Meet Andrea Laing, an actress whose talent extends far beyond the screen. With an impressive range that spans critically acclaimed shows like Atlanta, True Lies, and NCIS: New Orleans, Andrea has proven herself a versatile actress capable of capturing the depths of human emotion. Yet before entering the film industry, her childhood was marked by a powerful blend of community strength, resilience, and a deep empathy for human struggles — qualities that shine through in her current work and advocacy. Andrea’s commitment to making a positive impact is evident in her dedication to causes like animal welfare, youth mentorship, and disaster relief. Her work with organizations such as the Atlanta Humane Society, the Boys & Girls Club, and the American Red Cross is a testament to her belief that true success is measured by the change one creates. Read on to learn more about Andrea Laing and her work.

Where are you based?
Atlanta, GA.

What inspired you to pursue a career in the film industry?
My parents worked a lot when I was younger so naturally my imagination kicked in and I took delight in singing and dancing with my stuffed animals. I took part in chorus in school and we performed stage plays regularly. I think growing up in the States and Jamaica lends its hand to being a unique performer. Growing up in Jamaica and North Carolina allowed me to experience a wide range of human experiences. In Jamaica, I was deeply aware of the importance of community, pride, and resilience in the face of adversity. In North Carolina, I saw the complexities of race, class, and social dynamics in a more intimate, sometimes difficult way. These experiences helped me develop a deeper empathy for people’s stories and struggles, something I bring to my roles.

We are so excited to see you play Zoe again in the Yule Log franchise! Can you tell us more about this project and what fans can expect?
Without giving too much away, Yule Log 2 continues to be a blend of quirky holiday cheer and surprising twists. Zoe, as you know, is kind of the wild card in the mix — she’s got this combination of charm, wit, and unpredictability, which makes her a really fun character to dive into. This time around, Zoe’s going to face some new challenges, but I won’t spoil exactly what they are! There are definitely some unexpected moments that tie in with the quirky holiday spirit fans of the series love, but we’re also introducing some deeper themes and interesting character arcs that will resonate with everyone... There’s a lot of heart, some weirdness, a little bit of mystery, and of course, some humor to balance it all out.

Zoe is such a unique character. What’s your approach to playing her, and what do you enjoy most about this role?
I’ve had so much fun bringing Zoe to life. When it comes to my approach to portraying the character, I try to focus on the layers of complexity that make her both unpredictable and relatable. On the surface, she might seem like the quirky, free-spirited type, but there’s always more going on below the surface, and that’s what I love to explore. I try to find moments where Zoe’s vulnerability and her humor intersect, and I think that balance is part of what makes her so appealing.

You have also acted in hit shows like Atlanta, True Lies, and NCIS: New Orleans. How do you juggle your workload and personal life?
All of those roles were incredible opportunities, and I’m so grateful for them. Each show has its own unique vibe and set of challenges, but the common thread across all of them has been working with talented teams of people, which makes all the difference. Per work and personal life… It's definitely a balancing act, but I’ve learned a lot over the years about time management, staying organized, being present wherever you are and setting boundaries. When I’m working, I focus entirely on the role and the project, and when I’m off, I try to fully unplug and recharge — whether that’s spending time with friends, international travel, catching up on hobbies, or just taking some quiet time for myself.

We heard that you have been working with Atlanta Humane Society, and Boys and Girls Club. How did you start working with these organizations, and why are they so important to you?
Yes! I’ve been really fortunate to partner with these organizations. Both of these causes are close to my heart, and I feel incredibly grateful to support them.

For the Atlanta Humane Society, my love for animals has always been a huge part of who I am. The more I learned about the work the Atlanta Humane Society does — whether it’s rescuing animals, providing medical care, or helping to find them forever homes — the more I felt compelled to get involved. With the Boys & Girls Club, my passion stems from my own experiences growing up, seeing how important community and mentorship can be. My elementary school (Immaculate Heart of Mary) was pretty big on providing support to those in need and it's something that has always stayed with me. The Boys & Girls Clubs provide a safe and supportive environment for young people, giving them opportunities to grow, learn, and discover their potential.

