We caught up with South African born actress, Amy Letcher – a vivacious star on the rise!
Hi Amy! Why don’t we start by introducing you to our readers?
Sure! Hi readers, Amy here. I’m an actress, born and raised in South Africa before moving over to LA to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. I love reading, climbing trees, traveling and tea – lots of tea! I’m also trained in stage-and-screen combat, which comes in handy as fantasy and sci-fi are my favorite genres!
Who or what inspired you to get into acting?
Honestly, I don’t remember a time when I didn’t know this is what I wanted to do. I’ve always loved performing, and always had a vivid imagination. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had parents who fostered that creativity, too. My family is very supportive, which is undoubtedly what allowed me to explore acting and artistry and lead me to where I am today. I have a lot to thank them for.
What inspired you to move to LA?
Ha! It was definitely a gift – completely out of the blue, and out of my hands. I had always known that LA is where I wanted to end up. There’s a lot of film and television shooting in South Africa now, which is amazing – the industry there is really booming! But when I was growing up – and especially where I grew up, in a tiny little town – that wasn’t the case. So I’d always had my sights set on pursuing acting in Los Angeles, where the industry is well established. I was studying film in South Africa in 2012, with the eventual goal of coming overseas in mind, when a lecturer of mine decided to submit an audition video for me to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles. Next thing I knew, I’d been granted a scholarship to the Academy and I was on the plane! It was all such a whirlwind. But I’m so grateful for it.
That must have been tough, though, moving across the world?
It was such a culture shock! And yes, very tough at first. But anything that’s been difficult honestly pales in comparison to all of the goodness that I’ve experienced these past couple years, and the opportunities I’ve had to grow and do what I love.
Speaking of doing what you love, you’ve worked on some amazing projects! What’s been your favorite so far?
Wow, that’s a tough one. NCIS will always have a special place in my heart, because it’s a show I’ve been watching with my family since I was 12. But I also loved working on Black Sails, because we shot in South Africa! And of course I loved the sword fighting I’ve been able to do for a couple films, and working with squibs on The Romanoffs. Honestly, every project is special in its own way!
Ok, how about your favorite TV series?
Oh man! There are so many good ones, I think I have a new favorite every day. But I’m definitely a huge fan of Stranger Things, and I also loved The OA. So excited for Part II!
And your favorite film?
Again, so many! But my go-to’s are 3:10 to Yuma (the remake with Christian Bale and Russell Crowe – have to admit I haven’t seen the original!), and The Sound of Music. Recently, I also loved Can You ever Forgive Me?. Melissa McCarthy is, in my opinion, exquisite in every way. As is Richard E Grant – he also happens to be from Southern Africa!
Do you have any advice for other actors?
As actors, our job is storytelling. I think that humans need stories; it’s how we process and learn and grow. At the same time, I think there’s a lot of noise in the world, and it’s important to think about what we’re saying, so we’re not just adding to the noise. So I guess I would just say to anyone who wants to act; what stories are you telling, and why do we need to hear them? Not that they have to be super deep or thought-provoking; making people laugh is just as valuable as making them cry or think. And you don’t always get to choose. But when you do; make things that are entertaining, and fun, and thoughtful, and healing. Just be intentional. Think about what you want to say, why the world needs to hear it, and then go tell your story.
Any upcoming projects for us to watch out for?
A few things in the works, but none that I can really talk about yet. Watch this space!
Amy is currently represented by Minc Talent and After Eden Management.
Find out more at amyletcher.com
