From Ballet to Hollywood: Susan Lavelle's Story
Photo Courtesy: Susan Lavelle

From Ballet to Hollywood: Susan Lavelle’s Story

By: Sherry Lee

Susan Lavelle’s passion for acting was ignited at a young age, thanks to her early exposure to ballet, tap, jazz, and theater. These performing arts opened her mind to the world of imagination and creativity through dance, leaving a lasting impact on her life. Ballet instilled in her grace, balance, and poise, while gymnastics empowered her with strength and confidence. These skills became invaluable tools not just in her acting career but in all aspects of her life.

The decision to move from Louisiana to Los Angeles was motivated by a chance encounter with actor David Sheltraw during the filming of “Everybody’s All American” at Louisiana State University. With his encouragement, Susan packed her bags and embarked on a journey to pursue her dream of becoming a model and actress. This bold move forever changed the course of her life and set her on a path of fulfilling her passion for acting.

In the film “Dear Mother,” Susan took on the challenging role of Adriana, a deeply broken character who has experienced tragic loss. Portraying Adriana’s anger and sadness proved to be a demanding task, requiring Susan to tap into her own empathy and delve deep into her emotions. The goal was to authentically depict the character’s struggles and ultimately convey a message of hope for the broken. This role stands as Susan’s most dramatic and fulfilling performance to date.

“Diamond Heist” marked Susan’s return to the film industry after a long hiatus. Uncertain of her skills, she trusted her instincts and worked closely with director and writer Dianna Ippolito. The film garnered recognition at various film festivals, with Susan winning the Best Supporting Actress award at the Mercurio Short Film Festival. This achievement served as validation that she had found her purpose again in acting and had the potential to excel in the industry.

On the set of “Saint Nick,” Susan fondly recalls a joyous and laughter-filled experience. Working alongside co-star Rachel Alig and other cast members, Susan formed a strong bond and cherished the moments of shared laughter. Chris Levine, though not in her scenes, exuded warmth and positivity, cheering on the cast and crew. Director Justin Knodel and the entire team made the experience memorable. Susan portrayed Louisa, a character that perfectly aligned with her love for animals, as she has two cats in real life. “Saint Nick” was recently screened at the Cannes Film Festival, adding to the excitement surrounding the project.

From Ballet to Hollywood: Susan Lavelle's Story
Photo Courtesy: Susan Lavelle

In her upcoming film “Transference,” Susan takes on the role of a therapist, a psychologically complex character. To prepare for such roles, Susan conducts extensive research, seeking insights from her own therapist, reading relevant books, and watching movies on similar topics. She also engages in numerous conversations with the scriptwriter, Jimmy Andrews, to fully understand the character’s mindset and motivations.

As an actress, Susan finds great fulfillment in watching the films she is in to succeed and be recognized. Films like “Saint Nick” screening at Cannes and several of her short films winning awards at national and international film festivals are moments of immense joy and accomplishment. Susan emphasizes that her passion lies in the work itself, the opportunity to create something special and have it seen by others rather than focusing on money or fame.

Balancing her professional life with personal interests, Susan has a deep love for equestrianism and animal advocacy. Animals have always been a part of her life, and she acknowledges that they have rescued her more than she has rescued them. Horses, in particular, hold a special place in her heart, as bonding with them is a breathtaking experience. These interactions with animals enrich her as an actor and as a person, allowing her to experience life and love in a profound way.

Faith plays a significant role in both Susan’s personal life and professional decisions. Having been raised in the church, she values her roots and finds solace in her faith. Acting, with its inherent instability and uncertainty, can make one feel alone and misunderstood. Susan believes in herself and her talent and trusts that God has her back. Her faith allows her to take on flawed characters without hesitation, as she believes that portraying real people with all their complexities fosters empathy and understanding. Love is the foundation of her faith, and it sustains her through the challenges of the industry.

Susan’s involvement in community theater as a child shaped her approach to acting. Performing in front of a live audience in a theater is a unique and rewarding experience that differs from acting in film or television. She emphasizes the importance of studying different acting techniques and credits community theater for instilling a love for the performing arts within her.

As a woman in the entertainment industry, Susan considers herself fortunate to have had positive experiences thus far. She emphasizes the importance of being one’s own best protector, holding onto values, maintaining self-worth, and avoiding compromising situations.

Susan is currently represented by GTK PR Agency, LLC in Los Angeles for all of Susan’s Public Relations Needs. 

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Publicist: Gtkprtalent@gmail.com
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Published By: Aize Perez

(Ambassador)

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