9 minute read
Mychal Bella
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Dress: 4funkyflavours @4funkyflavours Faux Fur: Spirit Hoods @spirithoods Shoes: Charles David @charlesdavidshoes Necklace: Zarianas @zarianasjewels
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Mychal Bella
By: Ashley Vitarelli
When it comes to introductions, Mychal-Bella Bowman requires none. The talented young artist’s impressive and substantial resume speaks for itself, covering everything from commercial campaigns to modeling gigs for top brands such as Disney, Target, Walmart, American Girl, Gap, Barbie, Nissan, Nordstrom, Mattel, True Religion, Hidden Valley Ranch, Under Armour, H&M, Levi’s, Nike, Champion, Crocs, and more. Bowman’s talents do not stop there. As an actress, she can be seen as Venus in ABC’s new series Queens and Grace in Barry Jenkins and Brad Pitt’s critically acclaimed and Emmy-nominated Amazon miniseries The Underground Railroad. Indeed, MychalBella Bowman’s monumental accomplishments speak for themselves, promising a bright future ahead for the young multi-talented creator.
“My childhood before moving into the industry was like anyone else’s,” Bowman recalls. “I went to school and am currently going to school. I grew up in North Carolina, that’s where all my family is. We go back there every holiday or so.” Moreover, it did not take long for Bowman’s family to recognize her talent and see her potential. “I started modeling when I was two and acting when I was four,” Bowman explains. “My first modeling job was for Kaplan Early Learning and my first acting job was for the TV show Togetherness.”
Indeed, being in front of the camera was what Bowman was born to do, and it did not take long for the industry to discover this, either. “I don’t really have a memory from when I first started and I think that’s because I’ve been doing it all my life,” Bowman says of her earliest memory in the industry. “My first big break was The Haves and Have Nots, but I feel like The Underground Railroad was even bigger.” Bowman can be seen portraying Grace in Barry Jenkins and Brad Pitt’s critically acclaimed Amazon miniseries The Underground Railroad, a role that she went out for three times. “I actually went out for the role of Grace two times in LA and once doing a self-tape on the East coast,” Bowman explains. “For some odd reason the self-tape was the one that got me booked. I only had one audition, no callbacks, no chemistry read. The first time on set was my first time meeting everyone. I remember we were at the airport
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Undeniably, an opportunity this big demanded a big call, after all, the series would go on to be a huge hit with both critics and fans everywhere, even receiving seven Emmy Nominations including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series. “It’s surreal to be a part of something this big,” Bowman shares. “I wouldn’t have thought in a million years that we would be nominated for seven Emmys. My favorite part of bringing Grace to life was getting all the makeup and wardrobe done. It helped me bring her into this world. My favorite memory from filming is when we were shooting a scene and I was talking about the Okra seeds that Cora had. Instead of saying her name, I said Sora.”
Beyond acting, Bowman’s talents also extend to commercial work, an experience that remains exciting and surreal for her, despite how long she has been doing it. “My favorite part of appearing in commercials would probably be being able to see myself,” Bowman shares. “One time I was watching YouTube and I saw myself in the Gap commercial. Of course I wasn’t surprised because I’ve seen myself in commercials tons of times, it just made it ten times cooler.”
Furthermore, in addition to Bowman’s commercials appearing on YouTube, her work can also be seen in larger venues — like Times Square in New York City. “It was crazy to see myself on a billboard in Times Square,” Bowman reflects. “Especially since I have friends and family who live in New York and they went there to take a picture next to me — that makes it even more breathtaking.” Bowman cites this Times Square appearance for the Gap campaign as her favorite commercial and modeling experience yet. “I had two huge billboards in Times Square at the same time along with a huge storefront signage of just me by myself,” Bowman says. “I was so grateful to see myself.”
With such an accomplished resume and promising future in the industry, Bowman still takes care to remain grounded and do activities typical of people her age. “I do typical kid stuff,” Bowman says of her usual day not at work. “I like to hang out with my friends, longboard, body surf, play basketball, play my guitar, and dance. I also love listening to music — especially Billie Eilish. Outside of acting I am a normal kid. That’s something my mom makes sure of, that I stay grounded.” Bowman continues to speak about her mom, citing her as one of her biggest inspirations. Moreover, Bowman also hopes to inspire aspiring creatives herself, too. “I love being able to inspire other people to follow their dreams,” Bowman reflects. “That is why I share my ‘Day In The Life’ content on social media platforms — I hope to inspire someone.”
Bowman’s inclination and desire to help others does not stop there. In addition to her incredible career in the entertainment industry, she is also a philanthropist, routinely promoting things that are important to her such as empowering others to follow their dreams. “Philanthropy is dear to my heart,” Bowman shares. “My humanitarian journey started with my very first modeling gig where I modeled for an international children’s brand that advocates for educational literacy. My mom wants my career to be built on substance and quality, not quantity. Being a difference maker and impacting lives is what we all should do when possible. To see the smile and hope on the faces of others is rewarding for all.”
The sky is undoubtedly the limit for Mychal-Bella Bowman. “I have been auditioning a lot lately for some really big projects with a lot of close calls and a whole lot of NDAs,” Bowman says. “I recently got to audition for my dream role and they also called to check my availability for another dream role of mind. For me, I am headed in the right direction — so stay tuned!” That said, Bowman also recognizes the value that school and academics have — something that she excels at, too. “My mom always tells me that there is life after the industry, so be sure to have other things in place such as academics,” Bowman explains. “I am so proud of myself for being inducted into the National Juniors Honor Society! The criteria is to have a 3.5 GPA for two consecutive years and I made it! Sometimes my mom is a little strict about grades but this made me see that it was all worth it!”
From billboards in Times Square to Emmy-nominated television shows and everything in between, MychalBella Bowman is living her dream. “I get to play dress up and be other characters which is so fun,” she shares. “What I most enjoy about modeling is that I get to dress up in different clothes. I love fashion. It’s always been something that I was interested in,
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and I think modeling has helped me become more interested in it.”
Whether it be acting, modeling, or appearing in a commercial, one thing will remain constant: Mychal-Bella Bowman is a force in the industry. Indeed, she is a bright young talent destined for greatness, and demonstrates every day that you are never too young to follow your dreams. “My advice would be to be whatever it is you desire to be and do not let anyone tell you that you can’t be it if you truly want to,” Bowman says. “Actors shouldn’t take it personally if they don’t get the part, it may not have been the right fit. I promise something better is coming.” As for what is coming next for the talented Mychal-Bella Bowman, the world will have to wait and see. No matter what it is, however, Bowman is sure to excel — wowing audiences, the industry, and the world as she does it. When asked what she believes the power of acting is, Bowman replies “becoming one with the character.” She continues, “that’s when I come out ready to give it my all on tape. That’s where the magic begins and it works for me.”
Photographer: Heather Koepp Stylist: Courtney Welch Hair: Erika Vanessa
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