Who or what inspired you to become an actress…

Like many little girls I fantasized about being an actress or model, but I never pursued it. As I got older, I didn’t really think about it until last year.  I received a random invitation to participate in a talent competition and thought it would be a fun experience.  I made it to the semi-finals and got the attention of a couple of talent agents.  It’s been full speed ahead ever since.

Three actors I want to work with are…

Viola Davis, Samuel L. Jackson and Denzel Washington.

My favorite role so far is…

My favorite has to be the one I play now on my new series, “219”.  I play the lead character, Detective Grace Tracy.  I’ve always been a fan of cop shows, here I am now, playing a cop on TV.  Grace Tracy is a bad a**!

The main challenges in acting today are…

The on-going strike is a challenge and finding a balance between my main job and my acting career is rough.  Until I make it big, I have to work to pay the bills, but at the same time I have to be available for auditions and filming.  I’m self-employed and it’s a struggle.  I don’t know how those who work a 9 to 5 do it. 

The most challenging aspect of being an actress is…

The pressure of the “dreaded” audition.  There is so much pressure to be perfect without knowing what the casting director’s idea of perfection is.  I have to constantly remind myself that not being chosen for a part is not a reflection of my worth as a person.  I play the Rocky theme in my head and remind myself that what God has for me, is for me!

My favorite place to eat out is…

Any place that serves good Italian food! Chicken Parmigiana, Fettuccine Alfred, anything in a garlic or cream sauce. 

The decade that had the best music was…

The 90’s of course.  Whether you preferred r&b, rap or pop, there was so much good music to choose from and music was still music!

If I could be anywhere in the world right now, I would be…

Jamaica.  I’ve been there a few times and of all the places I have travelled, Jamaica is my favorite.  The food, the people, the weather and the beautiful scenery are calling my name.

Something people would be surprised to know about me is…

I am a huge UFC fan, I love it! The full body contact, the blood and adrenaline get me so hyped.

My life changed for the better when…

I stopped taking myself so seriously.  I used to be so focused on reaching my goals that I wasn’t enjoying the journey.  When you live life like that, every setback, no matter how small, feels like the end of the world.  Life is meant to be experienced, not just walked through day after day.

Everyone can keep in contact with her on social media:

On Instagram @montrice_eileen or TikTok @themontriceeileen.