Who or what inspired you to become an actress…

I was mentally, emotionally and physically abused for much of my life by my father and older sister and I didn’t have much outlet to express myself. My mom found an audition opportunity at the local high school to audition for the children’s choir in a production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I got to be involved in an incredible production of this show. When I was up on that stage singing and dancing with the other kids, for the first time I felt truly free, comfortable and happy. That’s how the acting bug got started and I haven’t looked back since.

The first job I ever booked as an actress was…

In community theatre, my very first role outside of college. It was as an Edwardian and a soloist in a musical revue called The New Old Music Hall, For Queen & Country. My first paid opportunity was in a staged reading called Lola’s Letter by Michon Boston.

Three actors I want to work with are…

Viola Davis, Patrick Stewart and Lily James.

Upcoming projects coming up that I would like to share with readers are… 

Unfortunately, none at the moment.  That is liable to change (God willing)!

My goal I hope to accomplish this year…

I hope to be in a full in-person theatre production again.  Doing so much virtual theatre and staged readings can only do so much to satisfy one’s creative soul.

The movie that really inspired me was…

You’ll be surprised at this answer, but it’s You’ve Got Mail with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.  Great acting combined with excellent writing by the late Nora Ephron that doesn’t have any gimmicks or special effects.  It always inspires me to go after a well-written story that allows growth and a little bit of fun as an actor.  It doesn’t always have to be a dramatic role, it can be a romantic comedy like this film.

I spend way too much money on…

Clothes and food! I enjoy shopping, cooking and baking (Sometimes eating out way too much).

If I could move anywhere in the world, I would move to…

London. I got to study abroad there in 2011 and I fell in love with this incredible city.  The mixture of the historical buildings alongside the new without one overpowering the other, the theatre scene, the food, the transportation and so many things to do and see without getting bored makes me want to go back there.  Maybe one day I’ll have the chance to perform in London on the West End or in the Globe Theatre!

My life changed for the better when…

I legally changed my name from Lanita Dawn Wright to Nessa Elinor Amherst.  The reason for this change is not only due to my career but to remove myself from my abusive father’s surname and get a fresh start.  It was a long process to change everything over to Nessa Elinor Amherst, but it’s one I’m profoundly grateful to do to get a fresh start.

Everyone can keep in contact with her on social media:

Instagram: @nessaamherst.