Leonard A. Thomas Los Angeles, United States

I was born and raised in Detroit. I did my undergrad at Yale where I majored in Political Science with a concentration in Urban Studies focusing on urban poverty and education. I have a background in finance as a former investment banking analyst at BofA Merrill Lynch and an MFA in acting from ACT. I’ve always been juggling business and finance vs. the arts and acting. Now, I’m pursuing acting and producing in LA. My side hustles range from trading index derivatives in the market to college admissions consulting. 

As an artist, my acting lends itself to stories that range from telling some dark, gritty, truths to telling stories that are sharp, witty, and whimsical. As a producer, I’ve worked on a few projects that helped me compile a reel but I want to work on stories that will have an impact beyond me and help to shape lives and touch hearts. I want to work with writers and directors who are telling stories that allow black people and others to see themselves fully and heal, stories that inspire hope in all people who may be on the brink of hopelessness and so much more. 

I’ve been looking to find collaborators in LA who are serious in their pursuit and aren’t just waiting for the phone to ring, or waiting for opportunities but who are actively creating for themselves and for their people. I want to be a part of that group that is going from waiting to taking action.