Broadcast journalism 2016 graduate Paige Guillory’s rise to stardom has been a work in progress through her life.
Since moving to Dallas, Guillory has worked as an actress. She held a principal role in a Popeye’s commercial, a featured role in AMC’s “Into the Badlands” and the film “Tasmanian Devil,” and co-stared in Amazon Studios’ “Washed.” She has also been featured in stage play, “The Awakening,” and a student film called “The Painting.”
The Fordoche, Louisiana native comes from a musical family. Her mother sang in gospel groups. Guillory loved performing as a child. She would put on skits and concerts for her family in her living room and imitate TV characters. At the age of 10, Guillory decided she wanted to be an actress.
“As I child, I loved the idea of being a performer,” Guillory said. “I grew up in a musical family. My brother can sing. My aunts, uncles, and grandparents all sing. It was inevitable for me to receive the gift of music in some way, shape or form.”
In her teenage years, Guillory sang in a youth choir at the Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church and the Livonia High School Choir throughout high school. As a student at the University, Guillory worked as a segment anchor for Tiger TV and as a Manship ambassador, which helped her be more comfortable in front of the camera. It also gave Guillory a better perspective on storytelling and videography.
Guillory began acting while living in Louisiana. She took classes with local acting professors and discovered the importance of investing in classes, professional headshots and building a resume with experiences in different projects to develop tools necessary to reach out to talent agencies. However, Guillory had difficulty landing roles and gaining experience as a new actor.
“In Louisiana, I struggled to find roles that were fit for my level of experience,” Guillory said. “I’ve been acting professionally for two years, but many of the casting directors in Louisiana preferred seasoned actors. Due to this, I struggled booking roles. Since moving to Dallas, I have been exposed to more coaches, more actors and more roles that are fit for my level of experience.”
Guillory, who is represented by Spark Talent Agency, recently booked a supporting role in “Lowkey,” a local independent film in Dallas which starts filming in December. Guillory said the film will showcase the African-American talent in Dallas. The movie will have an all-black cast. In addition, the film created opportunities for individuals to share their work with the world.
A multifaceted artist, Guillory felt a call to create music earlier this year while attending church. After service, she immediately began writing songs. Guillory’s EP titled “Finding You” is within a month of release. She wrote the first single of her EP, “Why Me,” in just 30 minutes which will be released on Thanksgiving. Her experience in Tiger TV also helped her direct the song’s music video.
“It brought me to tears when I first heard it with the music,” Guillory said. “This song has given me hope during life’s challenges, especially the trials and tribulations that come with being an actor.”
The EP will feature three songs with original, contemporary Christian music produced by Eddy Versatile Keyz of Music Warehouse Studio. Guillory considers her music to be inspirational as she speaks about issues herself and others go through, sending the message that God is with them and there is always hope.
“I’m very grateful for the position God has given me, and I hope my music can help others get through life’s challenges. I am also grateful for the support of my family and friends. This industry is tough and can be discouraging at times. Having positive people in my corner to push me has been a big part of my success.”
Keep up with the actress and singer on her Instagram @paigevguillory.