Hi Ingrid. Tell us about your background. 

I was born and raised in downtown Toronto, Canada. My parents are both Jamaican. My mother worked in a factory when she came to Canada. She loves children, has an eye for detail and is always prepared. My father was a boxer in Jamaica and then worked as a courier driver. He always made sure I knew where I was in the world. 

Who influenced you as an actor growing up?

I grew up watching Tonya Lee Williams play the role of Dr. Olivia Barber on the popular soap, The Young & the Restless.  She began her career as a fashion model like I did. I always saw myself in her.

Kim Roberts is a multi-talented actress who was also born and raised in Toronto. Kim's career in both film and television is unmatched. She's a diva in the best sense of the word and I'm always inspired by her. 

Multi award-winning actor, Yanna McIntosh played the role of my sister on a television show I was on called, Train 48 . It was an honour and a privilege to work with her.  I see myself in these talented actors and it helps to know that we're all born to Jamaican parents. I'd like to think that I'm cut from the same cloth.

Special mention to Karlene Nation, Andrea Chase, Nathan Downer (all CTV News anchors) and Dwight Drummond (CBC News anchor). Seeing these smart and charming personalities (all born to Jamaican parents) deliver the news every night into Canadian households normalized the representation of faces like mine on television.  

What are you reading right now?

John. C. Maxwell’s Developing the Leaders Around You and Robert Greene's The Daily Laws: 366 Meditations on Power, Seduction, Mastery, Strategy and Human Nature. 

What are you binge watching?

I love the smart humour of Hacks, the wit and style of The Morning Show, the pomp and ceremony of The Crown and the grit and power of The Godfather of Harlem.  I'm also a fan of Suits, Downton Abbey and Bridgerton. They're all fun so to watch.

What do you want to do in life that you haven’t accomplished yet?

I'd like to see more of the world's temples and holy places. The energy is focused there and I'm sensitive to these sorts of places.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to any actor?

Do your research and know your character.

Finally, do you have any tips for new actors starting out?

Yes, I have 10 actually. They are:

1. Exercise. Eat the foods that are right for you and stretch your body EVERY DAY.

2. Act. Don't wait for roles to come to you. Take classes, get coaching and work on your craft.

3. Study. Learn about the lives and careers of your favourite actors. Be inspired by their journey.

4. Say yes to life. Try different experiences. Learn a variety of skills. Be present to life.

5. Let life affect you. Explore your feelings in a healthy way. Doing this will allow you to access true emotion when you need to.

6. Cultivate empathy. This will help you to remove judgments and limiting choices for your roles. 

7. Have a vision for your career. Set short term and long term goals and move towards them.

8. Be in good company. Surround yourself with people who are focused and growing in their life.

9. Remember the SUCCESS equation: SUCCESS = FOCUS + DISCIPLINE + PERSEVERANCE. 

10. Read this list again !