Susan Lavelle: An Actress With Charm and Grace

Susan Lavelle is a powerhouse in the entertainment world. She is not only beautiful and talented but also kind-hearted. Recognized as an emerging star of talent and charm, Susan has become an award-winning actress celebrated for her radiant smile, inviting presence, and versatile acting skills. Growing up in West Monroe, Louisiana, her early life was enriched with ballet, gymnastics, community theater, and pageants, all supported by her mother, a dedicated school teacher, and her father, a seasoned sales professional. Her academic path took her to Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, setting the stage for her thriving acting career. Susan undeniably possesses a distinct 'southern charm' that enhances her acting prowess, coupled with an exceptional sense of tranquility. This contrast makes her incredibly intriguing.

Susan's varied filmography highlights her wide-ranging talent, featuring both leading and supporting roles across numerous film projects. She has an impressive selection of films available on Amazon Prime and other streaming services. Her most recent release, "Saint Nick," in which she portrays Louisa, debuted in December 2024 and has received positive reviews. Looking ahead to 2025, Susan is poised to captivate audiences in two highly anticipated films: "The Dream" and "An Intruder Among Us," both set to be released on multiple platforms. Her outstanding performance as Adriana in the 2023 film "Dear Mother," currently streaming on Amazon Prime and Tubi and directed by Andoni Zorbas, has garnered critical acclaim. Furthermore, Susan's flair for comedy is vividly showcased in "Diamond Heist," where she played Charlotte, a role that earned her praise on the festival circuit.

Susan continues to make a notable impact in the film industry, garnering recognition for her exceptional performances. Her role in "The Dead Woman," directed by Dianna Ippolito, earned her a Best Actress nomination at the 2024 Vegas Movie Awards, marking her third collaboration on an award-winning short film with Ippolito. She gives a captivating performance. This accomplishment underscores her versatility and depth as an actress. Her acting prowess is also evident in "Simple Plan," "Thelma and Weazy," where she reprises her role as Charlotte/Weazy, and "Lost but Found" as Tanya, with the latter earning awards and finalist nods. These achievements highlight Susan's ability to bring characters to life and her dedication to her craft, showcasing a career that continues to inspire and impress.

An ardent equestrian and dedicated animal activist, Susan's passion for horses complements her commitment to animal welfare, inspiring her to create rescues for pit bulls and horses. Susan is also a very proud mom to three beautiful daughters and a son who takes immense pride in celebrating their accomplishments. Renowned for her contagious laughter and positive outlook, Susan treasures her moments away from the limelight with her animals, beloved children, and dear friends. Susan's experiences within and beyond the acting realm continue to inspire, highlighting her as an extraordinary presence in both her career and personal endeavors. Gemma Magazine recently interviewed Susan regarding the sources of her artistic inspiration, the particular roles that push her boundaries, and her thrilling future projects. Let's delve into it.

How did you like growing up in Louisiana?

When I think of Louisiana, it brings such a smile to my heart. I was raised on church values, traditions, lots of southern charm, peach pie, land, lots of animals, and close friends who are still my friends today. Oh, and the moss on the trees, bayous, and fishing! Sweet memories of my grandmother taking me fishing! Oh, I loved it, and I'm so grateful I was raised there! 

What inspired you to pursue the entertainment industry and how did you get started in the business?

I grew up in ballet, gymnastics, community theatre, and pageants, which greatly influenced my pursuit of acting. In college at LSU, I got the opportunity to come to Los Angeles when an actor in a big movie discovered me. With his help and encouragement, I came to Los Angeles to follow my dreams.

What do you love most about acting?

I enjoy immersing myself in a character, adopting their thoughts, emotions, and identity, and then blending elements of myself with them until we unite to tell an extraordinary story.

How do you choose the roles that you play?

The roles choose you! You connect with a particular character so quickly that it's not hard to play them. It's like connecting with an old friend; it pulls something out of you, a familiarity. There is just something so relatable tugging on your heart. It might be a vulnerability or an experience the character is going through, just something that is so understood or even misunderstood.

What factors influence your decision to play certain characters?

