Natalie Desselle Reid

When NATALIE DESSELLE REID was just eight years old growing up in Alexandria, Louisiana she was captivated by a film on TV entitled “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman,” starring Cicely Tyson. At the end of the film, she turned to her mother with a sense of purpose and simply stated the obvious, “One day I am going to be in that box.”
Her mother responded with resolve and without hesitation, “Yes, my baby, one day you will.”

Natalie Desselle Reid has a career and a body of work that is considered proven. The title of her first film, “Set it Off,” became a metaphor for her career. A small role in that pivotal film, targeted for the urban audience, got her noticed. The stage was set for her next big break starring alongside the iconic Halle Berry in “B.A.P.S.,” directed by Robert Townsend. The role of „Mickey,‟ a round-the-way Decatur, Georgia girl who always speaks her mind, established her as an up-and-coming comedic actress. Television soon came calling in the following years with roles on the WB's “For Your Love” and NBC's “Built to Last.” Her admirers began to grow after playing „Minerva‟ in the Rodgers and Hammerstein remake of the Walt Disney classic “Cinderella,” starring Whitney Houston, Brandy, Whoopi and Bernadette Peters which, at that time, set a viewing record of 33 million viewers.

In 2003, Natalie was cast in the UPN sitcom “Eve” named after the female rap star. Her character, „Janie Egins,‟ became a fan favorite. „Janie's‟ candor and observations became part of the shows comedic rhythm. In 2007 Natalie traveled to Johannesburg, South Africa to be a part of the film “The Killing of Wendy,” a farcical whodunit that once again called on Natalie's comedic and dramatic talents. Her most cherished role to date is that of wife to husband Lenny Reid and their three children Sereno, Summer, and Sasha.

Natalie thanks the incredibly prolific Tyler Perry for being one of the first directors to bypass the audition process and make her a direct offer to be a part of the highly successful “Madea” franchise. Natalie would also like to thank her fans for their loyalty and promises them the best is yet to come!

© 2011 Very Perry Films.