*Karen Abercrombie is an award-winning actress and independent film producer best remembered for her award-winning portrayal of the passionate 80-year-old prayer warrior, Miss Clara, in the Kendrick Brothers film, “War Room,” which grossed over $67 million at the US box office.
Abercrombie has guest starred on such TV shows as “Saved by The Bell,” “Vampire Diaries,” “Ally McBeal,” and the OWN series, “Delilah.”
In 2018, Abercrombie formed Earth Mother Entertainment LLC, an independent film production company, with their first film, “Discarded Things,” playing on Amazon Prime, Pure Flix, YouTube TV, and other streaming platforms.
Abercrombie stars in the rom-com “Heaven Sent,” which shares the stories of three couples at different stages of life as they journey through finding love, hope, and joy after mourning personal losses.
Abercrombie stars alongside Charlene Tilton (“Dallas”), and J. Leon Pridgen II (“Discarded Things”), streaming now on Pure Flix.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB: Joseline Hernandez Tears Up Over Impact of her Kindergarten Teacher (Video)
We caught up with Karen Abercrombie in between projects to chat about her current role and what drives her creativity.
EURweb: You have an extensive career in film and television. What made you pursue acting?
Abercrombie: I have always been very creative. As a child, I would gather the neighborhood kids together and create and perform scenes and plays. My imagination has been and still is, very active. My creativity- my imagination saved my life and started me on the journey I am currently on, as I could always see my glass half full or overflowing.
EURweb: Describe your character in “Heaven Sent?” How did you prepare for this role?
Abercrombie: This is an inspirational rom-com that centers on three couples at different life stages. I play Elise, who is single and has put her life and dreams on the sideline to raise her grandson; this is not uncommon with many families whose grandparents assist in raising their grandkids. Elise has given up on love and her dreams and poured her life into taking care of her grandson. I had fun because it was my first time acting in a rom-com in a while, it had its challenges in its way, but I had a lot of fun!
EURweb: Millions remember you from the groundbreaking role of Miss Clara in “War Room.” Did you know the audience would respond in such a supportive manner when you took that role?
Abercrombie: Playing Miss Clara in the “War Room” movie was hands down my favorite role to date. I loosely based Miss Clara on my Aunt Vine, who was seriously on fire for the Lord! Making her believable and sharing her powerful, life-giving message was a wonderful challenge.
EURweb: What did their response tell you about the desire for positive, uplifting faith films?
Abercrombie: Through my War Room experience, I realized the power of good faith-based entertainment and that people want more.
EURweb: You have been in the industry for a reasonable amount of time, and it appears there are more roles for people of color and diversity, but some feel there needs to be more work for women of a certain age. What are your thoughts on mature women pursuing roles in front of and behind the camera?
Abercrombie: I love that older women and older women of color are now getting work on major projects in front of and behind the camera. Our stories and experiences are important and valuable, so it gives us the opportunity to use our gifts and to authentically tell our stories that others would not usually see. If done respectfully and properly, entertainment can unite people, showing that we all have much more in common than we realize.
EURweb: You grew up in a troubled home with parental substance abuse. Do you think that contributed to your ability to tell realistic but inspirational projects?
Abercrombie: I know that my childhood experiences influence some of the stories I want to tell. Sometimes it was rough in our home due to substance abuse by both parents, but it wasn’t always bad. There was a lot of love in our home. I am grateful for my childhood as it helped to fashion the woman I am today and my ability to share stories of hope and encouragement.
EURweb: You advocate for foster care, having been a foster parent – tell us how that has changed your life.
Abercrombie: My husband and I became foster parents because we saw the need. Period. When I was growing up, my neighborhood was a village. Everybody took care of everybody. Things have changed drastically since then. Our society often becomes selfish and self-consumed that we decided to lead by example -we wanted to step up and make a difference in the lives of foster children, and we are better people for it.
EURweb: You have a production company – what motivated you to get behind the camera? What type of projects are you looking to produce or create?
Abercrombie: I formed my production company, Earth Mother Entertainment, in 2018 to put good entertainment into the world, allow talented, unknown actors to use their gifts, and tell beautiful and poignant stories. At this time, we create and produce all of our content. Our projects are faith and family-friendly with human-interest stories. It also allows me the opportunity and liberty to portray characters I would not necessarily get to play.
