BRIDGING HOLLYWOOD AND FAITH

Actress Naima Imani Lett is all too familiar with the schism between Hollywood and Christianity.

      Recognizing the need to bridge the gap, she has embarked on a mission to bring light to a place that many Christians frown upon by reaching out to actors and actresses with a unique style of relationship-based ministry that promises to change hearts in Hollywood.

      "Christians are called to be light in the world," says Lett. "For me as an actress, that means I am committed to portraying truth and telling stories that impact lives as well as give hope in an industry that can wear actors down very quickly. Can you imagine being judged every day based primarily on your physical attributes and how bankable those attributes are perceived to be? Or being overlooked for roles because you may not have the 'right' connections?" asks Lett. "Believe me, there is enough hurt, frustration and rejection for actors to experience without the body of Christ piling on more. I invite followers of the faith to join me in uplifting, encouraging and reaching out to as many artists as we possibly can," she says.

      Lett is known for her recurring role of Jackie Ormond in Lifetime's original series "Inspector Mom." Her character, Jackie, is a young soccer-mom-with-a-secret. The latest episode, "Rake Your Thieves," reveals Jackie's struggles.

      She will also begin filming her latest Lifetime project, "Queen Size," directed by award-winning television director Peter Levin. She plays Lucy Phillips, a passionate reporter who breaks the story about the discrimination being experienced by an overweight high school senior who is running for homecoming queen.

      In addition to recent television roles on Fox's "Prison Break" and BBC America's "Wire in the Blood," Lett has been inspiring audiences across the nation with her one-woman play, "Shattered Silhouettes," a powerful and moving drama based on the stories of five women from the Bible -Eve, Jezebel, Leah, Tamar, and Mary - and how they deal with hope, tragedy, love, power, and abuse.

      She recently co-founded "Lett's Rise! Ministries" to create inspirational films, theatre and music that encourage, entertain and spur audiences toward truth and hope. First on the agenda was to create the "Lett's Rise! Starlet Award" intended to equip a young actress in need of financial support to obtain one of the most important tools necessary to begin an acting career - a professional headshot photo shoot inclusive of professional make up session and duplication. Submissions are currently being accepted at www.LettsRise.com.

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