Rising Stars: Meet Deja Porter

Today we’d like to introduce you to Deja Porter.

Hi Deja, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from a mid-sized college town in Kansas, I’m currently 22. I definitely struggled a lot growing up. Making and consuming art has always been sort of a therapy for me and when I was a kid, I loved music and singing, so I joined my church’s children’s choir. We started doing musicals and that sparked my curiosity for acting. When I was in 5th grade, my case manager at the time saw how much I loved performing and she encouraged me to audition for our local theater summer program. I did and I was cast in the chorus, but I still really enjoyed it and gave it my all. The director noticed my devotion and enthusiasm and the next summer, I auditioned for The Wizard of Oz which she was also directing and I was cast as the Witch. It was my first big speaking role.

I aspired to do bigger things and to become the best actor I could, so I auditioned and was accepted into The American Academy of Dramatic Arts here in LA. I wasn’t able to afford it, but I was still determined to pursue film and tv, so despite everyone telling me it was unrealistic and to stay at my “safe” job and “go to college” I packed up my car and drove to LA with less than $500 and a dream. I struggled at first and there was a point where I lost everything. I was homeless with barely any money or possessions. I was able to persist to build myself back up and get on track to having my dream life and career.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve dealt with a lot of trauma. There’s been a lot of bumps in the road and a lot of them caused limiting beliefs that in some instances stopped me from living to my fullest potential and pursuing my passions. For example, I’ve struggled with my weight and body image for a long time and I remember telling myself there was no point in moving to LA and auditioning till I got surgery. It sounds so stupid to say out loud now, but a lot of times I was the thing getting in my own way. I’ve grown a lot as a person, so the road is a lot smoother now, but there will always be challenges. This industry is challenging.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an actress and a storyteller. Since I’ve started this journey of pursuing film and tv acting, I’ve gotten to train with some of the best and surround myself with people that are so driven and talented. I signed with a modeling agency and had my first on camera lead in the well-known “Dhar Mann” series. I had the honor to be a part of a film called “Roots” that’ll be on Amazon Prime in 2022. I’m currently gearing up to lead in another short film, “At Divine” that’s ironically enough a cautionary tale about a girl who comes to LA to pursue her dreams. I’m also in pre-production for my first short film that I will be producing and directing. I have a few other smaller projects that will hopefully be coming out in the next year. I think my hunger for learning and my dedication to honesty and realism in my acting set me apart from others. I’m still at the beginning stages of my career, but I’m so excited to see where the next few years take me in my career and the careers of all the wonderful creatives I’ve been so blessed to be on this crazy journey with. I hope I can help inspire others to follow their passions in the face of adversity and I can’t wait till I can really give back to my community and those who have helped me on my path.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I just want to let everyone know if you have a passion or a talent- That is not something that was given to you on accident. You can have anything you want in this life if you have the right mindset and are willing to do the work and be patient.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/dejag.porter
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11779869/

Image Credits
The Light Commitee Elizaveta Dirat