Vanessa Leonard

Vanessa Leonard is an American director and actress. Vanessa is no stranger to the stage or camera. However, she expanded her acting talents, when she wrote her first screenplay and directed her first feature-length film, A Story Worth Living. She is best known for her roles in A Story Worth Living (Leonard Media/Zak Films/Project A Studios, 2020), the New Blood trilogy (Shattered Images, 2013-2017), Talk Nerdy to Me (Shattered Images, 2016), and Fire Power (Project A Studios, 2015). Vanessa Ferris-Leonard was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. Vanessa has always had a creative imagination and high dreams in life. Starting at age five, Vanessa began showing interests in art, more specifically artwork which included sketching drawings and acrylic painting. At age 11, she became a cheerleader for her school. The sport then lasted a total of seven years, ending with her senior year at the Varsity level squad. At age 16, Vanessa began another hobby of art that involved music and guitar. She formed a small garage band with her brother and friends. Through the band, Vanessa developed stage presence, as the band performed several concerts in the Midwest area. While pursuing music, Vanessa also performed in several theatrical acts at her church and school. At the end of her high school years, Vanessa pursued a different route. At age 17, Vanessa modeled through John Casablanca's agency. Modeling then opened other doors. A couple months later, Vanessa competed in the Miss Ohio Teen's pageant, taking home the Spirit Award out of 130 girls. Vanessa proudly claimed her new last name, Leonard after marrying her Irish rocker fiance, Brady Leonard from the band, Southbound Fearing. Free-spirited yet determined, Vanessa then furthered her education at Bowling Green State University, receiving a Bachelor's degree in Arts and Communications. Upon receiving her degree, an opportunity led her to her first on-screen feature film as a military official in the film, The Dead Will Rise 2 (2013) with Eye Open Pictures. Her first film gave Vanessa opportunities to continue to pursue the art of acting. As she continued making a name for herself in the industry, she went on to land various roles for several regional independent films and television advertisements.