Born in Brooklyn, NY and raised between NYC and Haiti, Natalie has always had an interest in acting. With the support of her parents, she received her undergraduate degree from Yale University and an MFA from the NYU Tisch School of the Arts Graduate Acting Program.
The evening started off with a screening of Everything Absolutely, a short film written, directed, and staring Natalie. Part of her final student project at NYU, the film tells the story of a day in the life of a young woman living in Brooklyn. It depicts the silly, neurotic thoughts and tendencies of the mind and was Natalie’s first experience as both director and actor. Speaking on the debut of her second short film Sweet Tea at Haiti Film Fest 2015, Natalie expressed how much she enjoyed being able to take a step back and explore a career in writing and directing: “It’s very important not to edit yourself when it comes to new opportunities. Put out what you have!”
In 2014, Natalie was offered the opportunity to play the iconic role of Juliet in Romeo & Juliet at the Classical Theater of Harlem, receiving raving reviews on her performance. The actress then nabbed a role on the HBO hit series Boardwalk Empire as Beatrice Carson, a character based on the life of Eunice Carter, the first Black female District Attorney. “Being on HBO is incredible!” said Natalie explaining the effect of the role on her acting career. “As an actor, these things take time to build and HBO was a dream! After all, I grew up in the HBO era where it was the network to watch.” Continuing the momentum, Natalie will star in the upcoming HBO series Show Me A Hero, set to debut this fall. Based on a true story, the mini-series takes place during the late 80’s and early 90’s in Yonkers, NY where she plays Doreen Henderson, a woman whose life is affected by the housing crisis.
The actress also volunteers her time at Hope on a String, a free school focused on teaching Performing Arts in Haiti, as her way of showing gratitude to her country and countrymen.
Closing the night off with some final words, Natalie shared some advice for those looking to break into the acting scene. “Being an actor is tough, but in that first breakthrough, you realize that someone else didn’t get that role. You have to come highly recommended.”
Beautiful and talented, Natalie Paul showed utter humility considering all she has accomplished and we in turn were pleased to have her participate in our An n’ Pale. No doubt you’ll be hearing much more about this gifted artist very soon!
This An n’ Pale | Café Conversation took place Thursday, April 23rd, 2015.
Click here to view photos from the event.
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