<![CDATA[HILLARY HAWKINS

<![CDATA[HILLARY HAWKINS - Blog 2]]>Tue, 13 Oct 2026 05:54:27 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[3 Guys on the Rise!!!]]>Wed, 25 Sep 2024 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.hillaryhawkins.com/amazingactorsspotlight/3-guys-on-the-riseWe recently had the opportunity to sit down with Actors Anonymous Hotline Showrunner Hillary Hawkins to discuss some of the ladies working on the series (please see: 3 ACTRESSES WE'RE ROOTING 4!!!) and are delighted to now share with you 3 guys on the rise from “Actors Anonymous Hotline!”

First, we have actor Derek Fox.

Hillary Hawkins has been raving about Derek Fox! His high energy, charisma and how he perfectly embodies the role of Bruno.

Derek Fox has been raving about Actors Anonymous Hotline and we are thrilled to hear how the project has been helping him on his journey!

“AAH was my first casting in the industry. I remember the exact day I received a call from Hillary, I was teaching my AP World History Class, E block, class of 2023. I was so excited as her name appeared and was beyond happy to hear I had been cast! I remember Hillary ending the call with "Welcome to the community." This stuck out, and still does because this four word statement was profoundly interpreted. I felt this to mean that Hillary believed I was talented enough to become a successful working actor. - which is my passion, my dream - this is what I am chasing.

As the episode I was featured in premiered, it soon became the most watched in the history of the show. Personally, my social media accounts blew up, the reel provided opportunities as it was my first speaking part released, and in my local area, everyone was talking about it. Being part of AAH & the releasing of this episode acted as the catalyst that propelled me from living in two worlds but fully committed to none, to being absolutely devoted and living passionately within one world - the one that truly aligns with my flow down the river. AAH helped me manifest my inner dreams into an outer reality.”

Here is the episode that blew up on social media starring Hillary Hawkins as Sunny Love, Derek Fox as Bruno, Marialena Alvarez as Big Mama (who you may remember from our previous post), Sabrina Areas as Julie, Dave Fript as Hans.

We asked Hillary Hawkins why she chose Derek Fox for the role and she said, “Because Derek Fox is just perfect for Bruno! He’s got great energy, very funny ad-lib / improv skills, and he’s pretty easy on the eye…”

“I am honored that I was able to be Derek’s first, first casting director to book him, but certainly not the last. Have you seen all the credits he has accumulated since working on the series?” Hillary continued. “Derek Fox is about to blow up!”

Derek Fox shared his good fortune since working on the series:

“AAH represents my entry into the industry approximately 18 months ago while working full time as a High School History Teacher. Since then, I have been chasing my dream FULL SAUCE and have: Completed over 60 filming productions ranging from features, shorts, commercials, series, & documentaries acting in lead, support, day players roles (primarily); have appeared on productions for: Twentieth Century Fox, HBO MAX, FOX, Apple TV, & Netflix, filmed in 8 states: NY, CA, MD, NJ, CT, MA, DE, & RI, appeared on my first streaming network - Tubi (CJ’s Grill s1 E4), and will make my theatre debut playing four roles in “The Options Game” at the Chain Theatre in Manhattan by Frank Williams. My biggest accomplishment thus far is working myself into becoming what Hillary hinted at when we first spoke - a successful working actor as I am no longer teaching but acting full time!! AND!!! The Journey has just begun!”

“I am so proud of Derek Fox. He was brand new to the industry when we first connected on Backstage, but I know talent when I see it… & Derek Fox, he’s got it!”

After speaking with actress, writer, producer Hillary Hawkins about Fox, we asked if there are any other actors on the series whose careers are taking off and she was quick to respond!

James Anderson II

Good news from James:
“Currently I am working on several projects, here are just a couple.
"No ID" The Series
I play the character Lead Detective Mason. He is a little rough around the edges, but is determined to close any case that comes across his desk.
This project has 10 episodes and will be featured on the Tubi network this fall.
Please check out some of my other projects on the Tubi network ( The Female Hustler Part 2, HER way, Affliction (A Toxic Love Story).

In addition to these projects I am currently working on and have worked on the following.

BYOB - Amazon Series
Shadows of Thewlis
Dinner With The God of War
Ascension
Thaddeus
Sweet Tooth
Road Trip to Heaven
Becoming Bugsy 2
Beneath The Surface
Marys' Heart
The Interrogation
House on Taboo Lane
The Underworld of Our Town
Concrete Jungle
Tear Bear
The Cut Throat Tapes
2024 NBA Playoffs Commercial
And 15 UGC Commercials

Follow me on Instagram Novembers_very_own215 for updates on release dates, additional projects and for overall enlightenment by yours truly."

