Meet Duluth native, Bailey Stender, currently a working actress in Los Angeles!
What project are you currently working on? What is your role in the project? I just finished filming a hilarious movie for the streaming service “Tubi!” My role is the nerdy comedic relief. It was such a blast. I love playing the weirdo.
Do you have a favorite hat under the “creator” umbrella? I absolutely adore creating a character and bringing it to life through my acting. I love giving life to words! Making people laugh and/or feel something makes me feel like I have purpose.
What were your earliest inspirations? How did you get started as a creator?
Kate Horvath has always been a huge inspiration of mine. She directed tons of the musicals and plays that I participated in while growing up in Duluth. She taught me most of what I know about acting. Duluth is so lucky to have her.:) The Duluth Playhouse was where I got my start as an actress.
What is one of the key elements that has contributed to your success or helped you on your path?
I am so grateful to have a family that supports me wholeheartedly through this crazy journey. From the start, they’ve been rooting for me as an actress. Although they were nervous, they were excited for me to move to Hollywood and pursue my dreams. I’m so lucky to have them.
Whose work do you admire? Who are your dream collaborators? I absolutely love actors like Melissa McCarthy and Mindy Kaling. They are badass-boss-women and are brightening the world by making millions laugh. That is my dream. Melissa is so shamelessly herself, and Mindy has used her platform to create television series that shed a spotlight on diverse stories while making us laugh and cry. I hope to be a part of one of Mindy’s brilliant series’ one day.
What’s your proudest moment as an artist so far? My proudest moment in my career so far was definitely getting to play Nevel Papperman’s wife on the iCarly Reboot. iCarly was my FAVORITE show growing up, so getting to be on it felt like a literal dream. I still can’t believe that one.
If you had to give one piece of career advice to your younger self, what would it be? My best career advice for my younger self would be to love what makes you unique. I used to hate that I was a slightly awkward weirdo with a baby face, but now I see how much that sets me apart (and it’s gotten me roles!) As cheesy as it sounds, embrace who you are. When it comes to your dreams, never stop fighting for it! I’ve been told “no” hundreds of times when auditioning, but I never let that stop me. Keep going. IT GETS BETTER.
Stay up to date with all of Bailey's work!
Website: www.baileystender.com
Instagram: @baileystender
IMDb: https://www.imdb.me/Baileystender