She does it all and she does it all very well, with a side of Philly attitude and confidence, Brooke Lewis Bellas answers our questions for Women in Horror Month!
Please introduce yourself:
Happy Women in Horror Month! I always joke that I am a “Jackess of All Trades,” so I think the most thorough introduction is summed up in my BIO:
Brooke Lewis Bellas, also known as Brooke Lewis, is an award-winning actress and producer, known for the mystery, thriller “iMurders” (2008) opposite Billy Dee Williams, Gabrielle Anwar and Frank Grillo, the mobster movie “Sinatra Club” (2010) opposite Danny Nucci and Jason Gedrick, the horror, thriller “Kinky Killers” (2007) opposite Charles Durning and Michael Pare, and her comedic mobster Vampire “alter ego” character and passion project “Ms. Vampy”. After growing up and beginning her creative dreams in Philly, she moved to New York City and got her first “break” playing Donna Marsala in the Actors’ Equity Off-Broadway hit comedy “Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding”. She made her living acting in New York for four years, before heading to Hollywood. Never forgetting her ties to the LOVE statue and Eagles football, she launched Philly Chick Pictures in 2002 to create more opportunities for herself as an actress.
In 2007, she played Dr. Grace Sario in the horror, mystery “Kinky Killers” on SHOWTIME and had the title ‘Scream Queen’ bestowed upon her in the entertainment industry. In 2010, she was honored with the ‘B-Movie Award for Scream Queen of The Year’ for her work in “Slime City Massacre”. In 2015, she was a guest at the prestigious SAG-AFTRA Foundation Independent Features Screening Series with “The Mourning”. In 2016, she was honored with the ‘Mary Pickford Award’ to “Highlight Women in The Film Arts” at Zed Fest. In 2017, she was honored by the prestigious Actors Awards with the ‘Best Actress In A Drama Award’ for her work in “Sprinkles”. In 2017, she was also acknowledged with the honorable ‘Stella Adler Acting Award’ at the Action On Film International Film Festival, ‘Grace Kelly Gold Actor Award’ at the West Coast International Film Festival, as well as the Los Angeles Film Awards ‘Inspiring Woman in a Film’ Award. In 2018, she was honored by the prestigious Actors Awards with the ‘Best Actress In An Indie Film Award’ for her work in “Psycho Therapy” and the West Coast International Film Festival with the ‘Legendary Actress’ Jury Award. In 2019, she was inducted into The Carney Board for the honorable Carney Awards Character Actor Hall Of Fame created in honor of character actor icon Art Carney. In 2020, she was honored in the best-selling historical commemorative coffee table book ‘1000 Women In Horror, 1895-2018’ and at the NOVA Fest with the ‘Best Supporting Actress in a TV Series Award’ for her work opposite star Casper Van Dien in “Stripped”. In 2021, she was inducted into the Phillytainment ‘PA Celebrity Hall Of Fame’ and was also honored by television’s coveted The Telly Awards. She has been fortunate to work opposite a long list of talented veteran actors, which includes, Mark Ruffalo, Andy Richter, Charles Durning, Michael Pare, Michael Madsen, Tony Todd, Billy Dee Williams, William Forsythe, Gabrielle Anwar, Danny Nucci, Jason Gedrick, Michael Nouri, Joey Lawrence, Dominique Swain, Courtney Gains, and many others.
In 2009, Brooke launched the “Ms. Vampy” TV/talk show/web series, in which she created, starred, and produced. In 2011, Brooke followed with the teen hit TV/talk show/web series “Ms. Vampy’s Tween Tawk, Teen Tawk & In Between Tawk”, which won the coveted 18th Annual Communicator Awards (2012) ‘Award Of Distinction for Social Responsibility’ and the Los Angeles Film Awards May 2017 ‘Inspiring Woman In A Film Award’. In 2016, she followed the series with the young adult book Ms. Vampy’s Teen Tawk: There’s A Lotta Power In Ya Choices, which hit #1 New Release in both Social Situations and Self-esteem on Amazon and was the Winner of the Paris Book Festival Awards 2017 Young Adult Book and New York Book Festival Awards 2017 Young Adult Book.
As if she is not busy enough, Brooke is a passionate Philanthropist and has performed on Broadway at the August Wilson Theatre and the Palace Theatre to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS as an AIDS Activist, has been an active force in several charities supporting Breast Cancer Awareness for the Busted Foundation and The Lynn Sage Foundation, Women Empowerment as a Board Certified Life Coach, and is a Celebrity Ambassador for the Breaking The Chains Foundation.
Brooke is a proud member of The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences- New York Chapter (NY NATAS) and San Francisco/Northern California Chapter (SF/NorCal NATAS) and Emmy Awards Judge, Online Film & Television Association, Women In Film, and Film Independent. And, during football season, you will find her watching the games and cheering for the Philadelphia Eagles!
What is it that attracts you to the horror genre for your chosen field of creative work?