We are so proud of all of the success that James Anderson II is having in his acting career! We even took notice that he was bumped up from a U5 role to a recurring character on “Actors Anonymous Hotline.” Congratulations James Anderson II! We would love to hear how that happened.

Casting Director Hillary Hawkins responded, “I was looking for someone cool and confident to fill the role of DJ DADDY CANE and James Anderson II brought the swag I was looking for! What’s great about James is that in addition to being a nice kind person, he's got great drive, and I really feel like he is growing as an actor on the show. Wait till you see him in Season 2. James just keeps getting better and better!”

We asked James if he feels that “Actors Anonymous Hotline” has helped him in any way and he responded:

“It has in fact impacted me as a person. Playing the role of "DJ Daddy Kane" I was able to really bring out my personality and flex my inner light. I now take that approach with every role that I do.”

We would like to encourage all actors to “flex your inner light.” Any suggestions or tips for other actors, James?

“Look at every audition/self tape as warm up to honing your acting craft. Use every no call back as fuel to your fire. Never give up on your dream, and keep working harder than the next person.”

That is such great advice! If you believe acting is what you are called to do, DON’T GIVE UP! In the words of Hillary Hawkins, YOU CAN DO IT!!!

Here’s someone else we believe has what it takes to excel in the entertainment industry…

Mithun MK

“I had just returned to acting after a very long hiatus, and was unsure if I still had the credentials and abilities for the jobs at hand. Actors Anonymous Hotline were the first to contact me and offer me a role, with some highly uplifting feedback and encouragement.” - Mithun MK

“What I love about Mithun is that he is different, unique. As you know we at Actors Anonymous Hotline are big on diversity and celebrate our differences and we did not yet have anyone like Mithun on the show. He stood out! He is “Singaporean-born, British-bred, currently residing in Sweden” and a great actor! He’s quite the character and I can’t wait for you to see him in Season 2 of “Actors Anonymous Hotline!” -Hillary Hawkins, Casting Director

We are so glad that Mithun MK has returned to the entertainment industry as we believe he has a lot of gifts and talents to share with the world! We hope more and more casting directors start to see what we already see and know about Mithun MK, he’s got it!

We are very pleased to hear that he is having some good success now that he’s back in the game:

“My first work as an audiobook narrator recently got released! A historical dark fantasy tale set in Mesopotamia, excellent crafted by S.J. Bostwick. Check it out here.

I am currently playing the antagonist, Senator Rhem, in the ongoing series Journeys by Cineplex Studios. I've had the honour of being part of the award-winning dramas Girls Night Out and The Sojourn, as well as playing several roles in the Twisted Tranquility Podcast, where I just signed on as Co-Producer. Furthermore, I'll be voicing several characters in the upcoming Action RPG game, Codex Lost. There are other roles which I intend to announce in due course.” Mithun MK shared.

Congratulations Mithun on your well-deserved success!

We know the road of acting isn’t always easy, but we applaud those actors that get back up and keep going. We also applaud those actors that know when they need to take a break, and take the time they need to refuel and/or perform their own self-care. Then, when they’re ready, they can get back out there again! Picking and choosing what feels right for them, and their spirit.

We are so glad these three guys on the rise chose “Actors Anonymous Hotline” as part of their journey and are so glad that “Actors Anonymous Hotline” chose these 3 guys on the rise!

We hope you have enjoyed learning about them as much as we have and would like to encourage you to follow your dreams; and in the words of Sunny Love, “Have a SUNNY day!”

]]><![CDATA[3 ACTRESSES WE'RE ROOTING 4!!!]]>Sat, 13 Jul 2024 14:57:54 GMThttps://www.hillaryhawkins.com/amazingactorsspotlight/3-actresses-were-rooting-4There are so many talented actors in this world but we would like to highlight three actresses that have been doing a really great job on "Actors Anonymous Hotline" and that we are rooting for!

First up, Marialena Alvarez!
You may remember Marialena Alvarez from Season 1 Episode 20 of "Actors Anonymous Hotline."

Well, we had a chance to speak to the director about Marialena Alvarez and Ms. Hawkins said, "Marialena Alvarez caught my attention as a stand out actress from her very first audition. She got her initial self-tape in quickly but without compromising quality. She brought the "Big Mama" personality I was looking for from the jump and nailed the callback! I couldn't have asked for a better Big Mama."

We also asked Ms. Alvarez about her experience working on the series and she said, "It started me out and gave me the confidence to reach for other projects. I am so thankful for Actors Anonymous for helping me begin my journey. "

We are so happy to hear how "Actors Anonymous Hotline" is helping to build confidence and launch careers!

We were not surprised to find that Marialena Alvarez is now working on several projects.

