Sydney Mitchell Stays Ready for the Lights, Camera, and Action

Sydney Mitchell is booked and busy! From critically acclaimed television shows to a lead film role, the talented actress, dancer, and model is making a lasting impression on the industry. She is beautiful inside and out, but her beauty does not define her. God-given gifts, hard work, and perseverance do. We sat down with Sydney Mitchell to discuss her career, recent projects, future goals, and purpose.

Who is Sydney Mitchell? Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, she stems from a talented family of entertainers. Her dancing and modeling career began at the tender age of six years old. As she matured, the longing for something deeper in her profession emerged because modeling appeared more cosmetically driven. Her brother B.J. Mitchell had been acting all his life, but she was not initially interested in following in his footsteps. Yet, her life was forever changed when she attended her first acting class. She did not depart the way that she entered. After feeling every emotion possible and leaving it all on the stage, she could not resist returning for more. The therapeutic experience opened her eyes to her true calling, becoming an actress.

“I genuinely feel like acting is a form of therapy for me,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell booked her first acting role as a bartender on TV One’s Three’s Complicated in 2019. Her character only spoke one line, but she knew it was the start of larger speaking roles in the future. That first taste of set life was exhilarating, even in the wake of her nerves. The energy and hospitality of those around her, including the show’s lead, Shanola Hampton, officially confirmed that her pursuits were not in vain. From there, her skills and confidence grew immensely.

“Sometimes it takes getting that call to confirm that you’re on the right track and to keep pushing,” Mitchell said.

She has since obtained various television roles in popular series such as First Wives Club, Tales, Sistas, and Boomerang. Her credits also include films A Wesley Christmas and The Bobby Debarge Story. Mitchell’s hustle afforded the many opportunities that have laid her foundation and prepared her for the biggest career opportunity thus far, a recurring role in the critically acclaimed STARZ drama series BMF. 

In BMF, she plays Lawanda, the loyal ride-or-die girlfriend of Terry Flenory. Her character has genuinely evolved over two seasons, and Mitchell has enjoyed peeling back the layers of her. She shared that she pulled from real-life experiences to help mold the character. However, the challenge of young motherhood was an exploration that she had to dig deeper to execute since she is not a mother in real life.

“I have a lot of traits that are similar to Lawanda’s, so preparing for her character was easy because I pulled from personal experience in most aspects,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell has gained so much from working on the set of BMF. Her castmates have become an extended family. She jokingly attributes the natural chemistry she shares with co-star Da’Vinchi, who plays Terry Flenory, to their “Libra connection.” The series also champions a powerhouse cast that includes Michole Briana White, Russell Hornsby, Snoop Dogg, Mo’Nique, La La Anthony, Steve Harris, Leslie Jones, and more. Being surrounded by veteran actors and having a front-row seat to their process has been valuable to her as a newer actress. Their warm embrace and guidance have been extraordinary. It further confirms that she is right where she needs to be. 

“Being around so many legends, it feels like you’re literally in an acting class,” Mitchell said. “Also, shoutout to 50 (50 Cent) for his mentorship, being so welcoming, and helping us newer actors and actresses.”

Another significant takeaway from the project is the connection the real Flenory family has made with the cast. They are present behind the scenes daily to support the actors in any way they can, even through emotional embraces of gratitude. The stamp of approval for the way their story has been shared with the world is the impact that drives everyone involved in the production. It is one of the aspects that Mitchell cherishes most about being a part of the series.

“What makes me love BMF so much is being around the real family. To have them giving their input and telling us how great we’re doing is all the confirmation we need,” Mitchell said. “This is much deeper than STARZ. These are their real lives. BMF will always have a special place in my heart because of how deep it is off-screen.”

With a career on the rise, Mitchell recently accomplished her first leading role in the BET+ original film Under His Influence. She portrayed Dimond, a self-centered social media influencer who uses her platform for justice, or so she thinks. As an actress accustomed to supporting the lead actor and helping build them up, Mitchell had to accept being a leader and allowing her supporting cast to build her up. It challenged her in ways she had never encountered as an artist. 

“This was the first time I could lean into finding my voice, expressing my feelings, and being a leader,” Mitchell said.

She opened up about how her voice has been a saving grace in her career. As an attractive actress, it is common to be typecast as the love interest, sultry vixen, or plain Jane. The opportunities to expand their horizons are rarely present for various reasons. Mitchell strives for versatility where she can perform outside of those limitations. So, she speaks up unapologetically about the types of roles and scenes she will accept.

“When I receive a script, I am intentional in the roles that I portray, especially the scenes,” Mitchell said. “I tend to stray away from suggestive scenes because I do not want to be placed in a box.”

Motivation is essential in an industry that takes much more than it gives. Mitchell thrives from her resilience. With a positive perspective, she stays encouraged through the peaks and valleys of her career. 

“I believe 100% in God that no matter what happens in between, there is a bigger goal,” Mitchell said. “Even when things slow down, I know it is just a part of the journey. I keep in mind that it’s bigger than me.”

Mitchell’s ultimate goal is to be an action actress, hoping to be a part of Marvel. She has been preparing for the future opportunity with boxing and stunt training. She said, “When you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.” And she is ready to entertain and inspire other young women, her other purpose in life.

She shared the importance of lifting up black girls and women in a society where they are not always heard or seen. A society that is driven by social media which has projected unrealistic expectations and superficial standards. Through her success, her mission is to pour back into them just as her mother did to her. She was adamant that she would not be the woman she is without the attributes her mother ingrained in her. Mitchell offered heartening advice to aspiring actors. 

“Keep pushing and staying persistent. Talent will prevail, but hard work is right there with it. Even though it may seem like nothing is happening, you never know who is watching you,” Mitchell said. “So, you must keep going. Persistence, patience, and prayer got me to where I am. When you change your perspective, the blessings start to pour in” She continued, “Keep a positive mindset. Be grateful for every audition, and it’s only a matter of time if you stay focused.”

Sydney Mitchell is navigating her career with intention and motivating other young women along the way. Her solid support system consists of a loving mother who has instilled faith, humility, and strength in her and an equally talented brother who has guided her. When she walks into auditions, onto production sets, and on red carpets, she carries them and every black girl with a dream. Sydney Mitchell is the next one up!

Photo Credit: Cierra Rogers