Today we’d like to introduce you to Hillary Hawkins.
Hillary, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started out as a little girl in Llewellyn Park, West Orange, New Jersey, with big dreams of “getting inside the television.” That’s what I told my mom, I wanted to be INSIDE the television and actually remember looking at it trying to figure out how to get in there.
Meanwhile, I was also very busy as an unofficial Miss Piggy impersonator. When I was around three or four years old, I would call my Nana on the phone and pretend to be Miss Piggy. Playing pretend is so much fun!
My parents nurtured that love with acting, singing, dance, karate, and modeling lessons. It was at Barbizon where by the grace of God, I got discovered by a manager. I begged my mom to let me be an actor and by the grace of God, she said yes!
I began working as a child actor in TV shows, movies, musicals and plays. My professional stage debut was actually in New Jersey at Crossroads Theatre in New Brunswick in “Betsey Brown” and I fell in love with the stage!
Later, I found my niche in TYA ( Theatre for Young Audiences ) as a TYA actress / singer / childlike human lol. I performed in National Tours with TheaterWorksUSA, and was thrilled to return to New Jersey to star as Petite Rouge in “Petite Rouge A Cajun Red Riding Hood” at The Growing Stage – The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey. Performing on stage is so much fun!
Today, I am still calling my Nana on the phone, making funny voices. And guess what? I am now making a living as a professional voice actor! I also create and remain open to opportunities as a stage performer and on-camera actress and singer, focusing on projects that align with my mission to spread love, joy, and peace, and help humanity.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My life began with an obstacle before I even took my first breath. I was born prematurely at six months, and the doctor told my mother that I wasn’t going to make it. But my mother had faith to believe otherwise. She called in my godfather, Marvin E. Johnson, and together they formed a prayer circle. By the grace of God, something miraculous happened. When the doctor returned, he said, “I don’t know what happened, but she’s going to make it.”
That was my first lesson in faith.
Today, faith is a fundamental part of how I move through the world. I wholeheartedly believe in the power of prayer and that faith stays with me, both personally and professionally.
There’s even more to that story, but we’ll save that for a book or a movie some day!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
While fans know me from my various Nickelodeon roles, including starring on Nickelodeon’s “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” (“Tale of the Jagged Sign”), singing voice on Nickelodeon’s “Gullah Gullah Island”, introducing cartoons such as “Dora the Explorer”, “Bob The Builder” and “Little Bill” as Host of Nick Jr., the industry now knows me as an International Voice Over Talent they can rely on to voice character voices with authenticity and heart in a wide variety of accents: www.HillaryHawkins.com/Accents .
What sets me apart is my versatility. As a voice actor, on-camera actor, and stage performer, I can play male and female characters, adult and child characters, across many languages and accents, a gift that allows me to reach people around the world with messages of faith, hope, kindness, encouragement, inspiration, and love.
I am most proud of how God has blessed me with the ability to use my voice not only to express myself creatively but also to help humanity. It is an honor, a responsibility, and something I approach with prayer and intention. My hope is that my audiobook ministry, faith-based series, and all the projects I create truly touch lives and make a positive difference.
Recently, I have had the honor of working as a Voice Over Talent on meaningful voiceovers for OneHope, UN Women, and World Vision, to name a few. Currently, I am narrating 52 weeks of “Daily Devotionals for a Wealth of Gratitude, Faith, Peace, Kindness, Health, Wisdom, and Love.” Week 1 ranked #1 New Release on Amazon, glory to God! For more, visit: https://www.hillaryhawkins.com/dailydevotionals-wealthofvirtues
I no longer wait for someone to hire me; I am, in essence, working for the Kingdom of God. I invite the Holy Spirit to guide me in my audiobook ministry and beyond, trusting that these works will reach those in need at exactly the right time. I pray that every audiobook, e-book, song, play, web series, and film I release helps someone, in the name of Jesus Christ.
My North Star? Help Humanity.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Faith.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hillaryhawkins.com/contact
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillaryhawkins/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/HillaryHawkinsLove
- Other: https://www.hillaryhawkins.com/dailydevotionals-wealthofvirtues
