Today we’d like to introduce you to MacKenzie Lee.
Hi MacKenzie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been chatty and expressive, and when sports weren’t enough to wear me out, my parents put me in theatre. My first play was in fourth grade and I was hooked—suddenly my love for talking had a stage. In high school, I spent two summers studying abroad in France, where I met young actors pursuing the craft professionally. That was the first time I realized I could try that too.
I auditioned for colleges with that goal in mind and landed at Belmont University in Nashville, TN, earning my BFA in Theatre Performance. I threw myself into every performance opportunity I could, while also making sure to live life outside the theatre—because I believe the richer my life experiences, the more I can bring to my acting.
I graduated in 2022 and stayed in Nashville, where I’ve continued to find exciting opportunities I never expected. It’s been a journey of following my curiosity, saying yes to new challenges, and growing both as an artist and a person.
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?
It’s certainly been a journey—but that’s the fun of it. I’m always in it for the adventure. If I succeed, great! If I fail, that’s just a learning experience, and that’s great too. I don’t take myself too seriously, but I do take my work seriously.
I’ve always been persistent and willing to work hard, but the tricky part about pursuing acting is you don’t always know which doors to knock on. So I knocked on all of them—I joined every Facebook group even remotely related to acting, from Nashville theatre circles to PA listings. I auditioned for community theatre, submitted to agencies, and took every opportunity I could find—from music videos to commercials to feature films. Shortly after graduating, I began working with Studio Tenn as their wardrobe lead. It wasn’t acting, but it was steady work in the industry, and that consistency can be the real battle. In acting, when it rains it pours, but sometimes there’s a drought—and you have to trust that the universe is still working for you.
During my time at Studio Tenn, even though I wasn’t the one on stage, I was constantly learning. I watched performers every night, observed the lifestyle of a theatre actor, and connected with Broadway veterans, music legends, and other incredible artists. I learned how to take care of my body to sustain multiple performances, how to stay present in the moment, and how to respect the people behind the scenes who are vital to a show’s success.
While working backstage, I continued building my on-screen career—filming and starring in two feature films set to release this year, along with numerous commercials and music videos. I’m naturally a “go, go, go” person, so rest doesn’t come easily to me. But I’ve learned that downtime is just as important as action. Watching theatre, studying films, and learning from the pros has been just as valuable as my time in the spotlight.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an actor, and I specialize in living truthfully in imaginary circumstances and making bold choices. At 25, I’ve already been a serial killer, a dentist, a mother, a girlfriend, a wife, a news anchor, a witch, a ghost—and more roles than I can even remember. I’m proud of the work I’ve put in, the risks I’ve taken, the times I’ve stepped outside my comfort zone, and the boundaries I’ve learned to set. Being a young woman in this industry isn’t always easy—there’s a lot to figure out about yourself and the world. There are people who will take kindness for weakness or who don’t have your best interests at heart, but I’ve been fortunate to discover that there are far more who are rooting for you—people who mention your name in rooms you’re not in to create opportunities for you.
Between my incredible professors at Belmont and the professionals I’ve had the privilege to work with in theatre and on set, I’ve been surrounded by generous mentors willing to share their expertise. I ask questions, I speak up, I’m the squeaky wheel—and I’m lucky to have people who are happy to guide and support me along the way.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Every goal I’ve accomplished and every project I’ve been a part of has been a team effort. My parents have supported me every step of the way—running lines for my high school plays, driving me to college auditions, and always empowering me to be authentically myself. My professors invested in my growth, sharing their experiences with me even after graduation. My partner has been behind the camera for hundreds of self-tapes, running lines, coming to every show, watching every video, and indulging my endless ramblings about actors I admire and the dreams I’m chasing.
Devon Spencer has been instrumental in helping me “fake it till I make it” in the wardrobe world—teaching me set etiquette, sharing her tips and tricks, and always encouraging me to take on new challenges. Every person I’ve worked with on set who offered a smile, a kind word, or a helping hand has left an impact. I’m incredibly lucky to have crossed paths with so many amazing people—friends of all ages and backgrounds—and I’m better for knowing each and every one of them.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @_mackenzie_lee_
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14406215/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1
