Anji White - Actor of the Month for August 2025

Actor: Anji White | Interviewed by: Becca McCracken, CSA

1) Has there been a Casting Director who has really championed or supported you in your career journey?

I’m incredibly grateful to have the support of so many amazing Chicago casting directors—Becca McCracken, CSA, the team at PR Casting, and especially Mickie Paskal, CSA. Mickie has been a true champion for me, consistently advocating for me in every room she brings me into. There was a recent pilot where it came down to me and one other actress, and Mickie stood firmly in my corner, passionately recommending me for the role. She also makes a point to attend nearly every show I do in Chicago, which speaks volumes. That kind of support means the world—it shows she truly believes in me and wants to see me thrive.

Chicago casting directors really are rare gems.

2) What is the project you’re most proud of, and why?

I think the project I’m most proud of is Ironheart which recently premiered on Disney+. I’m grateful to God in bringing this amazing opportunity my way. Working on that show challenged me to grow deeper in my craft, expand my imagination and become flexible in how I approach the text. Also, Ironheart is unique to the MCU because it’s created for TV by a Black woman, directed by Black women and led by a Black woman. This time, Chicago, my hometown, gets to shine as well. It’s always so special for me to get to tell stories about where I’m from.

3) What or who inspired you to pursue acting as a career?

I remember when I was a kid, my parents took me to see a play at the Goodman Theatre. It was my first time experiencing a live stage production. I sat there, waiting eagerly, until suddenly the lights dimmed, and the stage lit up. The first person I saw take center stage was a Black woman. I was riveted, leaning forward, hanging on her every word, and inspired. Then more Black actors joined her, moving in sync, telling a story with such confidence, grit, and projection. I was in awe. I couldn’t look away. It was the moment I knew- I wanted to do that. Around the age of 11, I declared, out loud, to my mom: I’m going to be an actress.

4) What was your first IMDbPro credit and how did you feel when you saw it?

It’s funny- I had no idea I even had an IMDb page! I always thought it was something you had to create yourself. Seeing my credit appear in the entertainment database gave me chills… in the best way possible. In that moment, it really hit me: “Wow, my dreams are actually becoming reality.” I’ve crossed that line from aspiring actress to working actress, and that realization is incredibly powerful.

5) How has IMDbPro helped you either to market yourself or connect with other industry professionals?

IMDbPro has been an invaluable tool because it offers access and insight. It allows me to research the creative teams I'm auditioning for, get to know my potential co-stars, and familiarize myself with their body of work. In an industry where so much is out of an actor’s control, using IMDbPro gives me a sense of autonomy, it empowers me to be informed, prepared, and intentional.

6) Any funny or memorable casting room stories you can share?

My most memorable casting experience actually didn’t involve a room at all- funny enough! I was in D.C. working on a show when I received a message from casting director Steven Tylor O’Connor, CSA, letting me know an offer for a feature film was coming my way. A few days later, my agent sent over the official offer. I remember asking, “Wait… when did I audition for this?” And they replied, “You didn’t; it’s a straight offer.” Major shoutout to Steven (and Becca McCracken) for recommending me for the role. Thank you for truly seeing me and believing in what I bring to the table. Your trust means everything.

7) If you could play any character in any movie, past or present, who would it be and why?

The character I would play is Slim Hiller in the film Enough directed by the late Michael Apted. I’m drawn to films that root for the underdog, dramas that center women with full arcs showing their strengths, weaknesses, moral compass and the ugly parts that we, as humans, sometimes try to hide. In this film, you have a woman who falls in love and become victim of abuse by the one person she entrusts with her life, her body and her vulnerabilities. This film hits several genres for me: romance, action, suspense. The role requires discipline in not only of the mind: her fragility, her fears, the desperation, having several escape plans and changing identities but also discipline of the body. She starts off constantly on the run from her husband until she decides to defend herself. And in defending herself, she must go through rigorous training to take down her abuser. It’s a great role with many layers and a great film with a powerful message.

Also, if they ever made a live-action film version of the animated sitcom Archer, I would love to play Lana Kane. Got my sweater dress and gun holster on standby; just say the word if you're casting!

8) What show or movie that you’re currently watching or have watched countless times could you nerd out about forever? What do you love about it?

I watch a lot of movies and TV shows. I can nerd out to Ginny & Georgia, M3GAN, Sweet Magnolias, and A Different World. I love the comedy, the drama, the suspense and the heartfelt themes they each bring. And I love a good cliffhanger! I love the unique mother/ daughter dynamics in the dramedy of Ginny & Georgia. Sweet Magnolias is a feel-good show for me that centers around the love for community, friendship and family.

With the movie M3GAN, I grew up watching Chucky movies. Also, I enjoy movies produced by Jason Blum. So when I discovered M3GAN was coming out and it was under Blumhouse Productions, I had to support it. Needless to say, I loved it and I can put that on anytime.

I also grew up watching A Different World, a classic show, with its timeless themes and historical knowledge and celebration of Black public figures, Black culture and the HBCU experience. And getting the opportunity to work with Cree Summer was a dream come true.

9) Tell us a fun fact about you outside of acting.

I am a certified dance cardio instructor. I teach a specific format called COMMIT Dance Fitness which is a dynamic dance class with HIIT-inspired movements. Personally, I work out four to five days a week and I have a passion for health and wellness. I was encouraged to become an instructor a few years ago and now I spend my time curating a playlist that inspire people, both men and women at all levels to move their bodies and get that heart rate up. I love it because it doesn’t feel like you’re working out. I recently taught my class in DC with some cast members. They LOVED IT!

Actor of the Month is a monthly collaboration between IMDbPro and Casting Society that celebrates the casting community and spotlights its members through a series of interviews between casting directors and actors about their acting journey, the casting process, and how IMDbPro helps them advance their careers.