I look for roles where I can find pieces of myself in them. This way, I can be more authentic in my work. I must genuinely like the character, whether it's a good character or a bad character. Even bad, mean, or evil characters can have likable qualities. 

Can you describe your creative process for preparing for a new character? Do you have any specific techniques?

It's terrific to learn as many techniques as you can. I lean toward the Meisner technique because I studied with the fabulous acting teacher, the late Janet Alhanti, for many years. The truth is, I have also learned to combine other techniques, and eventually, I come up with my own. It is about where I am similar to the character and what truth I can bring.

You recently had a supporting role as Louisa in the Christmas movie "Saint Nick." Tell us about your character and what it was like shooting the film.

Louisa is just a disgruntled office worker, haha. Her greatest joy is her cats. "Saint Nick" is a fun-filled holiday movie with lots of laughs! It stars Chris Levine, Rachel Alig, and Alex Lizzul. It's on Amazon Prime!

On the other hand, "The Dead Woman" is intense and somewhat heavy. How did you prepare to play Rose Wilkins?  

"The Dead Woman" is a dramatic, award-winning short film directed by Dianna Ippolito. I have had the pleasure of working with Dianna on several other award-winning short films, including "Diamond Heist". I am lucky because Dianna knows my abilities as a dramatic and comedic actress and gives me some wonderful characters to bring to life! Rose's character has to confront her worst fears, including death and beyond. As an actor, it's a journey into fears and emotions. Rose was a challenge for me because I could relate to her on some levels but not to what happened to her. And that's where a beautiful thing called your imagination takes over, and your instincts kick in. Acting is always amazing to me because you never stop learning and discovering.

In 2025, "An Intruder Among Us" and "The Dream" will be available on various streaming sites. Can you reveal a bit about these films?

I am very excited about both of these films! In "An Intruder Among Us," I play Eleanor, a vintage prostitute with a red beehive. I get tickled just talking about this fabulous character because she was so fun to play. Eleanor has the inside scoop on what's going down that both the detectives and killers want to know in the movie, lol. The film is a horror/thriller directed by Dean Werner.

In "The Dream," I play a lawyer defending a sexually harassed starlet from a big-time actor. The film is directed by Andoni Zorbas, and this is the second time I get to work with him. I co-starred in the film "Dear Mother" with Andoni, which he also wrote and directed. "Dear Mother" is on Amazon Prime, and "The Dream" premieres on March 26th, 2025, at the Lumiere Cinema, Beverly Hills, CA. 

Have you seen the film and television industry change over the years, and what do you think its future holds?

There are more opportunities for acting expanding throughout the country, and I see more actors creating their own opportunities, especially through film festivals, independent films, and social media.

Are there any filmmakers/actors who have affected the way you have influenced the way you approach your work/acting?

I am a great fan of the late Philip Seymour Hoffman's work. I watch almost everything Nicole Kidman is in. She is a fantastic actress. Samantha Morton is a favorite. I am drawn to very intense, very present actors that move me. That is the type of actor I wish to be, an actor that moves the audience one way or another, for a brief moment or time, and makes a difference in their lives with their performance. To feel something different, to escape, to laugh, to see another point of view, to love, to forgive…. that's the beauty of the gift of acting.

What advice would you give someone just starting to act?

I suggest they get into an excellent acting class and acting community. A support system is important in Los Angeles because it can sometimes feel lonely out here. So, surround yourself with other positive people in the industry.

Get your headshots, try to get an agent, and in the meantime, get work on your own by applying for jobs on actors' access and casting networks.

There is no expiration date to be an actor or any particular look! So go for it!

"I live my life like a racehorse with blinders on so I can't see my competition, cotton in my ears so I can't hear any naysayers and running at my own pace toward the finish line of my dreams, never looking back." (Susan Lavelle)

Do you feel southern women are dramatic?

With our sweet Southern charm and beauty and deep love for all we hold dear, we are dramatic and well worth it! (hahaha)

To keep up with Susan and all her exciting projects, you can follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/susanlavelle_actress/ or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanashleylavelle