
We’re honored to have acclaimed Hollywood Actress, Rhoda Griffis walk our runway at our Spring/Summer Fashion Show on 17 April 2020 at the Chatham Station in Cary, NC. Here’s the inside scoop on her empowering story and her passion. Meet her in-person at our Fashion Cum Charity event! Get your tickets now at Zaftan.com!
(1) Tell us about your current profession and what your work involves:
I am a professional working actor who lives in the Southeast. I’ve known since 2nd grade exactly what I wanted to do and thankfully, my mother Lou Griffis listened! I was born and grew up in Angier, NC along with my 2 older sisters and loved the theatre, singing, dancing and films. I attended the University of the NC School of the Arts in Winston-Salem then moved to New York for 3 years before marrying Georgia Boy, Jay Freer. We moved to Atlanta where we’ve lived ever since. I’ve been fortunate to have worked in TV, Film, Commercials and Voice-Overs for over 35 years now. Spokesperson for BELK, BiLo, Helig Meyers and over 100 commercials. Most notable films are WALK THE LINE, THE BLINDSIDE, HIDDEN FIGURES, 42 and PARENTAL GUIDANCE. In theaters now-JUST MERCY and opening in March-THE BANKER.
(2) Share about how you contribute to the community or about any volunteer service or interests that you have:
I teach Acting to Upper School students 2 weeks per semester at Atlanta’s LOVETT SCHOOL. We are making our yearly NYC trip to see 5 Broadway shows in 4 days and immerse the students in great Theatre! With so much film/tv work in GA, I mentor new actors to our state- helping them navigate this wonderfully crazy business I love.
(3) Your passion – What is your “Why?” Why do you get out of bed each morning?
I realize how fortunate I am to continue to work in a field that I Adore and would do for Free (but don’t tell my agent!) Aging in this field is trying at times but I am truly thankful that I’m a “Character Actor” and have a very strong work ethic. Giving back to younger actors helps me learn from them as well. I Believe my journey each day is a beautiful way to to give back to others. Even if my students do not go into the field of acting, I teach them to appreciate the Fine Arts, feel more comfortable leading others and become our future’s patrons of the Arts.