Sundra Oakley: Tackling movies and motherhood
WHEN actress Sundra Oakley is not busy filming movies and TV shows or appearing in a theatrical production, she radiates with the light of others. The 32-year-old stage and screen performer, who was born in New York to Jamaican parents, is truly a sight to behold. Oakley has appeared in indie films such as Black Kissinger and Indian Cowboy, but fans of reality television will readily recognise her as one of the top four contestants from the just-concluded season of the hit CBS reality programme Survivor: Cook Islands. The actress has also appeared on Sex and the City, CSI: Miami, Strong Medicine, several US commercials and in off-Broadway productions. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts from New York University and has also studied at Georgetown University. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her son, Carsun and their beta fish, Beta. Oakley, who visits Jamaica regularly, spoke briefly with all woman about her experiences in Hollywood and her plans for the next stage of her acting career.
all woman: To land a spot as a cast member on Survivor is a big deal. What was that experience like for you?
Oakley: It was the hardest, most exhausting but the most empowering and rewarding thing I’ve ever done. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Wouldn’t do it again, but wouldn’t trade it for anything. I made it to the final four and that is a coveted spot.
all woman: You also appeared on an episode of Sex and the City (Season 3) and some other big TV shows. How challenging is it to ger jobs like that?
Oakley: It’s a challenge. All of LA is littered with actors and there are many reasons why you get or don’t get a role. It may be small but when you do get it, you are very grateful. I have been very fortunate to be able to screen test for several network shows and to get that far for a project is a huge deal.
all woman: Tell us about your upcoming role onWicked Wicked Games (My 9 Network).
Oakley: It is a recurring role. I come in as a mystery woman. You don’t really know why I am there or who I am there for but I guess you will see towards the end (Laughs). We finished filming in November.
all woman: How do you cope with being mother to a 5-year-old son and pursuing your dream full-time?
Oakley: I’ve never seen it as a challenge just as a way of life. If I can’t do something because it will affect my relationship with my son, then I just can’t do it. I move on. But I have a strong support group around me. I have great friends who love my son and, you know, God above. I never leave God out of it.
all woman: Which are you most passionate about: theatre, movies or television?
Oakley: Theatre is my first love. It’s what I studied in school and the process involved in theatre is more gratifying.
all woman: What is your ultimate goal for the next stage of your career?
Oakley: So many possibilities abound. There is so much I want to accomplish. I want to be able to do a sitcom, a one-hour drama. I want to be able to do films and I want to do Broadway and the West End in London. I just want to capture all the possibilities.
all woman: What other projects do you have in the works?
Oakley: I was talking to my manager recently about what I’m gonna do when I get back and we have some pretty good things lined up but I don’t want to talk about them until everything is finalised. I will have my website up [sundraoakley.com] and there’s also the venture of a children’s clothing line that I really want to do and I just have to prioritise. I always write out my goals for the year.
all woman: What are some of your interests outside of acting?
Oakley: Hmmm. Well, I’ve been a dancer from I was four years old and I dance professionally because, you know, once a dancer always a dancer. I love martial arts and kung fu. I also love to box. I’m into fitness and I’m very much into spirituality. I don’t get to read alot but I’m currently reading Barack Obama’s first book [Dreams of my Father] and I want to read his other one [The Audacity of Hope]. I wrote two children’s book and I’m hoping to get them published later in 2007. I love travelling and I always love doing something new.
all woman: Would you like to one day extend your family?
Oakley: Absolutely. I always dreamed that I would have five children. (Chuckles). I’d love to get married and have a lot of children.
