Charlene Laurent is no doubt a multi-talented, confident, and ambitious individual. She rose to fame with her modeling work after being nominated as one of the top 15 cover girls for Maxim Magazine in 2019. Charlene’s garnered over 250,000 followers across social media with more than 500,000 monthly impressions to date. Alongside a professional background in PR and real estate, her wide-ranging artistic talents include acting and now stand up comedy. We had the opportunity of speaking to her about her success and forthcoming projects.
Hi Charlene, congratulations on your career to date. How did you get into modeling?
I got into modeling because of my mom. She wasn’t allowed to model because back in the day her family thought it’s not a good thing to do as a young woman. My mom taught me to go into a profession that inspires others. I love being in front of the camera. Shooting different looks and being different characters is so much fun and it all goes back to my childhood. I was a nerdy kid and let’s be honest, still am very, very nerdy. I loved reading books more than watching TV. Now that I’m in the entertainment world, I can see how much of a use of education and knowledge is. I want to show the world that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. It doesn’t mean I’m stupid or uneducated, just because I’m pretty and a bikini model. You don’t have to look like a nerd to be one. Be kind to everyone and get to know them first before making any assumptions.
You were nominated as one of the top 15 cover girls for Maxim Magazine in 2019. How did this impact your career and please share your experience of the modeling industry?
Maxim definitely helped me to get more mainstream media attention. Honestly, I just had faith in my work. I was working on acting projects at the same time and everything happened so fast. Maxim definitely opened a lot of doors for me and I am grateful that big companies like Maxim support young women for their hard work and dedication. LA fashion week was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had so far. One of my roles was posting and letting my followers know about the latest trends and showing that we have an amazing fashion week in Los Angeles! It was overwhelming but in the best way possible. I met a lot of friends, who also work in the entertainment industry. It was just a great way to see everyone again. LA fashion week gave me the chance to meet amazing celebrity designers, photographers, videographers, and people who manage everything from behind the scenes. I am actually walking a few shows in the fall. It’s an amazing way to see new trends, amazing fashion, and meet like-minded people.
My experience in the modeling industry has been great. I love being in front of the camera, meeting new people on set, and playing different characters to tell a story through pictures.
You’re working on short movies and entered comedy. Firstly, how easy was the transition from modeling to acting?
The transition from modeling to acting was pretty easy. In a way modeling is acting too, you just don’t really have a script or lines (sometimes you do). I’ve always been curious about acting and read a lot about different techniques from method acting to acting history. I’ve done my research and love training at my acting school with other artists.
How did you get into comedy?
I got involved in comedy by watching a lot of stand up comedy in my free time. It was always something I did to lighten up my mood. After a while I thought, why shouldn’t I perform? So I started training and learning from others. The world is in such a bad state right now, so seeing people smile and hearing them laugh at your jokes is one of the most rewarding gifts God could give me.
Aside from making an audience laugh, what has been your biggest challenge as a comedian?
I haven’t really had any challenges and think of it as something that brings everyone joy. You just have to have faith in yourself and your work. I’m excited about my set and think people will love it too. It’s all based on experiences I have and the things I have seen. It will make people laugh because it’s all based on honesty.
You’re a multidisciplinary artist. Who are your biggest influences?
I am just following my passion. I get influenced by a lot of artists. Comedians like Eddie Murphy or Adam Sandler inspire me to actors like James Franco, Will Smith or Emma Roberts. One big inspiration for me is meeting new people and getting to know about their stories. I don’t have one big role model or influence but get inspired by many artists, my mother and brother, and everyday people and everyday situations.
If you have a chance to collaborate now with another artist who would it be and why?
I would love to collaborate with actors like Dwayne Johnson, Jackie Chan, Will Smith, Michael B Jordan, James Franco, or Tom Cruise. Their movies and talent have always inspired me and it would be an honor for me to work with all of them.
So what’s next and where can our readers find out more about you?
I am walking shows for LA fashion week in the fall and have my comedy show coming out. I have some shoots planned with a few companies, including swimwear brands and beauty brands; and will keep working on acting projects. Your readers can find me on Instagram, where I post announcements and my day to day life. You should also check out a show called “100 Percent” with Team Playback.
For further info on Charlene, visit her Instagram account.
Photo credits: Michael Vincent Academy
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