Blesst Bowden
Born: Beverly Hills, CA — 1997 / Living: Los Angeles, CA
Still of Sabrina Sawyer (L) and Bowden (R) from “Used to Love” concept music video, directed and choreographed by Steven Vargas.
Interview by Speciwomen — July 2016
Speciwomen: Tell us about yourself?
Blesst Bowden: I am an actress from Los Angeles, California. I am also a student at the University of Southern California. I am 18 years old.
S: How did you get into cinema?
BB: I have always loved making up stories and bringing them to life. I even used to play with my shadow when I was about three years old. My parents noticed this and enrolled me in dance classes, which we realized wasn't enough for me. After that, I met with a friend's manager who instructed me to go to acting workshops and seminars to make sure it was really what I wanted to do. I was five years old then and I'm 18 now, so it was!
S: Who inspires you?
BB: My parents inspire me to do my best, work hard, and never give up on myself or something I'm passionate about. Artistically, Rita Moreno, Beyonce, Shonda Rhimes, and Meryl Streep inspire me. They influence me because they have accomplished things that I hope to accomplish, broken records, and broken down barriers for female artists and female artists of color, that I, too, hope to accomplish and even surpass one day. They also do it with such confidence, poise, and a level of talent that is seemingly impossible to ignore and I really admire that.
S: Are you working on anything currently?
BB: Several months ago I wrapped a film called Behold My Heart, directed by Joshua Leonard, which I had a blast working on. I am also writing a few scripts! I've never tapped into my writing skills before, so working on these is exciting.
S: Do you have other interests?
BB: I love to dance. I've trained in several styles since I was very young and dancing has always been another great artistic outlet for me. As I mentioned above, I recently began writing as well. I never considered myself a writer before, but I got to a point where I had these ideas for films and for roles, so I said why wait for someone to write them for me when I also have the power to create them?
S: What are your favorite places?
BB: I enjoy being at home with my family. Sometimes, when you're busy or you think you want to be out on the town every day, you realize how important home and family really are. I also love being around other artists. It's very comforting at times. Even if we aren't talking about it and we're just hanging out relaxing, it's comforting to know that they understand and identify with a huge part of my life.
S: Do you have future plans?
BB: I'm going to continue acting, writing, and dancing. I am also in school studying Law, History, and Culture. At some point, I would love to get my scripts up on screen.
S: How has womanhood impacted you?
BB: Being a woman is definitely empowering. Fortunately for me, I have grown up in a home that has always told me there's no limit to what I can do or what I can accomplish. The industry I'm in however, has struggled a little bit with supporting that idea. With that said, being a woman is shaping me. Because of it I know that my dreams are just as valid as everyone else's. My talents and abilities don't have to be belittled because I am a woman. You will always encounter discrimination, but it is reassuring to know that you can absolutely have it “all.” “All” means whatever you want it to mean. And the same goes for the expectation of perfection for women. You can absolutely be perfect, because perfect means whatever you want it to mean.
Blesst Bowden was born November 9,1997 in Beverly Hills, California. She is of African-American and Cuban descent. Bowden grew up in San Pedro, CA with her parents and four older sisters. She began dancing at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy at age four and began acting professionally only one year later. In 2006, she was introduced to the television series world when she was cast as Lisa in Lucky Louie, written by and starring Louis C.K.
Bowden graduated from the University of Southern California with degrees in Theatre (Acting) and Law, History, and Culture in 2020. She continues to write, act and dance professionally. Her most recent work includes her role as Beth in Dark Was the Night, and a supporting role in an upcoming independent feature film.