Lisa Berry is a dedicated actress with classical training, performing a diverse range of roles, from the immortal works of Shakespeare to the captivating narratives of Suzanne-Lori Parks. Throughout her career, Lisa has enjoyed working with esteemed repertory theatre companies across North America, where she has honed her craft.
Among her notable appearances, she has had the privilege of portraying “Billie” (also known as “Death”) in the beloved sci-fi/fantasy series, Supernatural. Her performances as “Cleophas Garroway” in Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments, “Nellie Bullock” in Bad Blood, and “Natashia” in Workin’ Moms have also allowed her to connect with a wider audience. Lisa’s participation in the well-received horror anthology, Slasher further showcases her versatility as an actress. We caught up to discuss her career and the new drama series Beyond Black Beauty premiering on Prime Video.
Thank you for agreeing to catch up with Occhi Magazine. Before we explore your latest project, what propelled you to pursue a career in film and television?
The storytelling. Stories have the power to reach us in ways we don’t expect, sometimes in the moments we need them most. Take Supernatural. Sure, it’s full of demons and monsters, but underneath, it’s about resilience and choosing light over darkness, again and again. Sometimes life really does feel like you’re cursed, and you need a witch to break the spell. And watching that kind of story unfold can be the catalyst for something bigger in your own life. Maybe it sparks the thought, “Is this a sign? Is God using this show to tell me something?” It’s that moment where the metaphor clicks, and suddenly, you’re inspired to take action—whether it’s seeing a therapist, going to a meeting, or reaching out for help. That’s the real power of storytelling: it meets you where you are and helps you move forward.
You’ve worked on numerous films and television series including Star Trek: Discovery, Designated Survivor and Supernatural, to name a few. Is there a particular project or career milestone that has shaped your approach to acting and appreciation of working in the industry?
Honestly, every project has been a teacher. Each one has stretched me as an artist and as a person. At this stage in my career, I choose roles that challenge me and help me grow. And it’s important that the work impacts not just me, but the communities I’m part of—both near and far.
What attracts you to a project?
I feel blessed to be in a place where I get offered roles, but the story has to resonate with me. It also has to fit into where I’m at in my life as an artist, a mom, a wife etc. It all has to align. And just as important as the story, are the people. You spend a lot of time together on set, and it’s crucial to be around people who inspire you, who make you feel safe to do your best work. That’s what makes a project special; having the opportunity to tell a great story and great people.
Who in the industry would you love to work with and why?
Of course, there are icons I’ve admired forever, and then there are my peers—talented, incredible artists I respect deeply. Working with artists you admire, whether they’re long-time colleagues or new faces, is always a gift. I could live to be 102 and still want more time on stage or in a scene.
Audiences can catch you in “Beyond Black Beauty” on Prime Video. Can you tell us more about Beyond Black Beauty, your role, and what audiences can anticipate?
Beyond Black Beauty beautifully explores the full range of the Black experience—joy, love, grief, resilience, compassion, and community. At the heart of the story is Jolie, a young girl uprooted from the only life she’s ever known (in Belgium),one she believed was her path to Olympic success. She forced into a completely new world, (in Baltimore) — everything she thought she knew gets challenged. Through her bond with Beauty—a horse saved by her Aunt Yvonne (that’s me)—Jolie begins to realize that true success isn’t just about achieving goals, it’s about opening her heart, embracing vulnerability, and building connections with her community.
My character, Yvonne, is a steadfast pillar of the community, knows what it means to work with what you’ve got and turn it into something great. As the one holding the reins of a hundred-year legacy on the ranch, she understands what it takes to adapt when life throws you for a loop.
What other projects are you working on?
I just finished working on a Christmas film called We Three Kings with the incredibly talented Bebe Winans and an outstanding cast of artists. It’s a beautiful story about sisterhood and rekindling the love we have for our families and ourselves. It’s not your typical holiday movie—it’s deeper, more about finding your way back to love in all its forms, not just the romantic kind. I can’t wait for people to see it.
In addition to acting, you’re a spiritual and creative coach working with a variety of creative professionals. Can you tell us more about your Take a Breath initiative?
Take a Breath grew from my own experience of going so deep into a role that I struggled to come out of it. The spiritual tools people offered me felt out of reach at the time. That’s when I realized there needed to be a voice for those who wanted simpler, more accessible practices—something for the souls like me. Breath work and meditation don’t need to be complicated or perfect. In fact, they came to me through acting and movement classes, and it made sense in that context. So, I’ve created Take a Breath for people who need something practical and flexible, who want to do the work without feeling like they’re “failing” at it. It’s for those of us who don’t fit the typical spiritual mold, but still want to experience inner peace and alignment.
Where can our readers find out more about you?
Truly, the best way to connect with me is through my newsletter. It’s a gathering place, a cozy corner where like-minded souls come together, all of us committed to the gentle work of becoming. There’s something so wonderful about knowing that, while each of us is walking our own path, we’re sharing this journey side by side. Social media has its charms, of course, but messages can be swept away in the endless scroll. The newsletter, though—it bypasses the noise, landing right where it’s meant to.
https://linktr.ee/lisaberrylive
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