My Journey as an Actress

From the Bahamas to the Big Screen:

The Rising Journey of Tamara Bernell

Pesino-Hanna

My name is Tamara Bernell Pesino-Hanna, and my story begins on the vibrant shores of Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. Two years ago, l made the life-changing decision to come to the United States to pursue professional acting—a leap of faith that has since evolved into a blossoming career in the entertainment industry.

While the foundation of my life in Nassau was simple, my ambition was anything but. Growing up as the middle child in a close-knit family, my early years were defined by the "Three Ts"-a tribute to the three siblings whose names inspired my mother's local business. My parents worked tirelessly to provide for us, with my father serving as a project manager, instilling in me the work ethic I carry today.

A high-achiever from the start, I graduated high school with honors at just 16. Initially, my path seemed set on a degree in animation at Full Sail University, crafting worlds from behind a desk.

However, I soon realized I didn't want to just create characters; I wanted to embody them.

Choosing the risk of the stage over the safety of the studio, I pivoted to the Los Angeles Performing Arts Conservatory (LAPAC).

Under the direct tutelage of founder Natalia Lazarus-the mentor behind stars like Ken Jeong

—I honed the techniques of the greats. Then, at 20, the dream demanded its greatest sacrifice.

With nothing but raw determination, I left my job and my family to move to California alone to start my life over.

The road hasn't been easy; in fact, it has been a relentless challenge. But for a talent from the shores of Nassau, the journey is about proving that grit and determination are the bridges between a small island and the global stage. I am not just here to work; I am here to be the best.

Building a Foundation

After completing my studies, I hit the ground running as an emerging actress. I started where many greats do: in student films. These early projects allowed me to own my craft and build the resilience needed for the industry. Through dedication and hard work, I have successfully climbed the ranks, transitioning from student productions to appearing on Disney+ and securing lead roles in independent films.

Adapting to the Industry

While my career was sparked in California, the reality of the cost of living led me to relocate to Florida recently. However, California remains my professional home and a cornerstone of my identity.

It is the place where I:

• Built a Foundation: I had the privilege of learning from the industry's most esteemed acting mentors.

• Achieved Milestones: I secured life-changing roles that defined my trajectory.

• Found Personal Balance: It is even where I

met my husband, making the state a vital part of my personal history.

I continue to treat California as my primary place of work, maintaining my professional roots there while embracing the lifestyle and balance that Florida now provides.

In addition to several upcoming independent film projects, l am currently contributing my production expertise to the new reality series

"Nail Salon," helmed by award-winning filmmaker Sky Belluomini. My work behind the scenes is complemented by an exciting slate of on-screen performances. Most notably, I have

stepped into a lead role as "Mama D" in the upcoming film "Sideways," produced by the multi-talented R&B singer-songwriter and producer Bobby Washington. My portrayal of Mama D draws inspiration from the iconic

“Cookie Lyon"-the powerhouse character made famous by Taraji P. Henson in Empire.

This landmark year was defined by the incredible privilege of contributing to the highly anticipated Disney+ live-action production,

'Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.' Being part of a project that reimagines such a foundational piece of animation history was a career-defining moment. The production was helmed by the legendary Jon Favreau, a visionary filmmaker whose Emmy-nominated and PGA Award-winning career has redefined modern cinema.

Working under the influence of the man responsible for the revolutionary success of Iron Man and the cultural phenomenon of The Mandalorian provided an invaluable masterclass in large-scale world-building and technical innovation. Immersed in this high-caliber environment, I gained a profound appreciation for the meticulous synergy between cutting-edge technology and heartfelt performance. This experience has not only sharpened my technical acumen but has fundamentally fueled my passion for storytelling, reinforcing my commitment to excellence both in front of and behind the camera as I move toward my next creative chapter.

Current Projects & New Horizons

The momentum hasn't stopped. I am currently a finalist in the Maxim Cover Girl competition, and I am fighting hard to take home the win. Beyond the screen and the camera lens, l am also expanding into digital media. I am currently producing a Podcast/YouTube series “TrimSpa Diaries with Bernell” centered on the life of the late Anna Nicole Smith.

This project is a labor of love that features exclusive interviews with her close friends and former colleagues, offering a unique and intimate look at her enduring legacy. Featured guests on the show include:

• Bobby Trendy: Interior designer and breakout star of The Anna Nicole Show.

• Ursula Macfarlane: The award-winning director and producer of the acclaimed documentary Anna Nicole Smith: You Don't Know Me.

• Daniel DiCrisio: Anna Nicole's former hairstylist and long-time confidant.

• Jackie Hatten: A close personal friend of the late model.

• Mathew Decker: A dedicated Anna Nicole historian and friend of Larry Birkhead (father of Anna Nicole's daughter, Dannielynn Birkhead).

As I continue to navigate this journey, my goal remains the same: to grow as an artist, tell compelling stories, and inspire others to follow their dreams—no matter how small their island or

how big their ambitions.