We are so happy to introduce you to Chanel and we know that you will love what she has to share with you. Chanel is based out of our Chicago office, but she also does a ton of work in Florida. Chanel really is the gold standard in work ethic and we cannot wait for you to meet her!
1. What was your favorite casting experience with Nine9?
My favorite casting experience with Nine9 was actually my initial casting call to the Chicago office. The
genuine energy, enthusiasm, and encouragement to motivate me was epic. The Nine9 staff pushed me
out of my comfort zone and aided me to find my hidden talents. I actually came up
with a creative way to deliver my Allstate commercial by lowering my voice. The connection between
my Casting Director and I was awesome because he was from New York and I shared my experience
about walking in three shows for New York Fashion Week. I made him a bet that if I got cast he would have to give me the New York painting off of his wall. I told him about my social media post for Anti-bullying with Alicia Keys and Jussie Smollett’s “Powerful” song, we laughed because then he told me that Alicia Keys was his baby sitter!
What was your first ‘big break’ and how did it come about?
My first big break was getting the opportunity to be on the Season Finale of NBC’s Chicago Fire. It was so amazing to work with the entire cast that I literally watch on my DVR every week. David Eigenberg
(Hermann) is 100% as hilarious in person as he is on television. I can hear him now making us all laugh on set now yelling out “What are we going to eat?” Since I am currently applying to medical school it was so inspiring to be in a scene with Monica Raymund ( Dawson). She is very sharp, focused, and definitely a blast to work with as well.
What would you say is your biggest achievement so far and why?
I would say my biggest achievement thus far was being crowned Miss Florida Legacy United States.
Although this is not my first title, it gave me the courage I needed to truly believe in myself, and as Steve
Harvey said, “JUMP.” I left corporate America, launched a company to help people diagnosed with
disabilities, and became a mentor/pageant coach, preparing to launch my non-profit foundation
C.O.D.E. Rett, for Rett Syndrome, and focused on building my brand. 2018 has truly been amazing and
it’s only May, so I am truly humbled and laser focused!
How do you like to stay fit/active?
I definitely love to eat, eat, and eat! LOL. Since undergrad is over, I like to eat a little better, skip
the drive-thru, and train hard. I have always been an athlete so I like to be competitive in the
gym. I do have a crazy schedule so I try to go hard when I do have gym time, a few days a week.
Now that my mom, Valerie, sells Organo Gold; I LOVE their protein smoothies and red tea! It
makes it so much easier to stay fit on the go! I’m really focused on being healthy mentally and
physically.
What’s your favorite food?
My favorite food is stuffed crust pizza and sour pickles. I LOVE sour pickles!!! The best part
about pickles is that they don’t have calories, so it’s a perfect snack.
Any advice for people wanting to start acting/modeling?
My advice would be to just start. “The only way to fail, is when you fail to try.” If someone really wants
to achieve success in this business you have to really stay focused and organized. It is also important to
not get discouraged by rejection, because it is only a confirmation that an opportunity just for you is out
there! If there is one thing I learned is that the camera doesn’t lie, so no one will start believing in you
until you believe in yourself!
Have you ever been to a photo shoot with Nine9? What was it like?
I haven’t completed my professional photo shoot with Nine9 yet, but the staff was very impressed how I
came prepared to shoot in their office. I already studied my poses, had a moving board mapped out in
my phone, and directed staff on the angles I needed to be shot from to capture the perfect shot. I
wanted to bring out my personality, creativity, and professionalism.
What’s song best describes you?
There is no one song that describes me, I am truly eclectic. If I have to pick a current favorite that gives
me a good vibe it would be “Powerful” by Alicia Keys featuring Jussie Smollett. It makes me feel like there is no limit to what I can be or try!
What would you be if you weren’t an actor/model?
I do not only want to be an actress or a model, just like I don’t want to only be a Trauma Surgeon. We are all blessed with so many talents and gifts, so it is imperative to give back while also focusing on self growth.
Tell us something about you not many people know.
I am a complete nerd that likes to play dress up. Every Halloween I wore Doctor scrubs as my costume
and brought a heart model as my 3rd grade science fair project to show how the blood flows through the
human heart. My friends said I was being a showoff, LOL. In 2nd grade I built an electric circuit.
The biggest shocker to everyone is that I play basketball to this day. I even played competitively on the
traveling AAU team.
What do you like doing in your free time?
In my free time I love to be active in my sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and volunteer in the
community. Although I was born and raised in Chicago, IL, I live in Florida so I love to be in the ocean.
Any chance I get, I truly enjoy jet skiing.
What Nine9 program do you feel you’ve benefited from the most?
Thus far I have benefited from the Casting Department. I expressed my genuine ambition to work hard
and earn my way into this business to the Chicago and corporate office in Detroit. I have been working
closely and calling Brian in Detroit so often I asked him to put my name on a yellow sticky on his
computer! Now we email all week and strategize on maximizing my opportunities! I have been offered
to come teach some classes at the Chicago office on self-confidence and modeling based on my
experience.
What is your favorite outfit to wear to auditions?
I love to wear bright solid colors that look good on my skin tone. I love to standout and be different.
Although, most castings call for all black.
What is your routine going into an audition? What do you prepare?
When I have an audition I like to do my background research on the organization, role, and how I can
stand out to be the square in the circle. I prefer to practice how I am going to perform so when it’s show
time I am comfortable enough to bring out my own “swag.”
If Nine9 could set you up with a dream role/gig, what would it be?
I would love to have a speaking role and play a Doctor on a major show like Chicago Med or Code Black.
“Medicine is my life, living is my hobby.” I would love the opportunity to be on a breakout show that just
has true character and a message. I left corporate America, close to making six figures, to only focus my
energy on doing only what I am passionate about. I no longer want to be comfortable. Denzel
Washington once said, “Don’t just aspire to make a living, aspire to make a difference!”
Be sure to follow Chanel:
Facebook: Chanel Dean
Instagram: @DrBarbieMD
SnapChat: @DrBarbieMD
Twitter: @DrBarbieMD