Urban Grandstand Digital Issue 10 | Page 68

a ugd exclusive Lunden De’Leon has built a solid career in the music industry. After spending a number of years as a successful model, she seamlessly transitioned into the world of acting, and hasn’t looked back since. De’Leon has boasted starring roles in a number of television and film productions, and her reign in entertainment continues with her latest television role. She will star in the new Bravo TV series, True Fiction, which will hit the tube later this year. We caught up with Lunden to discuss the new show, as well as the many other projects she has going on right now.  UG Digital Mag: This is amazing, and I know we’ve been working to connect for quite some time. It’s great to connect and be able to talk about your different projects. Thank you for taking the time out, especially, on a Sunday.  Lunden De’Leon: Thank you so much for the opportunity.  UG Digital Mag: The first thing I want to get into is True Fiction. It seems really awesome.  Lunden De’Leon: It’s actually a pilot that we filmed in Atlanta for Bravo TV. I play the role of Mutoni. She’s a lady from west Africa. Her family was killed in front of her, so she came to the states. Have you seen any shows on Bravo? UG Digital Mag: I’ve seen a few, but not many though.  Lunden De’Leon: There’s a show called Girlfriend’s Guide to Divorce. It’s doing extremely well, and these are the same writers from that show. It has been picked up, and will air in the Fall.  UG Digital Mag: For the role you’re playing, how do you go in and prepare for that type of role? Lunden De’Leon: Just drawing from personal experience and training. I read up on the women there and the things they go through, and just become that person. You have to let yourself go and become that character.  UG Digital Mag: Was there any difficulty considering the nature of the role, in terms of digging into it? Lunden De’Leon: Absolutely not. I’m from the deep south, so growing up, I went through so much. I didn’t experience those things in particular as far as my family, but growing up in poverty and being surrounded by crime, my personal experiences allowed me to get into it.  UG Digital Mag: You’re among some really awesome cast members. What was the experience working with the crew? Lunden De’Leon: They were phenomenal. You would think with their background, they would be stand-offish, but they were quite the opposite. Some directors want things their way, but this director allowed me to develop my character and bring as much to the table as possible.  UG Digital Mag: One of the things I’m excited about with your feature is the fact that people are beginning to recognize your many talents. Everyone’s hasn’t been fully aware of the things you done over the years. You’ve acted among so many brilliant people. You did the movie, “Somebody’s Child” with Lynn Whitfield, and you did “We’re the Millers” with Jennifer Aniston. I love these movies, and so many things you been in, and this is giving an opportunity for people to see your depth.  Lunden De’Leon: Thank you so much. I’ve been working at it for a long time. I left the Carolinas at a young age, going to L.A., and funny enough, I get more work in the southeast. There’s so much going on in Atlanta, and I’m just so blessed to be here to have the opportunities I have.  UG Digital Mag: Atlanta has always been booming, but there’s so many things current-day that people can take advantage of. I