Zahra Bentham can be seen in the series “Spinning Out” on Netflix. Zahra told us about the show, her upcoming series “Madam C.J. Walker”, and more!
Photo Credit: Elle Edwards
upfrontNY: Can you tell us a bit about you and how you found your passion for acting?
Zahra Bentham: My name is Zahra Bentham and I like to refer to myself as a multi-hyphenate. I went to Wexford CSA (Collegiate School for the Arts) where I studied Drama Focus, Music Theatre and was in Dance Intensive for 4 in a half years. I wasn’t always in the arts though. I started as an athlete playing AA/AAA basketball, traveling to the states every weekend if not every other weekend. I was also heavily involved in sports at Wexford as well. I was juggling about 4-5 days a week in the gym while being in intensive rehearsals for both Drama Focus and our Music Theatre program per semester. By grade 10 I had to make a choice on what to put my full focus on, so I chose the arts. By the end of Grade 10, I got myself an agent in Toronto and the rest was history.
upfrontNY: What has it been like to be a part of “Spinning Out”?
Zahra Bentham: Honestly, I feel super blessed to be apart of “Spinning Out”. Although I’m not in every episode I feel like Alana is a pretty relatable character and the fans seem to be taking to her. I had a pleasure working with the whole cast especially Marcus played my Mitchell Edwards. Most of my scenes are with him and he really made it fun. But overall “Spinning Out” follows the subjects of depression and mental illness but told honestly and compassionately. Specifically, we highlight Bipolar disorder and the struggles of dealing with that and the competitive sport of skating. Mental health has been such an important topic that it is becoming more normal to discuss these issues within our households and amongst our friends. I mean, the fact that Netflix gave us a platform to talk about this is huge. That in itself shows the progression and how far we can take the information we are learning to heal and get the proper tools we need for ourselves.
upfrontNY: Can you tell us about you role as Alana and what has been your favorite part of playing her?
Zahra Bentham: Alana is an upperclassman in college who works at the Sun Valley Lodge. Raised by a single mom, she was taught to takes no L’s and no bullsh*t from people. Especially from love interest Marcus (who’s leads the Ski team) who has a love triangle going on with Kat Baker and Justin Davis. With Alana’s calculated mind she’s able to win over Marcus for showing him who he truly is. I found a lot of similarities in Alana in with my current self so tapping into her was a lot of fun!
upfrontNY: It is a great show that we binged watched quick! When you got to finally see the series did you watch it quickly or took your time with it?
Zahra Bentham: Hahah! Thank you for watching! I had a little watch party at my house and once everyone arrived I knocked out to sleep because I was sick. They only wanted to watch my episodes which was hilarious but they did watch! I took a few days to complete it.
upfrontNY: Can you tell us about the series “Madam C.J. Walker”?
Zahra Bentham: In Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J Walker, I play a woman by the name of Nettie Ransom. Nettie is a highly educated, very sweet, intelligent, proper wife of ‘Ransom’ played by Kevin Carrol. She is a member of the Indiana Coloured Woman’s Club where she helps Sarah Breedlove, played by Octavia Spencer start her business. Madam C.J. Walker was an entrepreneur, philanthropist, political and social activist. Being the wealthiest African-American business woman and wealthiest self-made woman in America around 1912, the story takes you on the ride of Madam C.J Walker’s life, her struggles, and her many blessings she encountered. The series is written by Nicole Jefferson Asher and A’Lelia Bundles who is Madam C.J Walker’s great-great-granddaughter (wild!). I hope this series is a history lesson for everyone!
upfrontNY: How important was it for you to be a part of this series and share this story?
Zahra Bentham: Before getting the actual audition I didn’t know anything about Sarah Breedlove at all (shame on our school systems for not teaching us about her). But once I had done some research on who she was and how monumental she was in history allowed me to even push further in 1, wanting the role and 2, and wanting to be apart of telling her story. It means a lot to me to help tell her story and allow her legacy to live on. She was a power house woman.
upfrontNY: How has being a part of this project inspired you and how will it inspire others?
Zahra Bentham: Filming on set was a reminder that I’m on the right path. A reminder to continue doing what I do best while still being open and willing to learn. It jolted me into pushing myself that much further. To go even ten steps further with the approach of my work. To be undeniable. I hope this story will give all the necessary missing information for people and encourage other black women and men who are entrepreneurs who have their own businesses or starting out or even just motivate anyone who is striving for greatness. Everything you want is on the other side of dedication and discipline. Madam C.J Walker will show you that.
upfrontNY: Aside from acting, you are a singer, can you tell us about your music?
Zahra Bentham: Yes! I am! I was singing before the acting and basketball. I’m currently in the studio working on my album. I hope to drop some fire within the next few months so, look out for that. It’s more so on the R&B, soulful-popish vibe with lots of real instruments. I’m really excited and nervous about it all at the same time since this will be my first time releasing a full written project.
upfrontNY: “Spinning Out” premiered on Netflix on January 1st, and you have “Madam C.J. Walker” coming to Netflix too, what a great way to start a new year and new decade… what are your biggest goals for 2020?
Zahra Bentham: Man, it’s been a blessing so far and I hope I can continue working this year. I would love to book my own major series or feature film and I want to make the officially move to Los Angeles by my birthday sooooo, fingers crossed all of those things can happen!
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