Ashlei Foushee is a rising actress who was always destined for a career in Hollywood, as she tells it. Her recent feature film, ‘On Fire’, sees her playing the role of Kayla, starring alongside Peter Facinelli, Asher Angel, and Lance Henriksen. The film is based on the real-life story of the Paradise fires from 2018 in California, which saw wildfires completely destroy an entire town, forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes, while 85 people tragically died. The film highlights the desperate attempt of a family trying to survive the wildfire that surrounds a family trailer home in the woods and the bravery of the firefighters struggling to help them.
Ashlei can also be seen in the dark comedy ‘A Little White Lie’ starring alongside Michael Shannon, Don Johnson and Kate Hudson. Ashlei appeared in the SXSW award winning films ‘Jinn’ (2018) and ‘B*** Ass’ (2022). Some of her notable work on TV includes recurring roles on HBO’s ‘Ballers’ (2019) and CBS’s ‘SWAT’ (2020).
Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Ashlei knew she would eventually have a career in the arts. She trained in classical ballet and performed professionally with the Moscow Ballet Theatre. Ashlei has also worked for the St. Louis International Film Festival and was a counselor for Washington University’s Diversity Arts Program, a program that provides arts education for underprivileged youth in the St. Louis area. After graduating from Chapman University with a B.F.A in Theatre Performance as well as a B.A. in Screenwriting, Ashlei joined the nonprofit organization, Kids In The Spotlight, a program that provides film and arts education to foster children in the Los Angeles area.
Mentoring kids through local arts programs has always been a passion for Ashlei, alongside her Hollywood ambitions, knowing how transformative these community programs can be for youth.
We had the chance to speak with Ashlei about ‘On Fire’, mentoring youth through arts programs, and the big-screen roles she has her sights set on in the future!
Where did your love of the arts and performing begin?
I come from a very spirited family. I had no choice; I was born with a flair for the dramatic! My parents noticed my high energy when I was little and put me in dance class. I loved it!
You are featured in the new film ‘On Fire’, opposite Peter Facinelli and Asher Angel. What was it like working on a true-to-life story such as this?
I think we all felt a great sense of responsibility to do the story justice. We want to honor and pay our respects to the millions of people effected by wildfires and the first responders that risk their lives to get people to safety.
How do you prepare for a role like this which is based on a true story? Did you have to do extensive research on how the real life fires played out?
Absolutely! I did so much research on not only wildfires but also emergency call operators. One of my good friends used to work at an emergency call center, and I wore her out with questions about her time on the job. I wanted to learn as much as I could so I could truthfully play my character.
Aside from acting, you have been involved behind the scenes in a number of programs that benefit youth, and under-resourced communities with the arts. Can you share more about this, and why it is important to you?
Yes, I’ve been involved with the Diversity Arts program in St. Louis and Kids in the Spotlight in Los Angeles. I think art is one of the most healing things there is. The sense of self you gain by being able to find a creative outlet for your emotions is invaluable. Helping kids by sharing art with them is such a fulfilling experience, and kids have the most dope imaginations. I learn so much from them!
You’ve been featured in a variety of different TV shows and films. What have been some of your favorite roles and experiences on set so far?
The first theatrically released feature I was in was a film called Jinn written and directed by Nijla Mu’min. It’s such a beautiful coming of age story about black girlhood. I’m so proud of that film and more importantly I met lifelong friends while making it. Jinn will always hold a special place in my heart.
Outside of your career ambitions you are passionate about volunteering and helping in various social issues such as homelessness. Why is this important to you and which organizations are you involved with?
I’ve been involved in multiple organizations such as the LA food pantry and Habitat for Humanity. I think being of service to others is one of the most important things in life. I feel most fulfilled when I can help someone else.
As the writer’s strike has now come to an end after agreeing on a deal with the AMPTP, and we await the fate of the SAGAFTRA strike, what kind of changes are you hoping to see in the film industry both on screen and behind?
I hope that actors and writers will finally be able to get paid our worth! It’s easy to be on the outside looking in and think everyone in Hollywood is rich. That is not the case. The top 1 percent get paid that kind of money. The everyday working actor and writer struggles from job to job while the streamers and studios rake in money off the product the writers and actors produce. We need an agreement that is equitable for everyone.
Representation is also a vital ingredient to creating change as well as opportunities for up-and-coming creatives. How has representation impacted your career and ambitions?
Representation is everything! When people see themselves reflected on screen, it not only makes them feel seen but also lets them know that they can do it too. When I was first starting out there were not a lot of opportunities for me as a young, black actress compared to my white counterparts. It’s been amazing to see a shift in the industry, I feel like there’s room for me now. There should be room for everyone. Our movies, television and media should reflect the world and the world is full of all different colors, shapes and sizes.
What are your goals for the next 5 and 10 years? What do you envision yourself doing in the industry and outside of it?
I would love to play Storm in X-Men! Big picture, honestly, I just want to play great roles and be a part of great projects. I am also working on a feature film that I am going to produce and possibly direct. Outside the industry, I’m an adventurer, traveler, and lifelong learner. I’m going to keep doing more of that.
You can watch Ashlei Foushee in ‘On Fire’, and follow her on Instagram to see what she does next!
