years were steeped in structure, discipline, and an unexpected comedic goldmine—Catholic school. Attending mass three times a week and confessing her “sins” at the age of eight, she quickly realized that humor was her best form of salvation. That early knack for storytelling and self-deprecating humor would pave the way for her career in stand-up and sketch comedy, where she’s been lighting up the Atlanta scene for over a decade.
Beyond the stage, Andrea is an Audie Award-nominated audiobook narrator, lending her voice to over six audiobooks with ListenUp Audio. She took center stage as the lead in the award-winning musical Vape, a Grease parody that won Best New Work via Broadway World in 2018 and is now making its way to Off-Broadway. She’s also no stranger to national audiences—Andrea was the face of Delta’s 2022 campaign (voiced by none other than Viola Davis) and currently stars in national commercials for General Insurance alongside Shaquille O’Neal and Choice Hotels with Keegan-Michael Key.
On-screen, Andrea has proven to be a dynamic presence, landing roles in Netflix’s Pain Hustlers, a recurring spot on Paramount+’s The Game (2021), and appearances in FX’s Atlanta, Peacock’s Killing It opposite Scott MacArthur, Adult Swim’s viral horror hit Yule Log, and Barry Jenkins’ The Underground Railroad. And she’s not slowing down—fans can catch her reprising her role as Zoe in Adult Swim Yule Log 2: Branchin’ Out on HBO Max and the Adult Swim website.
A true multi-hyphenate, Andrea has showcased her talents as a writer, improviser, stage actor, and host, even winning an NBC competition that granted her the opportunity to cover red carpets at major events. When she’s not lighting up screens and stages, she finds joy in experimenting with new recipes, sewing, playing jazz for her plants, and collecting passport stamps on her global travels.
With her unstoppable drive, comedic genius, and undeniable charisma, Andrea Laing is a name you’ll be seeing—and hearing—more of.
What’s your Origin Story?
I am originally from High Point, NC (which happens to be the furniture capital of the world) I am also 1st gen to Jamaican parents who worked quite often when I was growing up. Their understood absence would soon lend its hand in optimizing my time with singing and dancing with my siblings while idle.
I was also raised in the Catholic school system so you can only imagine the paradox between American privilege and the immigration experience. This culmination would soon land me in Atlanta GA and into the world of television and film.
What did you want to be as a kid?
I don’t exactly recall, but If i had to guess, most likely a veterinarian. There was rarely a time that I wasn’t trying to rescue, feed, dress up, command and coddle the household pets. We had fish, rabbits, kittens, dogs and birds. I was quite lucky to be exposed to this plethora of fur babies at a young age.
How did you choose your career path?
I’d like to think that we chose each other. I was always involved in the arts at Immaculate Heart of Mary. We had chorus several times a week and participated in regular school plays and musicals. I remember begging and most likely forcing my parents to take me to model calls and auditions, but money and resources were of course limited and so were my beliefs.
Fast forward many years later, I’m working in the corporate world feeling uninspired. A newly made friend of mine invited me to join her to be a PA on a set- which involved long hours, rare breaks, no insurance and manual labor……and I was foolish enough to say yes. The rest was history. Sometimes you have to be foolish enough to say yes….
Describe your creative process.
My creative process begins with body and mind. Mental health should be the priority before all things. I enjoy practicing mindfulness. I like to engage in some form of physical workout several times a week. Meditation everyday. Hot yoga several times a week as well. Talking to a therapist. Walking barefoot in grass. Giving back to others. Giving myself grace. Being centered. Playing jazz music. Taking care of my plants. Being still.
Who inspires you?
There are too many people to list so i’ll just give a general answer……
Those who have had all odds stacked against them and still persevered. Those who have taken chances not knowing where the road leads. Those who are marginalized who need a platform to be heard and seen.
The most unconventional risk you’ve taken in your career.
I think continuing this journey as an artist inside a world of chaos of so many shapes and forms-continuing the journey while things shift and evolve around you is quite bold. You take risks for the things you love. What else is there?
Give us a story that’s true but sounds like a lie.
I had a layover in the London airport on my way to Spain. I went to use the bathroom, came out, and waited in line at one of the Pret A Manger’s, just casually trying to decide which tea I would order when I got to the counter, I went to my crossbody to grab my wallet…….and it wasn’t there……
It was in the stall that I had left 15 MINUTES AGO. My stomach, soul, bowels, everything dropped. I felt like I was in some Liam Neeson movie needing to find my missing child. I immediately yet politely ran back to the bathroom. By the time I arrived, someone mentioned that someone had it and had planned to turn it in.
** London Heathrow airport is the largest international airport**
This is also a great time to mention that within that crossbody was my passport, cash, keys, basically the essentials I would need to get by in life.
After about 40 minutes of crying, pacing, and cursing myself, land iterally going miles between different gates trying to find my purse, it was successfully retrieved.
Part 2: While leaving my purse in the bathroom, losing it, losing my shit and getting it back. I missed my flight to Spain…… and unlike American flights, they don’t politely let you ride standby on the next flight, so I had to purchase a completely separate new flight the day of. COOL COOL COOL ANDREA, WAY TO GO GIRL!!!
That was a traumatic and expensive life lesson…
When faced with setbacks, what keeps you going?
Knowing where I came from. Gratitude for what I do have and excited for what is to come. Realizing that everyday that I am here, I have the opportunity to do great things
Linus has his blanket for comfort, you have…
Therapy.
What’s on tap for 2025?
The main appetizer is healing but the entree is more opportunity and abundance with a side of wonderful surprises that are yet to come.
Twilight Zone Moment – you have a chance to be magically transported into a Spike Lee Joint or a Jordan Peele film. Choose.
Spike is an obvious yes please, but Jordan for sure. I will work with Jordan soon.
Favorite movie from 2024
Adult Swim Yule Log 2: Branchin’ Out of course
Favorite album from 2024?
Huge Billie Eilish fan, so of course Hit Me Hard and Soft but also Kali Uchis Orquideas
Let’s talk about Doechii?
Whats not to love! Doechii is an uber-talented, eclectic, doll baby and she deserves all the wonderful things coming her way!!!
To see the up-to-date Reel Black List, click here.
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