Cinema Crazed, although I am a Vampiress (wink!), I am about to date myself here! I grew up watching what I call the “old school horror greats,” like the “original” “Friday the 13th” and “Halloween” marathons on TV. I would invite my girlfriends over to have VCR (Yes, young readers… I watched on VHS! Ha!) horror “binge” parties. There was a video store down the street, so we would spend hours there, perusing horror films and renting everything from “Prom Night” to “An American Werewolf in London.” I loved it… I loved being scared! When I was very young, I must have secretly watched the original “Dracula,” because I had fantasies of Dracula. That must be where my Vampire obsession began! On a more serious and personal note, I am very intuitive and sensitive to energy and my surroundings, since childhood, so I think I was always very drawn toward a sixth sense or a different energy in the universe, which made me fall in love with horror, as well. There really are many elements that attract me to the horror genre, as a choice for my creative work… I love the variety, as both an actress and a viewer… I love that there are so many sub-genres inside of the horror genre for me to play in! I have always embraced my inner detective and loved solving mysteries… no wonder I have been a huge fan of Alfred Hitchcock, Agatha Christie, and Brian De Palma! I have also been attracted to the darkness, unknown, mystery, and escapism that horror offers. Most importantly… I LOVE how the horror genre embraces WOMEN of all body types, curves, ages, ethnicities… offers strong roles for women… and, has the most loyal and supportive fans in the world!!!
What are your passions, cinematic or otherwise?
I am just so passionate about acting, my heart bleeds for it (wink!)! It is one of the loves of my life! My other passion lies in philanthropy, helping others, and making a difference in some way! I love fighting for the “Underdog,” as I have often felt like the Underdog! Philanthropy and charity work is such an important component of my life and career; I tend to title myself a Philanthropist, alongside Actress and Producer. I was born with a philanthropist’s heart and have always been a supporter of giving back in whatever way we can. I was spearheading events in college to run around Philadelphia and feed the homeless with my sorority sisters. Now, I am so grateful to have whatever little “celebrity” status or recognition I have that can help make a difference. I am passionate about giving back through my artistic endeavors and through my work. I have performed on Broadway at the August Wilson Theatre and the Palace Theatre to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS as an AIDS Activist. I am a celebrity ambassador for the Breaking the Chains Foundation that cultivates healing through art for those who have experienced eating disorders, self-esteem issues, and body image issues. I am active in charity work with the Los Angeles Mission on Skid Row and helping to feed the homeless. I have been active in several Breast Cancer charities and events, as I have lost people, whom I loved, to breast cancer over the years. I authored, and have donated my book, titled ‘Ms. Vampy’s Teen Tawk: There’s A Lotta Power In Ya Choices,’ to support teen girls. And, in giving back to the world, I find that it brings so much fulfillment and gratitude to my own heart.
Considering this is 2022, why do you think we still need a movement like Women in Horror Month?
Cinema Crazed, are you kidding? Even in 2022, I think we need a “Women In Horror Year” Movement!!! As much as we have experienced huge shifts and transitions in the Entertainment Industry and the horror genre… significantly, in the horror genre… I still think both Women In Film and the horror genre are not given the empowerment and respect we deserve… especially, in Hollywood! I think a movement like Women In Horror Month creates a united force, strength, and community, in which we can stand together to support this movement in moving further forward! Women Empowerment is so important to me, and a topic, and issue, I speak about often! I truly feel that, for many years, our society set women up to compete, and to compare and contrast, with one another. It is the time in our world to break that cycle and allow ourselves to empower other women… to support other women… to not compete with other women… and, to join together and know that Women Power is the greatest power we have!
What would you tell an up-and-coming creative in the world of horror who sees that being a woman/identifying as a woman as something that makes it so much more difficult at times?
I feel it is incredibly challenging (often painful!) being a Woman, let alone being a creative Woman! And, personally, for better or worse, I happen to be one of the most sensitive and emotional women I know. I can only speak from my space and experience, but I have had to work extra hard to achieve my goals and dreams in the Entertainment Industry! I have had to PROVE MYSELF repeatedly, as both an actress and producer, for over 20 years, and it does not seem to get any easier. That said, and I always want to end on a positive… I learned early on to be scrappy and make my way in the world… to go after my goals and dreams… to educate myself… to leave “no stone unturned,” and I have carried this with me into my career from Philadelphia to New York to Hollywood! And YOU CAN TOO! Stay true to your heart and your vision! Live and work with your own truth and integrity! Come from love and kindness, even when the challenges are at their worst… especially, when they are at their worst! And, in my humble opinion, there is no genre more welcoming to Women than the HORROR genre, so… GO KILL IT!!!
What are your favorite bits of helpful advice that you would like to share about your work or your field?
