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 Simone Haines.
Simone, a rising star in the acting scene, originates from Dallas, TX, where she is making waves with her talent and versatility. Her portfolio spans across television, film, and national commercials, showcasing her range and dedication to her craft.
Currently, Haines holds the leading role of ‘Tweet’ in Truffle Sauce, a compelling coming-of-age drama short film directed by Isaac Yowman, known for his work on Sony’s upcoming biopic DJ Screw, and written by Shannan E. Johnson.
In Truffle Sauce, Haines portrays a 25-year-old college student grappling with trauma and attempting to break free from the clutches of human trafficking by selling truffle sauce. The film delves into themes of trauma and resilience and has garnered attention for its powerful narrative. Isaac Yowman praises Haines as a superstar, forecasting a promising future for her in the industry.
The short has also partnered with notable organizations such as United Against Human Trafficking, The Landing, and Compton Human Trafficking Task Force CHTTF, amplifying its impact beyond the screen.
In addition to her standout performance, Haines has been involved in other recent projects, including Frame of Reference, Recession Proof alongside Clifton Powell, and Run Hide Fight starring Radha Mitchell and Thomas Jane. These projects further showcase Haines’ commitment to exploring diverse and compelling roles across different genres.
With her passion for dramatic and unique characters, Simone Haines is poised for a successful acting career, and her contributions to the industry are already leaving a mark. As she continues to expand her body of work, audiences can anticipate seeing more of her captivating performances on screen.
What’s your origin story?
I always knew I wanted to be an actress. In fact, my first sentence was “I want to be on TV”. It was shows like Martin, The Jamie Foxx Show, Living Single and so many more Black sitcoms that sparked the fire in me to act. They all looked like they were having so much fun on the screen doing their job.
How did you get into acting?
I spent every waking second as a small child dreaming of the opportunity to act. I started out in theater, doing school plays, small local theater and church plays. Although I started in theater my ultimate goal was to get into TV and Film.
After a lot of dead ends I finally found myself on a film set for some college students. From there I stumbled into background work and made more connections, even finding my first agent.
What did your parents think you would be?
My dad will say “Actress, because when you were born you looked like a baby celebrity.” My mom on the other hand would probably jokingly say a comedian because I was always cracking jokes. She really wanted all of her kids to be in the medical field.
Who were your mentors?
My middle school theater teacher Mrs. Devon Journe-Singleton. She has had such a big impact on me. She was the first person outside of my family of course, to see my talent and help me.
She really encouraged me to go for my dream and still continues to check in on me and my career. I don’t think she’s missed any major moments in my life since I first met her in the 6th grade.
Bravest thing you’ve done?
Acting on my desire to be an actress. Especially a film and tv actress. I realized the other day that I am one of the few people who can say they became what they said they wanted to be. I might not be at the top of my job market yet. But I’ve learned not to rush the universe and your blessings.
How do you handle failure?
Probably not in the healthiest way. I stare at myself in the mirror, asking myself what I did wrong while cringing at the memory. Then I decide to move on and focus on something else. Distraction is key for me.
What’s a product or service that you are dying to do a campaign for?
One interesting fact about me is that I love water! My favorite bottled water company is “Mountain Valley Spring Water”. I love that it comes in a glass bottle which is so much better for the environment than plastic bottles. It tastes so refreshing, crisp and clean. I feel like I can actually taste the minerals in it. It would be a dream to do a campaign commercial with them. Especially if it comes with free water.
Who is a talent, actor, director or writer, you are dying to work with?
There are so many talented and creative people that I would love to work with in this industry. My top person changes every month for sure, especially when they have a new project coming out and the trailer looks good!
For instance, I just saw the new trailer for Money Man directed by and starring Dev Patel. I’m a fan of his work since Slumdog Millionaire. Plus “Monkeypaw Productions” produced it and Jordan Peele has yet to miss in my opinion. I know the film is going to be great and I would have loved to work on the project and killed two birds with one stone of my list from people to work with.
REELated: Read about others on The Reel Black List
Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon is over-indexing on Black and Hispanic audiences. Why?
Rebel Moon is a sci-fi fantasy adventure, a genre that we are often left out of but enjoy watching. So, seeing characters that look like us as the leads is exciting and empowering. Plus, the story is really good and I’m ready for part two.
Lunch, Happy Hour or Dinner
Lunch with the amazing Diahann Carroll, Tea Time with Malcolm X since he didn’t drink and Dinner with the lovely Dorothy Dandridge.
You would give up your career to go on tour and perform with what singer/band?
I honestly don’t think I could do that. I’ve sacrificed so much for my career. But I would have a serious sit-down conversation with myself if Beyoncé asked…
Colman Domingo is a national treasure. Yes or No.
Yes, yes, yes. We must protect them at all cost!
Nosebleed seats for Beyoncé or front-row tickets for Taylor Swift?
Umm, what? Beyoncé all day every day! She is an amazing performer and artist. I’m still not over missing the Renaissance tour.
What are your guilty pleasures?
CHOCOLATE COVERD STRAWBERRIES! Who doesn’t love them? It’s hard to say no to them but rarely do I get to eat them because they’re hard to come by.
What’s brewing for your 2024?
What’s brewing for me in 2024 is Frame of Reference, a series I shot that is now streaming all eight episodes at its new home on the “Roku Channel”. I also have two different projects, one where I play the lead, are in post-production now. I’m so excited for all three projects and the stories that are being told in them.
Nominate Someone You Know For The 6th Annual REEL WOMEN
