I would say just go for it. Don’t listen to what other people have to say. I have spent a lot of time myself worrying about what others may think of the films and projects I have done. Any project you are apart of has meaning and is special. Don’t let anyone make you feel differently. This industry really is rewarding if you’re doing it out of passion.
As a part of our series about pop culture’s rising stars, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Autumn Joy Noel.
Actress Autumn Joy Noel’s journey in acting started at 17. She had always been interested in the craft even as a young child. After begging her family to let her make the switch from dance to acting classes she knew there was no going back. The young actress grew up primarily in Florida. Once she moved to Colorado that is where she began acting. After two years of classes she then made the big move to Los Angeles at just 19 years old. Within only 5 months of living there she booked her first feature on Lifetime and her career hasn’t slowed down since.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I grew up in a very small town in Florida. I had a challenging childhood. I didn’t have many friends. I grew up not knowing my real father and I think even now that still has some effect on me. My grandparents are incredible though. My grandmother LeAnn really did raise me for most of my teenage years. If it wasn’t for her, I’m not sure where I would be. I always knew I wanted to perform. That’s why I started dancing. I also love to sing which is something a lot of people don’t know. There was something with acting though that just moved me. The way the audience can be captivated by a scene and the emotion behind it. It’s beautiful. I knew there was nothing I wanted to do more.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
I have this love for storytelling and that is what really drew me in. I would watch old films when I was younger and think to myself, I want to do that. I want so badly to be on that screen. To make people feel those emotions.
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
I would say the different types of people that I have worked with or ran into have been the most interesting. No, you don’t “click” with everyone but once you find people that do it doesn’t even feel like you’re working on set.
It has been said that mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
This question is probably the only one I find difficult to answer. When I first started things were rough. I mean extremely rough. I took myself way too seriously and I sometimes still do. It was hard for me to laugh at the mistakes I made. None of it was really humorous but more of learning curves.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
Honestly there is a lot. I booked 5 features alone in 2022. Along with shorts, music videos, etc. I am pretty much always working. I have some personal projects I’m excited about. I am slowly starting to branch out to other forms of art. I can only hope to keep that same momentum for 2023. I plan on doubling it. Fingers crossed.
You have been blessed with success in a career path that can be challenging. Do you have any words of advice for others who may want to embark on this career path, but seem daunted by the prospect of failure?
I would say just go for it. Don’t listen to what other people have to say. I have spent a lot of time myself worrying about what others may think of the films and projects I have done. Any project you are apart of has meaning and is special. Don’t let anyone make you feel differently. This industry really is rewarding if you’re doing it out of passion.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Please share a story or example for each.
- Do this for the right reasons. Creating should come from your heart.
- Work in silence. For this generation especially. It really does help
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you really do need it. Not everyone is out for themselves in this industry. Some people will genuinely want to help you if you speak up. I am guilting of doing everything myself and wondering why I am so exhausted. Sometimes you need a helping hand.
- Never lose site of who you are just because you chose this path.
- Have fun with it. The most important thing. If you’re not having fun with it, then what is the point. Create beautiful things that move people because you can’t see yourself doing anything but that.
Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
I would say stick to creating with your heart. Don’t take jobs just for money alone constantly. That will hurt you more than help you.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I would start a movement to recognize the amount of work creatives really do. I often feel pressured to post about every single set I am on. There is a lot of times I am working and I can’t post. A lot goes on behind the scenes. A lot of wonderful projects go unnoticed. I would like to change that for creatives in the future.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
In this industry I hate to say it, but I have pretty much done most things alone. I have always wanted to be apart of an acting community. I just haven’t found one with my people. I have some very supportive friends, but not in terms of others helping me. I have helped me get to where I am. I am someone who doesn’t believe in handouts so that is where my independence stems from.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“Your vulnerability is by far your greatest asset” Please use it. I spent the majority of my life being ashamed by how much I feel. But those feelings have helped me not only as an actress but as a human too.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
I would absolutely love to have a private breakfast with actress Florence Pugh. She is a big inspiration to me. I have watched so many of her interviews and I feel like I would simply just enjoy her company. She is very dedicated and it’s something I heavily admire. I can only hope to come close to working with someone as talented as her.
How can our readers follow you online?
All my social media handles are under autumnjoynoel. I only use instagram. Sometimes tiktok.
I’ll link my IMDb as well here
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9857783/
This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!
Rising Star Autumn Joy Noel On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Entertainment Industry was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.