available on DVD. Pharris, also a former soap star, played Simone Russell on NBC’s hit daytime soap, “Passions.” Pharris, who is originally from Las Vegas, can also be remembered as Kylie in "Scrubs," and for her role on "General Hospital." She recently toured her show, "In Search of O," which is about waiting until marriage at the age of 27 to have sex, and the fantasy verses the reality of that experience.
In a recent interview, Pharris told me that she knew at the age of four, she was going to be an actress. “I was fortunate to have my mother to always put me in positions or schools that had theaters or departments that had theaters,” said the actress. Pharris graduated from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts, with a degree in Theater.
Pharris said there are several people who have been inspirations to her, but the people who have had the most influence on her currently is Judy Atkins, who used to be a writer on Laverne and Shirley; Lois Roach, who is an Emmy Award winner and she also directed Pharris’ show ‘In Search of O.’ “These two women probably have the most influence on me,” said Pharris. Her pastor Kenneth C. Ulmer, Graham Mack and Steve Harvey have also played great roles in her life. “Graham Mack taught me the business of acting; Steve Harvey taught me how to keep my integrity and Bishop Kenneth C. Umer taught me that you have to bless each person.
“When you’re doing independent films, you don’t know what it’s going to look like, what it’s going to turn out like. I was more of a stylish actress and the director of Steps of Faith was more of a dramatic director. When the premiere came out, this was the first time I walked through the film and I loved it. You always critique yourself; I should have done this, I should have done that. I laughed with her and I cried with her. To me that was a big accomplishment. When I found out that I was doing this role, I called Ted Lange and Tracey Ross about parts in the film. I’m glad to have worked with them,” said Pharris.
The Steps of Faith cast has been on tour and have done fifteen different film festivals. “I was super excited when I won the award for “Best Actress,” said Pharris. The actress says that the biggest challenge she in the industry is having confidence in yourself whether you’ve accomplished anything or not. It can tear you down and you’ll lose confidence in who you are. You have to go out there and get your project. I teach the business of acting to people who want to learn the business… I want to see those young people who are eager and have that passion. I want to see them succeed.
Pharris’ favorite quote: “Twenty years from now, you’ll be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do, than the things you did do.” There is no fear. You have to go after it and see what happens. If it doesn’t happen, it means you’ve tried. It may not be in the direction you want, but it was in the direction it was meant to be. Don’t be afraid and don’t share your vision with everyone.