She mentioned that she has been networking with local actors in Orlando, Florida, has a talent manager helping her and that she soon will be signed to an agent! That's fabulous! We're rooting for you, Marialena!

Next up, DREAM!

We have seen DREAM in several episodes and she is doing a fantastic job starring as Wisdom!

When we sat down with the creator of "Actors Anonymous Hotline", we asked what was it about DREAM that caught your attention?

The series creator, Hillary Hawkins, said "DREAM initially tried out for another role, it was between her and two others for the other role. Each of the 3 were unique. Ultimately, I sensed something very special about DREAM and decided to create a role for her called Wisdom."

We asked Hillary to elaborate on this role that was created for DREAM. "Well, DREAM just seemed really cool. Like the big sis, Sunny (my character) always wished she had. So I offered her the role of Wisdom and was really glad she said yes. I couldn't have asked for a better actress to play Wisdom. She is nailing it on all fronts."

Congratulations DREAM! We don't know too many actors that can say that a role was created just for them! Amazing job!

DREAM expressed her gratitude for the project and how it has helped her on her journey.

"Actors Anonymous Hotline has helped me on my journey because, A, it gives me opportunities to work on my craft. B, the story as it unfolds allows my character to say words that I as a human need to hear. The conversations that happened between my character, Wisdom and Sunny are very, very intimate and very special That give me language to speak about as these are real issues in real conversation conversations that I have often outside of the script. The conversation sometimes is very healing." - DREAM

We are so glad to hear that the conversations are healing...

We have been staying up to date with Ms. Hawkins' interviews and are aware that healing and love are two of her main goals... Thank you both for sharing...

Speaking of goals, we asked "Actors Anonymous Hotline" actress DREAM if she has any advice for her younger version / an emerging actor that is thinking about giving this business we call show a whirl?

DREAM replied, "Great question! I would say hold on and enjoy the ride. I would also like to say you’ve told yourself that you can do something that Dominus society tells us we can’t do and that is get out of the 9 to 5 rat race. So continue to believe that there was something inside of you that tells you that this is an Impossibilities and more than that can be your reality. There are tons of obstacles and a tons of things in the way that will make you think that you have to give up on this dream, but it is in these moments that I would remind you to go inside and sit with yourself and God and ask God to guide you and show you gently."

Thank you, Wisdom for your words of wisdom...

And last but not least we have
Etel Bussio!

We first saw Etel Bussio playing Mulher Velha in one of the very first episodes of "Actors Anonymous Hotline." Since then, she has transformed into a character named "Guia Espiritual." We sat down with the writer of the series to find out what happened!

"Well, Mulher Velha means Old Woman and I think Etel Bussio reads kind of young to be playing an Old Woman but I loved her so much I cast her in the role anyway. Then, as the story evolved, she felt like someone who could be there for Sunny. Ya see, on the hotline we do have a lot of actors calling up asking Sunny for advice, but there are also special callers that call in to check on Sunny and I am so blessed that Etel Bussio is one of them, as Guia Espiritual! What's unique about Etel is that we get to act together in both English and Portuguese and it's a lot of fun!"

When we asked Etel for any good news she'd like to share, she expressed similar sentiments. "I'm celebrating 22 years living in U.S. this year. I'm so happy for all my accomplishments. Being able to acting in another language is a blessing to me."

We dug a little deeper to find out ways in which "Actors Anonymous Hotline" has been a blessing in her life and Etel was quick to respond!

"Actors Anonymous Hotline improved my acting skills. The fact that I need to interact with other actors without their physical presence, boosted my improvisation capabilities. Hillary is an amazing director and she can pinpoint exactly how each actor should use their emotions. She always pushed me in the right direction, which makes me pursuit my best." - Etel Bussio

"What I love about Etel is that she is a kind, responsible actress. She turns her files in on time, all the time, takes direction very well and she is really growing in the role and as a result her role is growing... I am so thankful for her contribution to the project." - Hillary Hawkins

Since Etel has been doing such a nice job on "Actors Anonymous Hotline", we thought we'd get some advice from her to share with you emerging actors out there that are itching to be on the series! From Etel: "Relax and enjoy the ride. Sometimes, life can have bumpy turns, but hold on and keep going. Acting is not always a glamorous as everybody thinks, but it makes your soul smile."

So there you have it! We hope you enjoyed learning about 3 Actresses we're rooting 4! If you would like to nominate an actor that you have seen on "Actors Anonymous Hotline" for a spotlight, just leave a short and sweet note with their character name in the comments and we'll see what we can do!

Thanks and in the words of Sunny Love, "Have a sunny day!!!"

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​James Anderson II

Mithun MK

James Anderson II