Tenaya Cleveland, a gifted individual, was born in the picturesque state of Hawaii, where she spent her formative years before relocating to California. As she grew up, she cultivated a profound passion for music, which would later become a defining aspect of her life. Her early exposure to the world of music led her to join the Malcolm X Jazz Chorus, a distinctive ensemble founded by the renowned jazz pianist Dick Whittington. This extraordinary group boasted an impressive roster of talented jazz artists, including the celebrated Bobby Hutcherson, the accomplished Mary Stallings, and the prolific Richie Cole, who would frequently collaborate with the young performers, lending their expertise and artistry to the group's concerts. It was at the tender age of 10 that Cleveland made her public acting debut, assuming the role of "The Kid" in the play "Bleacher Bums", marking the beginning of her journey in the world of acting.
As she devoted herself to the pursuit of her lifelong passion for the performing arts, Cleveland's career trajectory began to unfold with a series of notable appearances in various theater productions, background work, and small independent films.
Ms. Cleveland is an unwavering champion of animal welfare, human rights, and environmental conservation, whose unrelenting dedication to these crucial causes has driven her to collaborate on the production of the critically acclaimed and multi-award-winning documentary Fuel, directed by the renowned filmmaker Josh Tickell.
Cleveland's harmonious relationship with acclaimed director Ambika Leigh led to her being handpicked for the starring role in Leigh's gripping and emotionally charged dramatic short film, Watching. This collaboration proved to be a fruitful one, as Cleveland soon found herself cast in Leigh's subsequent and highly acclaimed short film, Switchboard, released in 2011. In this multi-award-winning production, Cleveland shone as a memorable and quirky supporting character. The resounding success of Switchboard served as a catalyst for Cleveland to embark on a national tour across the United States, where she showcased her impressive range and versatility by assuming the roles of three distinct characters in the live comedy production, The Moderns.
The remarkable talent of this individual did not go unnoticed for long, as she was soon discovered by the esteemed Emmy-winning director Fran Burst-Terranella, who recognized her potential and cast her in the pivotal role of Rosemary Cross, a complex and multifaceted character, in the feature film The 12 Lives of Sissy Carlyle, released in 2017.
In addition to her work on Sissy Carlyle, Cleveland also appeared in smaller roles on various television shows, including Drop Dead Diva, which premiered in 2009, and Doktor D, which aired in 2011, further showcasing her versatility and range as a performer.
Noted actress Cleveland's illustrious career has traversed a vast geographical spectrum, initially commencing in the vibrant metropolis of San Francisco, California, subsequently transitioning to the entertainment hub of Los Angeles, California, and ultimately arriving in the thriving city of Atlanta, Georgia.
In addition to her impressive repertoire of acting credits, Cleveland has also demonstrated her versatility by authoring informative articles on a diverse range of topics, including the art of acting and the intricacies of independent filmmaking. Furthermore, her expertise has been sought after as she has served as a moderator and panelist at the esteemed Atlanta Film Festival, a prestigious event that brings together industry professionals and enthusiasts alike, in both 2014 and 2015.