Choose and Commit to a career in the Entertainment field because you Love it so much, there is Nothing else you can imagine doing… Look at the Big Picture… Study… Sacrifice… Maintain your Self-Respect… Put in the Work… Do not listen to the Naysayers… Be in it for the Right Reasons… not just Fame and Glam! The truth is, the glitz and glam of Hollywood exists, if we choose to immerse ourselves in it. The biggest misconception is that it is easy and comes without a price. Being a professional Actor and/or Producer in Hollywood takes so much time, work, effort, and money. It is not always sexy. I have sacrificed so much for my career throughout my adulthood, in order to sustain as an actress… especially, here in Hollywood… I have cried many tears, many nights. What you do not see, are the projects I have gone to Producers on, but have not booked… the TV pilots I have booked that did not get picked up for series… the auditions you have to prepare for, staying up all night to work on them. What people often mistake, is that it is a business… I will stress this repeatedly… the Hollywood Entertainment Industry is a money-making business! They call it “The Biz” for a reason and it is not all fun and games. We, as actors, and our projects, as Creators, are the commodity! So, be in it because it makes your heart sing! Stay strong through the ebbs and flows, and when the successes come, they will be worth it! BE GRATEFUL! BE FEARLESS!!!
What do you have coming soon that you can talk to us about?
You know I am excited to share! And, you also know I must start with Staci Layne Wilson’s “The Second Age of Aquarius,” adding a huge thank you to Staci for introducing us! We are all still celebrating, as this film just released on all VOD and Streaming platforms in February! There is so much I could say about this indie film that I like to note, “… is filled with art and heart!”. “The Second Age of Aquarius” is a film I feel blessed to have acted in, and Executive Produced, that wrapped just before COVID-19. My “Psycho Therapy” (Amazon Prime) Rock Star film Director, Staci Layne Wilson, also directed this film, and wrote the screenplay with Darren Gordon Smith (“Repo! The Genetic Opera”). These two are a super talented team! I am also proud to share that it has a very female empowered production crew with our Producer Nancy Long and Editor Nina Helene Hirten. It is a fun indie Comedy, with a bit of a Sci-Fi twist, and a lot of wildly fun Music from Composer Darren Gordon Smith. It is sweet and smart, and stars acting talents Christina Jaquelyn Calph and Michael Ursu. I play (and LOVE!) my character role of Tawny Stevens. She is Alberta’s Mom, stuck in the eighties… a New Jersey, Rocker Mom! Wait until you see my big hair, my make-up (Artist Allison Noelle), and my leopard pants! I did the Jersey accent I love to do. I am thrilled to be able to tell you to watch it now on Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, iTunes, VUDU, and many more!
Another project I have releasing soon is “Red Rooms”. “Red Rooms” is a unique web series project, as it was conceived and completed out of “isolation inspiration!” It was half scripted, and half improvised, so we chose to cast actors who we knew could handle the acting challenge. In 2019, Creator and Director Joshua Butler and I shot a proof of concept for our project, which paid homage to his hugely successful film “VLOG” (2008) from the producers of “SAW,” which went on to become a hit TV series. When COVID-19 hit Hollywood and we were all in quarantine, I called for a production meeting, then suggested we use the footage we shot and attempt to experiment by filming each character virtually from their homes. “Red Rooms” stars horror genre film and TV veterans Brooke Lewis Bellas (“iMurders”), David Alpay (“The Vampire Diaries”), Susan Lanier (“The Hills Have Eyes”), Ricky Dean Logan (“Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare”), and Noah Blake (“Teen Witch”). As an actress (many actors will attest to this), I do not always get to audition for, or act in, roles that excite or inspire me. Part of my goal with this project was to incorporate my Producer’s vision and Josh’s concept, while offering actors, including myself, the opportunity to choose a character they would be inspired to play, and Josh and I would build around these characters and merge them into Josh’s script. I believe this is what drew us all to this artistic, low-budget piece. Josh and I had many discussions around what he would like to direct me in, creating a more mature, emotional, but less “character-ish” part for me to play. In 2019, the topic that was everywhere in the media was the Me Too Movement, including an infamous Hollywood case, which inspired me to discuss the possibility of me stepping into the “female producer” version and to see where it would take us! I play Leilah Black, a very successful Hollywood Producer who has sexually assaulted male actors in exchange for roles. I will leave your readers with this for now, until it releases on Steaming platforms this summer!
What do you hope to leave behind in your legacy as an artist?
In the end, all I really want is to leave a legacy of making a difference, touching lives, and INSPIRING others in some way! I am such a workaholic, perfectionist, and very hard on myself, so I hope others will acknowledge my hard work and lifelong commitment to my career. I only wish to be thought of as “talented,” “valued,” and “respected” in what I do, as well as in the industry. I am quite flawed and have made many mistakes in this crazy business, but I work my butt off and commit to coming from love and support, while always doing my best, so I only hope that I will be acknowledged and remembered as a good person with a big heart… an actress and producer with professionalism, talent, and skill… and, to quote Icon Frank Sinatra… “I DID IT MY WAY!”
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https://brookelewisbellas.com/press/
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https://twitter.com/BrookeLewisLA
https://www.facebook.com/BrookeLewisLA/
Emilie and Cinema Crazed, thank you for taking the time to chat with me and inviting me into your Women In Horror Month interview series. Congratulations to all the horrific, empowered Women In Horror and a toast to Women In Horror Month 2022! XO Love & Horror, Brooke Lewis Bellas