Meet Erin “The Gap Tooth Diva” Reynolds

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin “The Gap Tooth Diva” Reynolds. 

Hi Erin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I officially started acting after being a core Black Panther on the set of “Judas and The Black Messiah” in late 2019. Prior to that, I had a few one day, background acting roles on other major movie sets including “White Boy Rick” and “Native Son.” While I count myself privileged to have been on those sets, Judas and the Black Messiah had a profound impact on my life. I was on the Judas set more frequently than any other set before. I got the opportunity to interact with principal and supporting actors, Hollywood executives, and I even got to meet Lady of Rage, which was really exciting because I watched The Steve Harvey Show growing up. Overall, it was a very humbling experience, but I felt comfortable and at peace. I knew I was meant to be there. I recall the day after I introduced myself to the director, I got a call from the background talent casting director informing me that I was asked for, by name, to come in the following day for a scene that would have a selected few background talents. While that may seem like a small gesture for some, it was huge for me. I’m not exactly sure when it happened, but I decided around that time that I was an actress. 

The following year I really began to push myself as an actress. I started auditioning for lead roles in feature films and network television. I landed roles on Oxygen Channel’s “Snapped “and Tv One’s “Fatal Attraction.” In that same year, I booked my first lead role in a feature film called “33rd & Memphis” by Shawn Cosby, which was shot in the DMV area. My first day on set was an evening shoot, and I remember being so nervous the whole day. I was away from my hometown and everyone seemed to know each other and had previous experience acting, and I was just starting out. I got to set and had a blast. Everyone was so friendly, warm, and professional. I am incredibly appreciative of that project because it allowed me to really put my acting chops to use, and it illuminated the many things I didn’t know that I didn’t know. Additionally, I booked a role in New York for a film presented by Dame Dash Studios titled “Black Money” by Shakira Ruiz and the lead role in an Atlanta-based web series, Attached by Hershey Writes. I have also secured roles in various films shot throughout the state of Ohio; including “The Bus Stop” by Donnell James, “Work Out Partners” by Brian Berry, “Grace & Mercy” by Mike Berry, and “Jar Lid” by Jonathan Elihu Klein, now on Tubi. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have wanted to act ever since I was a little girl, but I let the fears of stage fright and failure hold me back. I was not a shy child at all, I loved meeting people, and I actually still do but standing in front of crowds was a whole other animal. My stage fright was so bad. When I was in the sixth grade, I had to give a speech in front of my math class, and I cried. I was so nervous and embarrassed. I laugh at myself now when I think back on it. Modeling has helped tremendously with stage presence, and I’m far comfortable these days. 

One of the biggest blessings in disguise was finding myself in need of reel footage that I did not have. While initially this was frustrating, it gave birth to a “sister” passion of writing, directing and producing my own projects. My first short film, “Salad Dressing,” was written in a two-hour time frame and filmed just two weeks after. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m proud of most of my work because with every new project comes new knowledge, but “Salad Dressing” holds a very special place in my heart as it showed me that I am capable of producing my own material. Prior to the making of “Salad Dressing”, I had no experience running a set, and on that set, I wore many hats, including that of the lead role. “Salad Dressing,” along with my other short films, “Not On Valentine’s Day” and “Decision Day,” are testaments that, while I love booking roles and working with others, I will not wait on others for my success. If a role isn’t available to me, I’ll make a role for myself. 

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I think that the Indie space will continue to grow. There are many platforms out there that promote the work of independent artists, and I see that picking up more momentum in the coming years, or at least that’s what I hope. As an indie artist, I want to see my fellow indie beings prosper as well. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gap_tooth_diva/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCflZp2mzluK4ljPDd-Jf2xQ

Image Credits
Keco Kent
Donnell James
Kofi Amponsah
Dontez Nation-Aceshotvisuals
30M Productions