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 talented actress, Nat Dixon.
Nat is an entertainer, and her performances come from the heart. She has been in films such as Hollywood Sex Wars, Cross and Jason. Her most recent work can be seen in the independent film House Rules a campy thriller where she plays dimwitted sorority sister Le-Anna. She’s in commercials for Budweiser and MGM Grand.
She grew up on a Coffee and Chocolate farm in Jamaica. Her grandfather a minister and musician help develop her love for music. Her grandmother a pianist encouraged her love of dance and writing.
After moving to New York City, Nat attended Ophelia Devors Charm school, she became Captain of her high school swim team and enrolled in their media production group. At 6 feet, Nat started modeling as to everyone else that made the most sense, She was in everything from runway shows and magazines, working for NASCAR Army racing and touring the country. But felt unfulfilled. After college, she moved from NYC to LA to pursue acting fully. Her dream was calling. After encouragement from her father, she drove to LA in her cherry red Mitsubishi a graduation gift from her dad.
After moving to LA in that Mitsubishi, Nat started an artist workshop out of the back room of PigNWhistle restaurant on Hollywood Blvd. A place where actors came to share pieces and offer feedback. She was a singer/songwriter for the indie band “Inky and Chalk,” though short-lived, they played the country in places like Joplin, Denver and Vegas.
She had leading roles in plays such as; Welcome Home Soldier for 4 years. Vampire Diaries for 2 years, Dark Side of the Moon for 2 years, Angels Academy, Wonder Woman and several other productions. There’s so much more to come.
Let’s meet Nat!
What’s your Origin Story?
I was raised by an extraordinarily large family. An art professor. A police officer, A coffee and chocolate farmer/Musician/Minister. A chef, and a dressmaker/counselor. I had a very lucky childhood filled with a plethora of different experiences. I learn so much about so many different things, from so many different people. Art was an outlet that allowed me to express all those little intricacies and code switches I had acquired along the way.
What did you want to be as a kid?
An actor. Always an actor. There were a few minuscule moments of unclarity. Police officer and a real-life nun. Lol
How did you choose your career path?
I saw women (specifically black women like Nichelle Nichols and Pam Grier being stunning badasses, while also being soft and intelligent, remaining in their feminine. Acting allowed me to dream, the idea that on film I could be anyone or anything. And I could tell any story that I wanted to tell. The boundaries are only limited by my imagination. And the glass cage of normalcy fixed upon me from the moment that I was born a XX, could be shattered there freely. Acting meant freedom. I chose freedom.
Describe your creative process.
Never stop learning. Being open to new ideas and ways of doing. Listening with intent to the people I admire. And allowing it to come naturally.
Who inspires you?
I am inspired by people who make it look too easy. Because I know it’s not. It takes countless hours of training and mastery to be that good. That’s my inspiration.
The most unconventional risk you’ve taken in your career.
Giving up on modeling because wearing swimsuits was boring. I wanted to do high fashion, but I was a little “too busty” for New York standards. I didn’t mind wearing the swimsuit. I’m just not a fan of boring work. But in hindsight, it made me good money and I got to travel a lot. I guess I could’ve parlayed it more into my style, especially with the way social media works now. Instead of going into full “I’m a real artist” mode. Struggling included.
Give us a story that’s true but sounds like a lie.
I once worked as a computer tech.
When faced with setbacks, what keeps you going?
Heavy on the self-love. I’ve built a safe space in here. It’s a literal fortress. Every now and again there’s a crack, but I fix it immediately. I’m just simply refusing to be unhappy. And I know what makes me happy. So, there’s really only one option, if I want to be happy, I have to keep moving forward.
Linus has his blanket for comfort, you have…
Anime, Cartoons. I was raised on comic books and superheroes, it always brings me back to comfort and happiness, I’d call them my pacifiers. I’ll literally watch anything Animated, And I guess sometimes I count popcorn and a glass of champagne as dinner.
Twilight Zone Moment – you have a chance to be magically transported into a Spike Lee Joint or a Jordan Peele film. Choose.
Spike offers more danger. Peele offers more camp. Depends on the day. Ask me again tomorrow.
What’s on tap for 2025?
More quality work. More travel. More quality work. More travel.
Abbott Elementary crush.
Gregory Eddie. He’s kinda cute I guess. But girl crush on Janine Teagues, I love that softer black girl characters are being brought to the forefront. Our characters tend to be one-dimensional. And she’s kinda like a new tool in the toolbox, so it’s been great watching her. She’s wonderfully funny!
Favorite movie from 2024
Thelma. Don’t ask why, just watch it.
Favorite album from 2024?
That’s unanswerable in my realm. I listen to so many artists from around the world. I could never pick just one. But most listened to artists in 2024 I would say Masicka, Angèle, and Metric. A friend of mine just added my fairy music playlist to theirs and that one I try to keep private. I dare you to try to make a playlist out of that. Lol.
Let’s talk about Doechii?
She’s unique. An intelligent lyricist. Unafraid. Unapologetic about who she is. And could care less what I think about her. I like her.
To see the up-to-date Reel Black List, click here.
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