When it comes to action- packed vocal theatrics, actress Sharon Leal does her own stunts. “Music is my first love,” she says, relaxing on the balcony of her posh Los Angeles apartment. “I’ve been fortunate to work on films that incorporate music.” But she’s done more than that.
After making her debut on CBS’ Guiding Light (’96–’99), Leal starred on Broadway in Rent before landing more television roles and a spot in the direct-to- DVD rom-com Face the Music (New Line, 2000). Then came her turn in Dreamgirls (DreamWorks, 2006). “I didn’t have to abandon my singing,” she says. “Being able to showcase that was definitely an experience.”
Last year, Leal, who has African-American and Filipino roots, pulled out the stops in This Christmas (Screen Gems) and Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married? (Lions Gate). Next up, she appears with Samuel L. Jackson in Soul Men (Dimension), a project that also features Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes.
“Obviously, [it’s] been very sad,” she says of the two legends’ recent deaths. “But I’m looking forward to people celebrating their lives and performances.” Beauty and heart. Now, that’s something to sing about.
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