Editor’s Note: Supporting women should not be limited to a month. So at Reel 360 News, we have decided to amplify and promote dynamic women’s voices all year long. Today, let us introduce you to award-winning writer, actor and hall of fame athlete, Sarah McLean.
Sarah’s creativity can be seen on NBC, Peacock, Apple TV+, and Amazon. Her work has been honored at film festivals across the globe, including the American Cinematheque’s Focus on Female Directors. She’s also the recipient of the Limelight Award – Women in Film and a PAGE International Screenwriting Quarter-Finalist.
Her compassionate storytelling takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride that resonates with your core. Through unassuming, yet risk-taking characters whose relatable journeys reflect our own deeply held beliefs, Sarah skillfully guides the reader to discover their own self-confidence, resiliency, and passion.
Sarah’s first picture book, Leah Is a Dragonfly Now, is based on her award-winning animated short film Dragonfly. Dragonflies symbolize transformation from a physical presence to a spiritual one. Inspired by actual events, not long after her friend passed away from colon cancer, this story is a reminder that we all have someone watching over us, even if we don’t see them.
This poignant, touching, and uplifting picture book about grief tells us that loved ones never truly leave our side, and that they can even take shape as tiny, little dragonflies.
When not writing or on set, Sarah can be found with either a camera or a bowl of ice cream in her hand. Sometimes both. She’s an avid hiker, having scaled Yosemite’s Half Dome twice.
What’s your origin story?
Growing up as a three-sport student-athlete in Rhode Island helped shape my witty, deadpan sarcasm, and strong work ethic, where the team is more important than the individual. Sports have given me the mental and physical stamina to push through hard times, and the ability to take both winning and losing in stride.
How did you break into film?
I moved to Los Angeles not knowing anyone. My first day in LA was my orientation at iO West, where I met the people who are still an intricate part of my life over a decade later. And then on my second day, I became an overnight success, because that’s how it works in Hollywood.
What fuels your creativity?
I don’t like to sit still. I have always so many ideas in my brain and I need to get them out. Whether it be through art, photography, or writing, I’m constantly pushing myself to explore how to best express myself creatively. Most recently, that’s been by adapting my award-winning animated short film, Dragonfly, into the top-selling children’s picture book, Leah Is a Dragonfly Now.
What’s the biggest myth about women in your field?
That women aren’t funny. I don’t know how that myth is still being perpetuated in 2025. As an actor who grew up on, and loves, sitcoms and comedy, it blows my mind that there’s only a handful of comedic female actors, writers, or stand-ups who are lauded and remembered with such acclaim, in comparison to the number of men who are.
Name a creative risk you took that paid off.
Writing my first children’s picture book, Leah Is a Dragonfly Now, was a risk. I knew the story of grief and loss that I experienced resonated with friends and family, but to see how strangers have responded to it has been very emotional. Unfortunately, grief is universal and touches us all at some point in our lives, so to be able towrite a story that helps others has been worth the bumpy road it took to get where I am today.
What’s your take on the rise of AI?
Like with anything, there’s a good and bad side. If used responsibly, AI can be a powerful tool to change the world positively. If used irresponsibly, I think it can take away our artistic freedom and sense of individuality. The whole world was awakened to how controversial a topic it is during the actors’ and writers’ strikes in 2023. As artists, we need to be able to express ourselves fully because we each have a unique voice.
What’s a piece of advice from another woman you carry with you?
“Take chances, make mistakes. That’s how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You must fail to practice being brave.” – Mary Tyler Moore
No matter how you phrase it, you haven’t really lived life if you haven’t taken risks, made mistakes, or failed. And ideally, you’ve learned something by doing so.
Are you rebooting Soul Train, American Bandstand or MTV Spring Break?
Bandstand. I love pop and rock music, anything with a good guitar riff. Soul Train is a close second though.
How do you balance ambition with self-care?
Not well. I’m a very go-go-go person and I often must tell myself to slow down and enjoy the day. As an actor and writer, there’s immense pressure to always be pushing forward, or that someone is always working harder than you. If you buy into it too much, it can be detrimental and negatively affect your well-being, which in turn will negatively affect your creativity as an artist. I’m constantly reminding myself that it’s okay for me to be lazy. Sometimes.
You’re writing a memoir. What’s the title?
Really?: A Life of Sarcasm.
Go to Karaoke song.
Tracy Chapman’s Give Me One Reason
In 10 years, what do you hope to look back and say you changed?
I hope I helped people look at things from a different perspective. My goal as a storyteller has always been totake people on an emotional journey. As an author and as an actor, I hope I’m able to help others realize that it’s okay to feel things and that doing so doesn’t make you weak, no matter who you are.
Sarah’s Socials:
Instagram: @iamsarahmclean and @leahthedragonflybook
To see who else is a Reel Woman, click here.
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