Photography : Tammy Mcgarity
Starting at the age of 5, Bailey Tippen has displayed her artistic abilities as an actress, singer, and dancer in front and behind the camera. A fashionista in her own right, Bailey admires designs created by Kimora Lee Simmons, Betsey Johnson, and Rihanna and hopes to one day make her mark as an actress alongside other veterans including Anne Hathaway, Denzel Washington, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Angelina Jolie, and Viola Davis. In her spare time, Bailey enjoys creating and directing films and volunteering for the Rise Awards which recognizes influential students with Down Syndrome.
Starring in COOKING UP CHRISTMAS, one of the three original holiday films the OWN network released during the Christmas season, Bailey Tippen is an actress, singer, and dancer hailing from Atlanta, Georgia. Bailey Tippen is known for the role of Astra Logue in CW’s “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” and NBC’s “Constantine”, Kendra on Fox’s “Sleepy Hollow”, Naoimi on the Hallmark channel’s “The Watsons Go to Birmingham”, and Toosie on WGN America’s “Underground.”
How did you come across this role ‘Cooking Up Christmas’? Tell us about your character?
I found out about ‘Cooking Up Christmas’ from my agency and management team. They emailed me the story and breakdown of the role Vanessa and I decided to audition. Soon I received a call from my manager and agency that I booked the role, and I was thrilled! Vanessa is the middle child in the Jackson family. She’s all about style and photography. A force to be reckoned with, she may casually bump heads with the members in the household, but she is without a doubt fully determined to achieve her goals.
You have worked with a few A-list actors, how do you stay humble? How have they given you any advice?
It can be so exciting to work with people you looked up to in this industry. What really keeps me grounded is realizing that I can be working hard; shooting all day with big names in the industry, but at the end of the day I still have to come home to clean my room, finish school work, and do chores just like a lot of people my age do. So, it’s all taught me to never forget where I’ve came from. I’ve learned a lot from being in their presence, these actors work long nights, early mornings, and are always ready to roll. If that’s not discipline, I don’t know what is!
What do you love more acting, dancing, and or singing? Do you also write songs?
That’s a tough choice. If I’d had to choose out of the strong selection, it would be acting. Becoming an actress is something I’ve gone to sleep thinking about and wake up ready to achieve since I could ever imagine. I have dabbled into writing and producing music. It's been a passion project lately, and I’m working towards building my style as a songwriter.
Who's your favorite actor and or movie?
My favorite movie is Avatar. Watching it for the first time was magical. It was one of those movies that hit base on every aspect: plot, graphics, talent, cinematography. I was so intrigued with how It was pieced. It was the movie that really inspired me to pursue acting.
At what age did you start performing? Tell us about your first experiences?
I started preforming at five by recreating scenes and performances at home. This led to me participating in local plays at church and children’s theater productions. I really enjoyed the craft. After every performance I felt so fulfilled, I knew I was made for it. My mom believed in me and helped me get representation to pursue it as a career.
How important do you think is it to you to volunteer and help others?
Extremely. I believe it is important to give. Every day is a choice to influence the people around you. I’d want my actions, big or small, to lift someone spirits and shed light in someone’s world.
What projects should we look for that you are part of in 2021-22?
I will portray Tootsie in the historical drama, “Underground”. Tootsie is eager to learn and is empowered by her father because of his work and his readings. Despite the challenges her family faces, she has hope, and believes freedom does exist. The series is set to air on OWN January 5th at 9p.m est./pt. in 2021.
How can fans reach out to you via social media?
Check me out via Instagram, @BaileyTippen. @Bailey_Tippen via Twitter.
Looking forward to chatting!