Biography
Elise Neal is one of those
few actresses that has incredible range. Demonstrating so in
varied roles from good southern wife Yvette in Oscar winning
"Hustle and Flow" to screaming sidekick Halle in the cult horror
classic "Scream 2". She has starred alongside superstars like
Chris Tucker, Terrence Howard, and Oscar winner Adrien Brody.
And has worked with award winning directors such as John Singleton,
Brian DePalma and
Taylor Hackford.
Recently Elise wrapped Taylor Hackford's "Love Ranch" the film
is based on the true story, set in the 1970's, of the Mustang
Ranch. It stars Helen Mirren and Joe Pesci. Elise, in her sexiest
role to date, plays 'Alana', an Afro wearing goddess. The film
will be released in 2009.
Ms. Neal showed
off a range of leading ladies in the films "4 Life" and "Ransom
Games" and the Fox network tv drama "Kville". "Ransom Games"
was well received at The American Black Film Festival, and in
"4Life", Elise's song she co-wrote 'I'm Down Baby" made the
films soundtrack. And the city of New Orleans really appreciated
'Kville's" focus on the re-building of their city post Katrina
After
showing off her leading lady abilities in films like '4 Life'
and 'Ransom Games', Elise returned to television in the poignant
Fox drama Kville. Elise plays Ayana Boulet the estranged wife
of Anthony Andersons character Marlin. The couple struggles
to rebuild their love and home after hurricane Katrina. The
show also stars Cole Hauser and John Carroll Lynch.
Neal received much praise for
her role in the critically acclaimed "Hustle and Flow". She
and the cast were nominated for a Screen Actors Guild award
for best ensemble, NAACP award for best picture, and won
best cast for the Young Hollywood awards, and the audience award
at Sundance in 2005. Elise was the 2006 recipient of The African
American Women in Cinema Trailblazer Award. She has three NAACP
award nominations: Best Actress in a Comedy for "The Hughleys"
twice. And best supporting actress in a Motion Picture for "
Hustle and Flow".
Neal's film debut was her starring
role in John Singleton's "Rosewood," where she played Scrappie,
Ving Rhames' love interest. Her film credits also include "Scream
2," "Paid in Full," "Money Talks," "Mission to Mars" and "Restaurant,"
opposite Adrien Brody.
Originally from Memphis, Tennessee,
Neal moved to New York to pursue her dreams of performing on
stage and choreographing musicals. She landed multiple roles
in musical theater and found herself traveling the world with
various touring companies. Her experience in musical theater
allowed her to easily transition into commercials, eventually
bringing her to Los Angeles. Once in Los Angeles, Neal quickly
landed the role of Janice Sinclair on the ABC soap opera "Loving."
Shortly after, she made the leap to primetime on "Seaquest,"
executive produced by Steven Spielberg.
Recently, Neal
has revisited her musical theater roots by creating, producing
and starring in "Assorted Flavors." Elise is currently pursuing
a label deal for the group as they work diligently to create
the best album possible. She also had a few solo efforts, appearing
on the previously mentioned soundtrack for the film "4 Life",
which will hit stores July 3rd.
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