Elise Neal
ALL ABOUT ELISE NEAL
Full Name:Elise, Neal
Date of Birth: March 14, 1966
Place of Birth:Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Relationships:F. Gary Gray (director; born July 17, 1969; once engaged in summer 1999)
Bio:
Elise Neal is one of those few actresses that has incredible range. Demonstrating so in varied roles from good southern wife Yvette in Oscar winning “Hustle and Flow” to screaming sidekick Halle in the cult horror classic “Scream 2″. She has starred alongside superstars like Chris Tucker, Terrence Howard, and Oscar winner Adrien Brody. And has worked with award winning directors such as John Singleton, Brian DePalma and Craig Brewer. Yet Elise shows no signs of slowing down!
After showing off her leading lady abilities in films like ‘4 Life’ and ‘Ransom Games’, Elise returned to television in the poignant Fox drama Kville. Elise plays Ayana Boulet the estranged wife of Anthony Andersons character Marlin. The couple struggles to rebuild their love and home after hurricane Katrina. The show also stars Cole Hauser and John Carroll Lynch.
Ms. Neal was doing double acting duty, while filming Kville in New Orleans’ she also toured in the play “Shackin Up”. Which also starred Billy Dee Williams and Leon. Her character Chastity had to make strong life decisions in regards to the loves in her life: God, the man she lives with and the man she really loves.
Elise’s film ‘Ransom Games’ was just at the American Black Film Festival and the film ‘4Life’ is available at a store near you. ‘4 Life’ is worth picking up to hear Elise’s song she co-wrote “I’m Down Baby” with Al Capone (who produced the track)!
Neal received much praise for her role in the critically acclaimed “Hustle and Flow”. She and the cast were nominated for a Screen Actors Guild award for best ensemble, NAACP award for best picture, and won best cast for the Young Hollywood awards, and the audience award at Sundance in 2005. Elise was the 2006 recipient of The African American Women in Cinema Trailblazer Award. She has three NAACP award nominations: Best Actress in a Comedy for “The Hughleys” twice. And best supporting actress in a Motion Picture for ” Hustle and Flow”.
Neal’s film debut was her starring role in John Singleton’s “Rosewood,” where she played Scrappie, Ving Rhames’ love interest. Her film credits also include “Scream 2,” “Paid in Full,” “Money Talks,” “Mission to Mars” and “Restaurant,” opposite Adrien Brody.
Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Neal moved to New York to pursue her dreams of performing on stage and choreographing musicals. She landed multiple roles in musical theater and found herself traveling the world with various touring companies. Her experience in musical theater allowed her to easily transition into commercials, eventually bringing her to Los Angeles. Once in Los Angeles, Neal quickly landed the role of Janice Sinclair on the ABC soap opera “Loving.” Shortly after, she made the leap to primetime on “Seaquest,” executive produced by Steven Spielberg.
Recently, Neal has revisited her musical theater roots by creating, producing and starring in “Assorted Flavors.” Elise is currently pursuing a label deal for the group as they work diligently to create the best album possible. She also had a few solo efforts, appearing on the previously mentioned soundtrack for the film “4 Life”, which will hit stores July 3rd.
Source:eliseneal.com
Trivia:
She attended The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Voted Homecoming Queen in high school.
Graduated from Overton High School of Memphis, Tennessee She was an accomplished dancer before turning to acting.
Attended the summer program at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts - West.
Produces a R & B female group called “Assorted Flavors”
Born in Memphis where Oscar-winning film (best song) Hustle and Flow was shot and in which she also starred.
Has a dog named Rusty
Was once engaged to film director F. Gary Gray.
Filmography:
EliseNeal’s Filmography as an Actress:
2007 4 Life
2006 Playas Ball
2005 Battle Night: The Krump Wars
2004 Hustle & Flow
2003 All of Us [TV Series]
2002 The Rising Place
2002 Paid in Full
2001 Brian’s Song
2000 Mission to Mars
1998 Restaurant
1998 The Hughleys
1997 Scream 2
1997 Rosewood
1997 Money Talks
1997 How to Be a Player
1992 Law & Order: Cradle to Grave
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