Meet Rachelle Henry

Hi there! I am an actor/writer/director/producer and have been in the film industry for over a decade. As an artist, my work has evolved over the years. When I was 10, I got the title role in the musical theater production “Oliver!” I learned so much during that production, and it remains one of my favorite projects to have worked on, even though I now primarily work in TV/Film. That same year, I had the opportunity to be background on my first big film set for the film ALL I WANT IS CHRISTMAS. I sat directly behind Elliott Gould and David DeLuise and soaked up all of the knowledge I could from that experience. What an amazing introduction to bigger productions.

LAGGIES was one of the most exciting films I’ve gotten to be part of. Its list of stars includes Keira Knightley, Sam Rockwell, Chloe Grace Moretz, Kaitlyn Dever, Jeff Garlin, Mark Webber, and Ellie Kemper. It was amazing getting to play a junior bridesmaid in the scene where Ellie Kemper’s character is getting married and Keira Knightley was the maid of honor. Something so memorable was that Ellie Kemper invited all the bridesmaids to her dressing room to hang out with her. She talked to us like we were all her girlfriends and she was so much fun. She left an imprint of how to handle celebrity and stay a beautiful person. Laggies was directed by the incomparable Lynn Shelton. She was one of the kindest and most talented directors I’ve ever met and I was blessed to work with her twice. She directed me in Laggies and I was so grateful to act with her in a secret project. She was such a bright light and a champion for women in film, for indie film and for the Seattle film community. One of my heroes as a filmmaker.

I was blessed to grow up in Seattle. At the time I was entering the film industry, the community had a special focus on mentoring the next generation of filmmakers. I was lucky enough to have many mentors and to have opportunities to learn more about more about the film industry; writing, directing, editing, FX makeup, cameras, etc. I am also grateful to have grown up in a town that promotes and encourages female filmmakers.

When I was 15, I won a grant from the Adobe Pitch Project to produce a project about a social cause. I teamed up with the non-profits Emerald City Pet Rescue and PAWS to make a short film about animal testing and animal abuse. When I pitched the film to Adobe, I had intended only to act and produce, but Adobe requested that I also direct and edit. While I have grown a lot since then, MISSING helped me grow as a more complete filmmaker. Two weeks after wrapping on MISSING, I produced my first film, GRIFTERS, in Los Angeles. I was hooked. I have now directed five films and produced eight films, along with writing screenplays and continuing working as an actor.

I think every actor/filmmaker has their own struggles. Sometimes I am close to a dream role and don’t get it. It might be because I’m too young/old, too short/tall, the role requires a different ethnicity to match the other family members they cast, etc. There are any number of reasons that might not relate directly to my performance. There have been a few times when I was on avail for a large role and I found out that they went with the other actor. All actors go through similar scenarios. It can be frustrating, and we really must have the right mindset going into any audition. I am constantly growing as an actor, director, writer, producer. From hindsight, I have things I would change. As a writer, I’m working on less exposition. As a director, there are changes I want to explore and as a producer, I may think I’m fully prepared, but there’s always something unexpected. I try to learn and grow through experiences.

Acting is my anchor. It is a fundamental part of storytelling. Being a good actor makes me a better writer and vice-versa. I have 70+ IMDb credits for acting as well as the writing, directing and producing. Because of my age, I have had opportunity to work in a lot of coming-of-age themed films in several genres.

One of my favorites is LOSING IT, a David Lynch-style thriller in which I play the female lead, Sarah, whose prom night takes a dangerous turn. It premiered at Slamdance 2017 and had its international premiere in the Film de Cannes Short Film Corner.

I play Jill in WOODSTOCK OR BUST alongside Willow Shields (Hunger Games, Spinning Out), Meg DeLacy (Fosters, DC Stargirl) and Teddy Van Ee (Captain Fantastic, Z Nation). This fun period piece was recently released on VOD platforms everywhere.

I’m excited to share that the Rom-Com MY SUMMER AS A GOTH will be released soon. I play Molly, Joey’s BFF in this coming-of-age feature about first love, identity and friendship. Molly is such a sassy and supportive BFF and I can’t wait for the release so everyone has the opportunity to meet these amazing characters and join us for summer fun.
What sets me apart? That’s a good question. I have had opportunity to develop as an actor both in front and behind the camera. I had the opportunity to host/present multiple events and been invited to speak on multiple panels, which gives me the opportunity to interact with fellow creatives and learn from each of them in ways I may not get to otherwise.

Personal success for me is measured in multiple ways. There are tangible goals that I can see success. Things like the muscle tone I get from running and lifting weights is a tangible marker of some success. I haven’t reached an overall goal for muscle definition, not bulk, so there’s always work to do.

I am currently a Sophomore in college working toward a degree in Digital Marketing/Business. It’s easy to define success when it’s classes I complete towards an end goal of a degree Being invited to be a member of Phi Theta Kappa is a tangible marker that says I’m reaching academic goals. It’s exciting that my education plan works in tandem with my business of acting and filmmaking!

Working with some of my favorite actors and directors is on my wish list as an actor, but personal success is when I see a character I’ve portrayed and I’m with an audience and I feel them connect with her, care about what happens to that character.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to share with your readers!