Angell Conwell and Her Passion for Her Art

Like bees to honey, Angell's passion for her art is more than an attraction, for her, it is an addiction. After winning dozens of trophies in beauty pageants and conventions beginning at age 3, it was evident that this young Leo was very comfortable in the spotlight.

For years, she and her mother traveled from her hometown of Columbia, South Carolina to North Carolina, Atlanta and New York. She signed with Wilhelmina Models children's division and participated in countless fashions shows, print ads and commercials. In 1994, they decided it was time to take on Hollywood. A 12 year old Angell quickly landed a starring role in the CBS pilot "On Our Own" with Salt & Pepa and Dave Chapelle. When the pilot wasn't picked up, CBS immediately placed her as a series regular on the prime time series "Dave's World" playing Meshach Taylor’s daughter where she enjoyed three seasons. She continued establishing her versatility on television shows such as NYPD Blue, Sabrina The Teenage Witch, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Renegade and numerous others. She gained many admirers recurring as the charming tomboy, Kianna, on NBC’s “City Guys.”

At the age of 17, Angell hit the big screen in her first film "Baby Boy," as Omar Gooding’s compassionate “unstable creature” girlfriend, Kim. Directed by John Singleton, this film allowed Angell’s career as a TV actress to expand and set her as a viable silver screen actress as well. Soon after, she starred as cashier Antoinette, in Lions Gate’s "The Wash," alongside Dr. Dre , Snoop Dogg and DJ Pooh. She also picked up some books and went back to school, not to study but to star as the
loveable but troublesome, Alex in "What About Your Friends: Weekend-Get Away" with Keisha Knight Pulliam and Louis Gossett Jr. Showing no signs of stopping, next she flew the friendly skies playing Tamika, one of three spicy stewardesses, in the hilarious MGM comedy "Soul Plane". With back to
back films, TV demanded Angell’s attention again on of her one of her most memorable roles on Disney’s hit show “That’s So Raven” as Ravens fabulous, prim and proper cousin “Andrea” from Paris, France.

In 2007, Angell displays both her dramatic and comedic skills as Cherise in “Half Past Dead 2” starring with Bill Goldberg and Kurupt. Angell’s character Cathy adds humor and strength in the dramatic film “Confessions of a Call Girl” alongside veterans Lynn Whitfield, Tamala Jones and Clifton
Powell. So far, Angell’s films set for 2008 release include “Show Stoppers,” where she showcases her professional dance skills as Pam, a Greek stepper in college alongside Faune Chambers. In the Lionsgate Film “Frankenhood” Angell plays the role of” Sabrina,” a quirky and colorful sister of the lead character. Charlie Murphy, DeRay Davis and Hassan Johnson also star. In “Whos Deal” Angell plays Elise Neals best friend who shakes things up a bit. In “The Killing of Wendy” Angell plays
the lead role of Toya, a provocative young woman whose past affects her future, also starring Vanessa Bell Calloway and Rachel True. In the romantic comedy “Love for Sale” Angell leads as “Sida” alongside singer/actress Mya, Jackie Long Essence Atkins, Jason Weaver and a host of others. In the thriller, “Jury of Our Peers” she plays fearless “Kayla”. Dorian Missick, Drew Sidora & Bryce Wilson also star. Presently, Angell stays avid about continuing her involvement with several charitable organizations and events, having a special place in her heart for anything dealing with children. Angell Conwell resides in Studio City, California.

Angell spoke with Soul to give us more insight on what she’s doing.

SB: You were born in South Carolina, how did you get the
acting bug?

Angell: From an early age, I stayed in front of family
member’s cameras and videos, my parents saw my passion
and I stayed very active locally. It was natural for me; I loved
television and after watching shows, I would act out the
scenes. My parents saw how serious I was and really helped
me.

SB: At what point did you decide to leave the East Coast and
move to California?

Angell: I travelled back and forth a lot. Many of the
conventions that I attended were for modeling. My mom and I
came to L.A. in 1994.

SB: You’ve worked alongside some of the biggest names in
Hollywood. Is it still a grind to capture the kind of success
that you’re seeking?

Angell: It’s funny that you say that, you always have to be
on your toes. At the end of the day, you’re your own agent,
publicist or manager so you have to represent yourself to the
best of your ability. There are so many people that want to
entertain or act so you have to be on top of things. I turned 25
on Aug. 2nd but sometimes you forget that you have to stop
and enjoy life.

SB: What is your proudest accomplish to date?

Angell: In general, I’m happy to have worked as much as
I have and I am still focused. My biggest accomplishment
is staying grounded personally. Professionally, I’m happy
to have worked with the likes of John Singleton. I’ve been
blessed to be doing this for 15 years. I appreciate “The
Wash” and “Soul Plane” as well as other projects. Those
movies were exaggerated in a very funny way.