Somaya Reece

Somaya Reece, whose name means “beautiful child,” was born in California of Puerto Rican, Belizan, and Hawaiian roots. Raised in South Central, L.A. , an infamously violent and poverty-riddled neighborhood, Somaya's intensely creative side led to dreams of being an actress. While growing up in a small house with her mother and father, brother, and three sisters could sometimes be a bit claustrophobic, young Somaya busied herself with school and extracurricular activities including after-school programs, and finding her singingIn order to further her education, Somaya refused to allow the sometimes overwhelming negativity of her surroundings to consume her, yet she is still proud of her roots and beginnings. At the young age of fourteen, Somaya learned of the importance of self-reliance, and in the noble pursuit of a better life for her entire household taught herself to speak both English and Spanish fluently in order to enter corporate America , help support her family, and study theatre. Somaya had dreams of a better life, and wasted no time pursuing them. voice in Church and Sunday School.

It wasn't long before Somaya was noticed. Initially scouted while working at a elite hotel in Beverley Hills , Somaya's first foray into the world of acting led to an ultimately disappointing dead end. Live and learn – Fortified with experience, Somaya continued working two jobs, studying, and waiting for the real opportunity to present itself.

One late night while working, Somaya was discovered. An agent and his wife asked her to call about the possibility of her becoming an actor. While a bit wary given the circumstances of the first fiasco, Somaya jumped in with both feet, and was booked into a national commercial along with a Spanish hosting gig within one week. Under her agent's guidance, Somaya's fulltime job became part time, and she enrolled in an Aaron Speiser and Brian Reise acting workshop in order to work on her craft fulltime. Now in advanced classes after studying the fundamentals of acting, and having no desire to become just another pretty face in Hollywood, Somaya has firmly entrenched herself in studied pursuit of the finer aspects of an accredited Thespian.

Somaya's career is now hurtling towards her childhood dreams. Her recent film appearances include significant roles in small films like Slammed, Ride or Die, GB2525, and an appearance in The Rock's action adventure The Scorpion King.

Somaya recently completed the biggest role of her life, expanding her comedic talents in a starring role as beauty contestant Miss Spain in the released film Miss Castaway. Due to her stellar performance, Somaya has been commissioned for two more films by director Brian Stoller.

With her acting career as her primary focus, Somaya's grace, poise, and beauty afforded her instant success in the world of modeling. Following the advice of a television colleague, Somaya visited a modeling agency and was an instant international success. She can be seen in any number of lingerie catalogues, swimsuit features, department store catalogues, and magazines.

While this sort of success alone is enough for most people, Somaya's insatiable need to pursue new avenues of interest also has her currently in the development stage of her first musical effort, as well as placing herself behind the camera for a change and trying her hand at photography. Using her considerable experience in front of the camera, Somaya's photography hobby has become so successful that she actively shoots an elite clientele of other actors and models.

The final complement to Somaya's multifaceted capability is her prowess with a pen. After submitting an article on beauty tips and fashion advice to the Hispanic publication Para Todos Magazine, her work received so much reader interest that Somaya was offered a one page monthly column as resident beauty expert. Bolstered by such immediate, positive reinforcement, Somaya is now working on a book of the reality of the business and all the negative aspects of it. It will be a tell-all type of book, it is sure to strike a controversial cord in many.

Somaya Reece has also made the time to give back to her community with her charitable help. She is very well known in her community for her unselfish efforts to make a difference. Due to her upbringings in a poverty-riddled neighborhood, she finds it fulfilling to give back to her community any way possible. She often volunteers on the holidays at the Missions in Downtown Los Angeles and in South Central. She is currently working on creating a recreational boys and girls clubs around Los Angeles in order to help all the children who would like to occupy themselves with artistic after school activities. Somaya Reece feels this will be the beginning of a solution to the problem in South Central. It will help kids get off the streets and find a way to become better citizens.

How does she find time to do it all? According to Somaya it involves “proper time management, and a good head on my shoulders. I never stop believing that with my inner fuel I can achieve every goal I set for myself. Granted, nothing in life is ever promised, but success simply does not come without hard work. It is also important to recognize those who have made it possible for one to be successful through their guidance and great advice. This includes colleagues, but most importantly family, as without my family I would be nowhere. Despite what some would consider extremely humble beginnings, I now posses the confidence of professional, personal, and spiritual security, and I look forward to the future and all of its exciting promise.”