Brenda Vivian, a multifaceted individual of African, Vietnamese, Irish, and Native American descent, was born in Los Angeles, California. Her family relocated to San Jose, California when she was a young child, and she spent her formative years there until graduating from high school.
Brenda's educational background includes attending the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA),where she majored in psychology and communications. Initially, she pursued a career in journalism, interning at CNN, which led to her being encouraged to explore a career in acting. After graduating, she began training at Howard Fine Studio and Stella Adler Los Angeles, laying the foundation for her future success.
Brenda's passion for live performance led her to the theatre, where she landed roles at The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum under the direction of Ellen Geer and Heidi Helen Davis. She performed in various classics, including Lysistrata, Medea, and The Madwoman of Chaillot. Her love for live performance subsequently led to more acting roles in three original plays by director-playwright Don B. Welch.
Her television career took off with bookings on various shows, including Disney's The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, CBS' Emmy award-winning daytime drama The Bold and the Beautiful, and the number-one rated television show in the world, NCIS. Brenda also lent her voice as Tia Mowry's cell phone on Nickelodeon's Instant Mom and appeared in national television commercial campaigns for TGIFridays and Vitamin Water.
Brenda's film credits include Sony Screen Gems feature films About Last Night and Think Like A Man Too. Most recently, she filmed a lead role in the sitcom pilot Ward of the State opposite Janet Hubert and Vanessa Williams.
When not working, Brenda is passionate about volunteering for local charities, including Meals on Wheels and The National Urban League. She has served on the Executive Committee for the Youth Ambassadors of the American Lung Association and is committed to supporting and empowering the next generation. In the future, Brenda aims to create a youth charity focused on organic gardening, emotional wellness, and sustainability.
