Check our exclusive interview with talented Ohio born actress Symonne Harrison.
Symonne most recently had a principal role on the Showtime, Golden Globe winning drama series, The Affair. The episodes will be airing next month. She is also a child inventor and holds a design patent for her product, Bear On The Chair. Her product is sold on Amazon, its website bearonthechair.com and in select Learning Express stores. She is also honored to be the Child Ambassador of the National Invention League.
Bear On The Chair was featured on a Christmas episode of the popular ABC sitcom “Blackish” for 2 years in a row. Symonne has a fast growing following of over 100,000 on Instagram and a loyal fanbase on her Youtube channel with over 23,000 subscribers. Her most watched video with her friend reached 5 million views.
Hi Symonne, please tell us a little about you?
I am 12 years old. I was born in Cleveland, Ohio but I moved to Los Angeles last year. I’m an actress, dancer, child inventor, and social influencer.
Describe yourself in 4 words?
Living my best life!
Who is your biggest supporter?
My parents are my biggest supporters. They have always giving me the confidence and encouragement to chase my dreams. They moved across the country for me, from Ohio to California, so that I can be in Hollywood to further purse my acting career.
How did you get started in the industry?
I always had a passion for performing. I started dancing at 2 1/2 years old and I loved the feeling of being on stage and entertaining people. I was signed by an Acting and Commercial agency in Ohio at the age of 7 years old.
What was your first acting role?
My first acting role was when I was 9 years old and I made an appearance in the film, “In Search of Fellini.”
What is the best and worst part of being an actress?
The best part of being an actress is getting the chance to develop a character and bring it to life. It’s so much fun being on set with other incredible actors, becoming the character, and being a part of amazing projects. The hardest part about being an actress is when you go on an audition for a role that you really love and then you don’t get casted for the part.
Best advice ever given?
Be yourself and the right people will love the real you!
Tell us about the Showtime Golden Globe winning drama series “The Affair” that you will be on?
The show has such an amazing cast and crew. Everyone was so wonderful to work with. It is an adult drama series and I was the only kid on set. Everyone made me feel very welcome and treated me like a part of their set family. It is such an honor to be a part of this Golden Globe winning show and getting to work with the most talented actors.
What has been your most memorable experience from being on set of the Showtime Golden Globe winning drama series “The Affair?”
The most memorable part of being on set was stepping on to lot of Sony Pictures, walking under the famous Sony rainbow, and being brought over to my very own Trailer. I had a moment where I looked around and took it all in. I got emotional because it was all my hard work, my parents sacrifices, and my lifelong dream coming true in that very moment.
Tell us about your experience dancing at Walt Disney World?
Last Summer, I was invited to dance at Walt Disney World in the Magic Kingdom parade. I’m a big Disney fan and I have always loved going to Disney World. I always thought how special it must feel to be a part of that Walt Disney Parade. Dancing down Main Street and performing in front of all the crowds of people lining the parade route was such a cool feeling. I especially loved dancing in front of the Magic castle, it truly was Magical!
You performed for Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers on several occasions. Please tell us about that experience?
Performing for Lebron James and my hometown NBA team, The Cleveland Cavaliers was thrilling! Being on the court with my dance team and dancing for the Cavs and the crowd was so exciting.
Who is your favorite Actor/Actress? And why?
That’s so hard to pick a favorite because I look up to so many actors. I love Dove Cameron and Zendaya. They are both great role models. I really love their acting and enjoy the shows and movies they have been in.
You are also a young entrepreneur. Please tell us about your product Bear On The Chair?
I invented Bear On The Chair at the age of 6 and I hold a design patent for my product. Bear On The Chair is a year round behavior buddy for kids. It is a great behavior tool that parents and teachers can use with children 3 and up. It comes with a cute bear that wears a T-shirt with a velcro patch. There are two patches included. There is a happy face patch and a sad face patch. When kids are behaving well, doing great and working on their goals, using their manners or whatever the care giver is working with the child on, the parent will put on the happy face patch. If things get off track, the parents will switch the patch to the sad face patch. It gives kids an instant visual tool to let them think about what they are doing, how their actions are affecting others and motivate them to work hard to get back on track and make their bear happy again. I’m also very proud that my bear also helps children with Autism. We are in 20 different states in learning centers for Autism. Bear On The Chair is sold on our website bearonthechair.com, Amazon, and in select Learning Express stores.
What music do you like?
I love all different kinds of music. I like anything that gets me on my feet or connects with me. Some artists currently on my playlist are: Ariana Grande, Shawn Mendes, Jonas Brothers, Lady Gaga, Juice WRLD, Little Mix, Lil Nas X.
Your idea of a perfect Sunday is?
Getting to spend time with my family and friends. Also, getting to film a project or create something fun!
How’s a normal day in your life?
A typical day for me is 4-5 hours of homeschooling, followed by acting coaching, preparing/ going on auditions, working on my social media, dancing, doing things for my business Bear On The Chair, working on my YouTube channel and going to red carpet events or appearances.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Salmon
And your favorite cheat food?
Ice Cream
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself as a successful actress working on a movie or tv show.
Do you support any charities?
Yes. I support Autism Speaks and the American Lung Association
Where we can follow you?
IG: @symonneharrison
Youtube: Symonne Harrison
My website: symonneharrison.com
My product: bearonthechair.com
Favorite Music: my favorite music is Pop and R&B
Quote: “It’s Not If…It’s When” and I have a trademark on that quote.
Holiday Destination: Turks and Caicos is my favorite vacation spot. I have been going there since I was 3 years old. I love the people, the beautiful island, and the crystal clear blue ocean water!
Song: Power by Little Mix
Sports Team: Since I’m from Cleveland, Ohio and I have performed for my hometown NBA team, it would be The Cleveland Cavaliers.
Movie: The Greatest Showman
