Biography of Yolanda Zellous
Capturing the attention of an audience is an easy accomplishment, but holding their attention is indeed a different skill. With an empowering presence and a knack for connecting to her audience, Yolanda Zellous has been capturing and holding the attention of audiences for quite some time now. A native of Peoria, Illinois and most recently a resident of Lithonia Springs, Georgia, Zellous has been crafting her talents of singing, acting, and dancing, since she was bit by the performance bug while a student in high school. Through participation in annual talent shows and her first big solo where she entranced her audience through her rendition of "The Black National Anthem," Zellous found her passion, her first love, and her true calling. As the years have progressed, Zellous has gone on to study under the accomplished teachings Bill Dukes at American Black Film Festivals for two years and Nick Conti and Michael Cole of the Professional Actors Studio in Atlanta, Georgia, and classes at the Robert Townsend Studios P.A.N.(Premier Actors Network) Through these studies she has gone on to evolve into a well rounded actress and performer which has allowed her to naturally take on a number of theater and film roles. With theater credits that include: "Conversations in the Loo”, “Survivor”, “Under the Hood, In the Hood.”, “Love Costs (Will You Pay the Price)”, and “Church Folks," Yolanda Zellous has proven her talent for performing live onstage. Looking to solidify herself as an accomplished theater actress before moving on to the world of film, Zellous has been careful to take on roles that she knows can be rightfully reflected in her skills of acting.
"Acting is magic when it's done right," claims the mother of three and devoted wife. "Bringing a character to life to the point where people leave with the impression that you are that person is acting at it's best. Every time I take on a role, I am dedicated to accomplishing acting at it's best."
With her goal of having a strong presence in the theater portion of acting almost accomplished, Zellous has recently taken steps to advance into the ever growing world of film. Holding film experience through her roles in Blockbuster hits like “Diary of a Mad Black Woman,” “Madea's Family Reunion", “A Message from Pops”, “True Divas”, “A Cigarette Moment”, “Promise Me This,” “The Gospel”, “Shackles”, along with a coveted supporting role in the upcoming film “Dirty Laundry," Zellous is well on her way to becoming an acting force to be reckoned with.
In addition to being a gifted entertainer Zellous also holds a strong interest in production and other entertainment related facets. Her interest in production has lead her to the creation of her own production company entitled Zellyo Productions and a new role as associate producer of A-Town East, which is a local soap opera on Comcast cable. With Zellyo Productions dedicated to telling significant everyday stories, making dreams come true, and supporting fellow talented actors and actresses, there is no question as to where Zellous’ true dedication lies. Never one to turn down opportunities to learn and help others Zellous has alsomoved on to hold other titles that include author, casting agent, motivational speaker, adult and youth mentor, and producer of the first Big Boned women fashion show which coincides with her first full fledge documentary entitled "Big Boned Women." With the documentary, which chronicles the life of the average "thick woman," receiving rave reviews from some of today's leading forces in the entertainment industry, it should be no time before the world knows Yolanda Zellous and her ventures.
