By Hard Knock
SM: Let the readers of S.T.I.L.L. Magazine know who you are:
TONI FIELDS: I'm Toni Fields (formerly Toni Montgomery), actress, writer, mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend. I was born and raised in a little place called Detroit, Michigan. I'm out here in California continuing to take steps to make my big dreams come true.
SM: Your list of accomplishments is amazing! Share with our readers some of the milestones you have had in your career.
TONI FIELDS: Going to school for acting in New York was a big deal. I studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Living and studying in the Big Apple was a dream come true. Now I realize, it was only the beginning. Another one of my most amazing and memorable moments was when I was on tour with a national theatrical gospel play titled Who Can You Trust. The show featured Melba Moore, Bernadette Stanis (Thelma from Good Times) and Ralph Tresvant from New Edition. I was holding my own up there. In fact one night after one of my most dramatic scenes I received an ovation. Then someone from the audience shouted out, "Go head, Toni!" That was exciting, I could feel electric energy just coursing through me. After that there was no turning back for me. *By the way, I'm not a singer. People always assume that because I've been in a few gospel plays. As it turns out my acting skills have always managed to be enough. I always ended up with non-singing roles. In one show I had two non-singing roles. It's funny to me too!
SM: Something that really touched my heart was your work with the Grace Hospital's Child Protection Program where you helped to teach kids to handle and cope with molestation. How did you become involved in that program?
TONI FIELDS: I loved that program. It showed me that I can make a difference. It meant a lot to me to be able to use my talents to do something so important. Another actor friend of mine from Detroit, name Ron Ramsey was a part of the program and he told me to check it out. The auditions were held at a local theatre called Planet Ant in Hamtramck, Michigan. They selected me to join the group and I worked with the program for a little over 2 yrs. I played two different characters, Sometimes I was Little Bear (that was also the title of the show). Little Bear was the young one that was being put into uncomfortable situations by Big Bear, an adult. Little Bear was sweet and innocent and nervous. The kids could really relate to her. The other character I played sometimes was, Big Moose. Big Moose was the responsible and helpful adult that came to Little Bear's aid once she reported what was happening. There was also a forth character in the story, Little Moose. He was Little Bear's silly, energetic best friend that helped her figure out who to turn to for help. We had so much fun. We had a set script to follow, but we always improvised, making sure that we stuck to the important points.The group did the show hundreds of times in dozens of schools. We would always get reports of children that came forth with their story after we had performed at their school. It's amazing how something so simple can have such an impact. it was a big deal. Once we visited my nieces school. The way the kids were so impressed that Little Bear was her aunt was cute!
SM: You're an actress, songwriter/lyricist, talent/model coach and a great humanitarian. With all that you do what is it that you are most passionate about? (Note to readers...this is a short list!)
TONI FIELDS: I'm passionate about all the possibilities of what I can accomplish through my art and creativity. I'm passionate about touching lives, making people think and take a closer look at themselves. I'm not just passionate about the end results, I'm passionate about the entire process of my work. I feel bright and alive when I'm working creatively. At those times I can really see and feel how I fit into the grand scheme of things. That fuels my passion.
SM: Lets talk about Hellbent for Hollywood. Tell us exactly what it is and what you are competing for?
TONI FIELDS: I recently found out that I was cast in an acting competition that is similar to American Idol for singers. There were one hundred actors chosen from 2,000. I feel proud to have made the cut for something like this. Especially, out here in California where there are so many talented actors looking for that big open door. This is the first season. The competition can be viewed on the web. It is called Hellbent for Hollywood. The contestants will be faced with a series of acting and actor career based challenges. The winner receives a contract with an LA agent, Acting coach, dance and pilates coach, hair stylist, cash, new headshots and more. All the things you need to kick your career into gear.
SM: When does the show air? Where do we go to see it?
TONI FIELDS: This is where friends, family and fans come in, you can go to www.hellbentforhollywood.com get signed in and vote for your favorite actor, me, Toni Fields # 455. Also, request me as a friend on myspace and follow me on Twitter, you can even create a fan blog for me, google me etc . . . The votes, buzz and popularity that I receive and create can help to protect me from eliminations. By the way, this interview will be a big help. I have to say, thanks S.T.I.L.L Magazine for giving aspiring and up and coming artist a place to be seen and heard. There will be more info posted on hellbentforhollywood.com periodically so check it often. The site went up Monday 08 /17/09 and voting began. You can see pictures and soon our auditions. The actual challenges begin 8/31/09. Stay tuned. Let's make it happen! "Each One Pull One"
SM: I want to go in a little bit of a different direction here. I know that you are a happily married woman. With all that you do how do you balance it all and make it work?
TONI FIELDS: Well, for one I married an amazing man, Mr. Devon Fields. I've never been in a better relationship. I didn't even know relationships like this existed. We are so great together. We both knew what we wanted from a relationship, rather we had seen it or not, we knew what we wanted. From the very beginning we have been commited and dedicated to creating the life and relationship we want. Imagine an open minded, honest, secure, respectful, fun, supportive relationship. One where you can feel safe to talk about whatever you want. One where two people do their best to listen to one another. One where you take time to see things from the other persons view and then work to compromise. That's where I live and I thank God for it. Together we make it work because that's what we want.
SM: With H4H (Hellbent for Hollywood) currently in your sights, what other endeavors is Toni Fields currently pursuing?
TONI FIELDS: Right now I'm in the process of putting together a creative/talent network. I have so many amazing and talented friends and family members. People like my wonderful son Daniel A.K.A Witty Banter of the aspiring rap group Aura Kids. I'm very proud of him, The list of talented folks goes on , , , writers, actors, singers, models etc... All of them looking for their big break. I figure instead of us just looking for our big break why don't we get together and make it happen for ourselves. I'm in the very beginning stages of bringing the group together, but it looks promising. I have an idea for a movie with a female super hero that I want the group to work on. I know the others have lots of great ideas as well. My motto: "Each One Pull One." That way we all end up on top. Beyond that who knows, the sky is the limit. I'm also hoping Hellbent For Hollywood will be a major catalyst for me.
SM: In 5 years I see you as a certified star and doing great things in Hollywood and beyond. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
TONI FIELDS: In 5 years I will be an accomplished songwriter with chart topping hits sung by top artist, a philanthropist with a big heart and a big wallet to match, as well as an award winning actress. I will be living in my dream home not regretting one moment of my life.
SM: Let the readers of S.T.I.L.L. Magazine know where they can go to keep up with Toni Fields.
TONI FIELDS:
http://www.hellbentforhollywood.com (get those votes in), http://www.myspace.com/countingitalljoy. (listed as Miss Lady), http://www.resumes.actorsaccess.com/tonifields
*Editor's Note: STILLMag.COM is on the way!!!* More to come!!!
SM: One last question, your not going to forget me when you make it BIG right? LOL!!!
TONI FIELDS: No way! S.T.I.L.L. Magazine and I are tight for life! Thanks, Mack. I already feel like we're old friends. (NO PROBLEM...YES IT DOES!!!)