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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