How did your journey with the American Red Cross begin, and what has been the most meaningful experience you have had while working with their Atlanta chapter?
I’ve always been passionate about giving back to the community, and I wanted to be involved with an organization that has such a wide-reaching impact and the American Red Cross seemed like a perfect fit for me. I was immediately drawn in by the Atlanta Chapter’s dedication and the scope of their work in the community.

The most meaningful experience I’ve had working with the ARC team was during a local disaster relief effort. The Red Cross had mobilized a large team to support people affected by a series of severe storms that hit the area in Atlanta in 2011. I had the opportunity to help in the distribution of supplies, and I was able to meet families who were going through an incredibly difficult time. Seeing the resilience of those individuals, and the way the Red Cross was able to provide not only physical aid but also emotional support, left a lasting impression on me. The work the Red Cross does in response to hurricanes, fires, and other natural disasters is nothing short of heroic, and being able to contribute to that, even in a small way, has been incredibly rewarding.

What advice would you give aspiring actors looking to get involved in causes they care about?
Identify what truly moves you. There are so many causes out there — animal rights, environmental sustainability, education, mental health, racial justice, and so much more. Think about your own life experiences, your values, and what you feel passionate about. Sometimes, the causes that resonate most with you are the ones that have impacted your own journey. Once you know what speaks to you, it’s easier to find ways to make a genuine difference.

As an actor, you have a platform, but it’s easy to forget that your voice and influence can extend beyond the screen. Give a voice to helping others.

If you could go back and give advice to your younger self when you first started acting, what would it be?
In an ever-changing world and industry, I wouldn't change a lot, it's made me who I am today. But a few thoughts:

1. Stay true to who you are, there's enough room for everyone or just make your own content-don't wait for anyone’s permission.

2. That passion you have inside of you is begging to come to fruition, act upon it.

3. Rejection is redirection.

4. And trust the process. :)

Are there any stories or genres you are particularly passionate about exploring as an actress or writer?
Delving into beautiful and rich stories of marginalized people is so imperative. Steve McQueen created a brilliant collection of five films called Small Axe centered around the lives of West Indian communities in London from the 60s to the 80s. It’s a deeply personal and powerful exploration of identity, resistance, and resilience that resonates with me, especially being of Jamaican descent.

The collection broadens the scope of Black British storytelling. It begs the viewers to take an unflinching look at racism and injustice and celebrates the richness and resilience of Black culture. By elevating these voices and these stories, Small Axe helps to shape a more inclusive and diverse cultural narrative, one that not only challenges the status quo but also offers a new lens through which we can understand the world. It educates, inspires, and fosters lines of empathy across cultural differences which is so incredibly vital.

Are there any upcoming projects you would like to share?
I am working on a film in Lacoste, France that is super spooky and cool that I'm excited about. There are a few other things lined up that I can't release just yet but please feel free to follow me and my shenanigans @yourfavoriteandrea!

It has been a crazy past few years, how have you been staying positive?
It hasn't always been easy. It’s definitely been a whirlwind of challenges these past few years, both personally and globally, with so many unexpected twists and turns. Despite the craziness, I try to stay positive by focusing on a few key things: Practicing gratitude, volunteering my time, staying in the present moment, connecting with loved ones, and traveling whenever I can!

What is your motto in life?
As morbid as this will come across, I always tell friends “You're going to die one day.” It's simply a call to live boldly…Life is fleeting and our time here is limited. Forgive quickly and choose love over fear. Do the thing you've been ruminating about and don't let the music die inside of you…

To learn more about Andrea Laing, please follow the links below:
Instagram: @yourfavoriteandrea
Twitter: @TheAndreaLaing

Team Credits:
Photographer: Ben Cope
Stylist: Jules Wood
Makeup: T'ai Rising-Moore

Andrea Laing - Leading Life, Shaping the Future