Vanoy: Beautiful And Enterprising Actress

Vanoy: “Don’t judge or compare yourself to others. They don’t walk in your shoes and you don’t walk in theirs. Walk your own walk, walk the best you know how, walk to the rhythm of your own beat, and that can lead you to walking through more doors of opportunity. Just Do You!â€?

MODEL OF THE DAY

Where She’s From: Beautiful Vanoy Burnough, whose Zodiac sign is Scorpio, was Born in Fort Lauderdale, FL., and raised in Des Moines, Iowa. “I was brought up with Southern upbringing and traditional values,â€? she tells The Black Star News.

“The most important things I learned from my late mother J. Nikki Franklin-Burnough were; never give up on your dreams, don’t go back to people who treat you badly, and save your money and invest wisely as you don’t know what life may bring. From my late grandfather Frank Burnough, I learned always know that God Loves You and so do I no matter what. My late grandfather, a Baptist Minister in Dallas, taught me what love really is; patience—it is not jealousy or envy. He is the reason I can move forward in life. He’s the sole reason I attended college in Dallas; it was to meet him and he’s my inspiration.â€?

Burnough  graduated from Southern Methodist University with a B.A. Degree in TV and Film Production. “I studied at SMU’s distinguished Meadows School of the Arts,â€? she adds. “My dreams as a child were to be a writer, producer, and actress. I strived to learn the business of show business.â€?
 

While in school Vanoy was on-air talent for KCCI TV 8, a CBS-affiliated news station, for a Saturday morning kid show Video Maxx. Prior to studying acting, Vanoy worked production gigs at Inside Edition, MTV, MTV2, Oxygen, and some indie projects.


Where She’s At:
She launched her acting career in 2004,  in New York City. She was cast in a Chuck E. Cheese commercial and theater plays, while studying at The School for Film & Television. In 2006, Vanoy moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting in films. She quickly got cast by indie filmmaker, Griff Furst, director of Movin In, a comedy starring Estelle Harris (Seinfeld); Christy C. Romano (Kim Possible) and Stephen Furst (Animal House).

Vanoy portrays the role of Chantelle, the love sick girlfriend of an athlete.
The film is slated for release later this year or early 2008. Currently, Vanoy is studying in Los Angeles with a renowned Hollywood acting coach to continue growing in the craft. “I aspire to be an actress and filmmaker who’s remembered for her artistic contributions,â€? she adds. “In the entertainment industry, aspiring artists must pursue their passion, be determined, work hard, and pray for the best. My faith has created a positive career outlook.â€?

Where She’s Heading: “Auditioning for roles can be mind-boggling for any actor,â€? Vanoy says, of some of the industry’s challenges. “However, being prepared, informed, and having a qualified acting coach are essential tools for success in this business. Lack of preparation will hurt you. If you don’t seriously practice and invest in yourself somebody else does, and they get the roles instead of you.â€?

She already has a string of accomplishments: She was the first cover model for African Hair Braids in America Magazine, in addition to her acting credits.

She has also been in several television productions. On the entrepreneurial side, Vanoy launched The Sienna Belle, a production company to create quality films and theater productions about women and African American culture in society. The first project underway is a documentary about politics and women.
                           

“Beauty is only as beauty does,â€? she adds, cautioning younger people who inspire towards a career in entertainment and showbiz. “If you look great but have no common sense or education to back it up, then you limit yourself to being a show piece. After your beauty fades what’s left?â€?

So how does this beautiful entrepreneurial actress prepare before stepping out?

“Dolce & Gabbana; because it’s fun, colorful, trendy, and stylish. Betsy Johnson—wild, colorful, Rock-n-Roll and feminine dresses in the collections. Tracey  Reese; my favorite American and African-American fashion designer.
Ultra Femme Fabrics, Designs, and Styles. Alicia Belle—Ultra Femme, Modern-style of Victorian Era. In terms of cosmetics; Becca and MAC have always been winners with me. Becca has best foundation options for brownskin tones and MAC rocks with the best colors for each season. For skincare, Dr. Paul Wallace, Beverly Hills dermatologist—has the best facials and skincare line for ethnic skin. He corrects any major skin problem. I also like La Praire and Dermalogica. Cocochic—great transparent gloss; Cocoalicious Lip Sugar and Bain de Chocolat Cocoa Sugar Bath Polish. In terms of fragrance; Silver Rain by La Prairie.�

Vanoy’s Words Of Wisdom: “Believe in yourself; impossible is nothing.�
Vanoy’s Secrets Of Success: “Don’t judge or compare yourself to others. They don’t walk in your shoes and you don’t walk in theirs. Walk your own walk, walk the best you know how, walk to the rhythm of your own beat, and that can lead you to walking through more doors of opportunity. Just Do You!â€?
Vanoy’s  Favorite Three Movies: “The Color Purple, The Joy Luck Club, and The Pursuit of Happyness.�
Vanoy’s Favorite Three Books: “Some Love, Some Pain Sometimes by J. California Cooper; The Color Purple by Alice Walker, and Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston.�
Three Leaders That Have Most Impressed Vanoy: “ Barack Obama; he’s a man I can honestly relate to. Gandhi; he helped to liberate his country and women living as widows in India. Sojourner Truth; she challenged the majority by asking ‘Ain’t I Woman?’â€?
The First Three Things Vanoy Would Do As President: “Stop War; establish arts education budget for public schools; and stricter laws against violence: police brutality, domestic abuse, child abuse, gang shootings.�
Vanoy’s  Favorite Cars: “Old-school German made, Mercedes-Benz. Now that’s what I call classy, and classic looking cars make big statements.â€?

For more information about this enterprising beauty please visit
www.myspace.com/vanoybu

 

For your profile consideration please send a brief bio and headshot to [email protected]
 

To subscribe to New York’s favorite Pan-African weekly investigative newspaper or to send us news tips please call (212) 481-7745 or contact [email protected]

“Speaking Truth To Empower,� is our motto.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *