Desiree Marie Velez, a multifaceted American actress, producer, and co-host, originates from the vibrant borough of Brooklyn, New York. Her formative years in the Empire State instilled in her a strong foundation for her future endeavors, which she would later build upon by relocating to Virginia to complete her high school and college education. In Virginia, she majored in drama, a field in which she truly excelled, thanks to the diverse array of life experiences she accumulated growing up in a blue-collar family.
Desiree's profound approach to acting is deeply embedded in her genuine life experiences and encounters with individuals who have left a lasting, indelible mark on her. According to her, acting classes can only provide a limited foundation, and it is through living life to the fullest and infusing her characters with the essence of her own experiences that true acting can emerge.
Her extensive training has been a multifaceted journey, encompassing the study of Shakespeare at the esteemed Folger in Washington, D.C., as well as participating in a Midsummer program in England, where she delved deeper into the world of the Bard. Additionally, she has honed her comedic skills through the art of improvisation, having survived the trials and tribulations of dinner theatre, and has emerged stronger and more adept as a result.
Desiree's innate talent for comedy unexpectedly led her to join an improv group, which participated in a prestigious Comic Relief special, expertly hosted by the incomparable trio of Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, and Whoopi Goldberg, all united in their mission to raise crucial awareness about poverty and its far-reaching consequences.
Despite her initial success in the realm of comedy, Desiree's creative aspirations soon drove her to seek out more substantial and nuanced roles, prompting her to venture into the world of stage, film, and television, where she has since demonstrated her remarkable versatility and impressive ability to seamlessly transition between comedic and dramatic performances, showcasing her impressive range and depth as a performer.
Desiree's emergence onto the Washington, D.C. theatrical scene was marked by a series of standout performances that showcased her impressive range and versatility as an actress. One of her earliest notable roles was that of Joan in a production of George Bernard Shaw's classic play, St. Joan, a performance that demonstrated her ability to bring depth and nuance to even the most complex characters.
Desiree's subsequent appearances in the D.C. theatre scene were just as impressive, with notable roles in Niki Silvers' Fat Men in Skirts, for which she received a Helen Hayes Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Her portrayal of Pam & Popo in this production was a testament to her skill in navigating the complexities of human relationships and her ability to bring humor and pathos to even the most unlikely of characters.
In a more recent production, Desiree took on the challenging role of Lucinda in Nilo Cruz's Sotto Voce, a tragic character that finds humor beneath the tears. This performance marked a new level of maturity and sophistication in her acting, as she skillfully navigated the character's emotional depths and brought a sense of authenticity to the role.
Desiree's impressive repertoire extends far beyond the realm of stage performances, as she has also made significant contributions to the world of film, voice-over work, and episodic television. Her recent film credits are a testament to her versatility and talent, having played the role of Wendy in the critically acclaimed Coffin film franchise, specifically in COFFIN 2. Not only did she bring this character to life on screen, but she also took on the additional responsibility of associate producer. Furthermore, Desiree will be joining the producing team of the upcoming film EMPATH, where she will portray the pivotal role of Dr. Stanton. Additionally, she has been cast in the film The Riddle House, taking on the character of Roz, and will once again be an associate producer.
Desiree's illustrious television career commenced with a pivotal pilot role in the critically acclaimed series Oz, where she had the privilege of sharing the screen with the talented John Seda. Since then, she has appeared in a diverse range of supporting roles in numerous television shows, including the popular drama series October Road, the satirical comedy Veep, the spine-tingling horror series The Haunting, and the crime dramas Oz, Hack, and Matlock, to name a few. Throughout her career, Desiree has been fortunate enough to collaborate with some of the most renowned and respected actors in the industry, including the accomplished Blair Underwood, the versatile Michael Beech, the talented Debbie Morgan, the accomplished John Leguizamo, the seasoned John Seda, the acclaimed Fiona Shaw, the gifted Samantha Mathis, the accomplished Fisher Stevens, the late, great Bob Hoskins, the legendary Andy Griffith, and the iconic Dennis Hopper.
Desiree's passions extend far beyond the realm of acting, as she dedicates herself to various hobbies and interests that bring her immense joy and fulfillment. One of her favorite ways to stay active and agile is through Zumba, a high-energy dance fitness program that allows her to express herself creatively while getting a great workout.
In addition to her love of dance, Desiree is deeply fascinated by Native American culture, history, and art. She takes great pride in her Puerto Rican/Taino heritage, which has played a significant role in shaping her identity and sense of self. Her appreciation for her cultural roots is evident in her enthusiasm for learning about the customs, traditions, and values of her ancestors.
Desiree's compassion and empathy for all living beings are evident in her love for animals. She is a proud owner of a majestic African Grey parrot named Rosie, as well as two loving Pitbull/lab mixes named Calisto and Thor. Her heart has recently been expanded to include two newly adopted kittens, Potter and Weasley, who have brought immense joy and companionship into her life.
Beyond her work as an actress, Desiree is also a talented face and body artist, and the proud owner of Mystical Smiles Face painting and events. She has a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the transformative power of art, which she uses to bring smiles and happiness to her clients.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Desiree is also dedicated to education, and has a special place in her heart for teaching English as a second language to elementary school kids. Her patience, kindness, and ability to connect with her students have made her a beloved figure in the classroom, and her students adore her for her gentle guidance and encouragement.
