by Cyrus Webb
Schelle Purcell is in her winning season, and as someone who has been following her for some time I can say it is well-deserved.
She is one of those multi-hyphenate individuals who has made her mark in front of the camera, behind the camera and on the stage while also giving back to her community.
Many seem to discover her through the role as Gloria the landlord in the hit movie STRAW, but years before that Schelle has been a part of productions where she has embraced characters and stories and made them her own.
On a personal note, she joined me in Mississippi on Wed. Oct. 29th this year to be a part of my Guinness World Record win, showing her selfless spirit and the adage of wanting to see others win.
In this revealing conversation we discuss 2025, her well-deserved shine and advice for others when it comes to pursuing their goals and dreams.
Schelle, first congratulations on the year that’s been 2025. What has it been like for you to reflect on all that has happened this year?
It has been an overwhelming blessing. I went from a dry season at the beginning of the year with little to no auditions to being booked back-to-back on projects, then receiving an invitation to speak on a Ladies High Tea & Awards panel in Ghana after the release of Tyler Perry’s “STRAW” for my breakout performance in the role of Gloria, ‘The Landlord’.
Have you always known that if you were willing to bet on yourself that you had what it takes to succeed?
No. I knew if I set my mind to do something, like accomplish a goal, I could do that. But to say I knew I would be a successful working actress in the entertainment industry I would have to say no. I wanted to be a public school educator so bad, like I have the student loan debt to prove it. But God was like, you WILL educate people and change lives just not on the path you think.
That's powerful. Where did the desire to create and share come from for you?
I have always been a great storyteller. I could always impersonate people in my storytelling in every element down to the person’s distinct mannerisms. If I was in a room, often people were laughing with me. That’s how I kept them from laughing AT me in school where bullying happened daily for a girl who was built like Olive Oyl. So yeah, making people laugh and portraying other people helped me skip some mean girl days. And now with my career and social media, the world gets to see the real deal when it comes to Schelle Purcell.
You’ve been able to do amazing work in front of the camera, behind the camera and on stage. Do you still have those wow moments about how your work has been received and recognized?
I remember the first time someone saw me and was like, “Oh my Goddddddd! Schelle, it’s you. Oh, my Godddddd, I just love you!” I almost cried because I had no idea how I was supposed to feel. Again, I NEVER expected that to EVER be the response anyone would give when they saw me because I was supposed to be in my cute little classroom teaching my cute little students to read according to me. And to this very day, if someone asks for a picture, an autograph, tells me that someone in their family loves me (I have made special videos in the moment to them), gives a comment, a like, a repost…I try hard to say thank you. I do it now to show my gratitude because one day I may not have as much time to say thank you. I want the people who follow me and support me to know, I appreciate them.
I have been auditioning for projects at TPS for almost eight years. And yes, I have had some amazing roles in some really AMAZING projects prior to STRAW. When it was announced who the leads were in the project, I thought to myself, “This movie is going to be pretty good.” I mean it has some heavy hitters in the industry that have been in their acting bag for decades. On my ride to set one of the leading actors asked me about my experience working with Mr. Perry. He gave me some great advice from his experiences working with Mr. Perry and said, “Enjoy it and have fun.” I took that his advice, asked God to remove Schelle and offered Gloria, ‘The Landlord’ in my prayer before being welcomed to set and the woman who came to play on Mr. Perry’s set that day became one of the most disliked female characters in a Tyler Perry Production. That was Gloria. And what I felt was accomplished. I came. I saw. And I dropped off Gloria ‘The Landlord’ to Mr. Perry & Netflix and right now it’s the 2nd most watched film on Netflix for the first half of 2025. Accomplished.
If I am being honest, sometimes if feel like an initiation when working with other actors who have a longer history in the business than you. It’s like they must see you do something before they decide you are qualified to be in scene work with them. Almost like a Big Sister/Brother gentle hazing process. But once they “see” you, they begin to trust you just enough to give you some space to play. Then if you really start showing off, the energy shifts and you end up making something beautiful for the camera.
I would rather skip the gentle hazing and get straight to playing, but I also enjoy the look on their faces when they see Schelle Purcell is THAT girl. (laughs)
Let’s talk TWO WRONGS. It’s a project that has garnered you a lot of attention. Talk to us about the story and what it’s been like to see audiences still being drawn into the world of Kevin and Liberty.
It’s so funny you bring up Two Wrongs. She was my first independent feature film that moved me to Atlanta. Olrick “OJ” Johnson, Jr. plays my husband in Two Wrongs and Two Wrongs 2 and when I tell you he catches it way more than me with character recognition from the film. These women be wearing him out! In my opinion, Two Wrongs took the cliché saying and opened a Pandora’s Box of lies, betrayal, lust, battered friendship and forgiveness. That’s a lot for one movie.
Outside of entertaining others, Schelle, you have used your platform to give back and to motivate. Why has that been important for you?
My nonprofit organization On Your Feet GA, is designed to cater to teen parents who are still in school like I was at one point in my life. It was hard and I can imagine what it is like today with social media influence and single parents trying to parent and provide. In 2026, I will launch under my On Your Feet GA umbrella a mentor program titled Generation to Generation for girls ages 8-18. A lot is happening to our children and at younger ages. So, we must be proactive and not reactive in saving our daughters, generation to generation.
Looking forward to seeing what's in store for Generation to Generation. You’ve travelled the world, but you have roots in Mississippi. What has that been like to show people the talent and skills that are coming out of the Magnolia State?
I enjoy letting the world know that this lil' country girl is from Gulfport, Mississippi. And even though Gulfport is on the coast, honey my momma was raised in the country, and that is where holidays and summer breaks were spent. So, get into all things collard greens and cornbread and some of the best playing outside with no fear was the good life.
This country boy is right there with you. I can totally agree. Let's talk success. Success takes many forms for people. How has your idea of success changed?
Success is how you see yourself. I make goals annually. I break them down monthly. Then weekly and on to daily. When I complete ONE thing on my daily list, I have been successful. I have moved closer to that annual, monthly, weekly goal list. I get credit for that. You should give yourself credit for that as well. Celebrate ALL your wins and don’t let anyone tell you it’s not a big deal when you do. Their vision and your vision of success won’t be the same.
Your plate is always full. What’s coming up that we should be on the lookout for?
I am being honored with The People’s Luv Choice Award. I have been submitted for consideration to the NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture for my role as Gloria, ‘The Landlord’ in STRAW. I have been greenlit to produce my comedy feature film Nurse Dad. I have a new talk show Schelle Purcell For Real in pre-production and I will be traveling to Paris in February for the International Ladies High Tea & Awards “Girl, Just Show Up” Edition. I’m just grateful for what was, what is and what is to come.
A talk show! Wow. That's exciting. I know we all can't wait for that. I must ask: You’ve achieved so much. Any plans on adding author to your name and writing your story in a book?
Well, I am already an author. My first book was an erotica novel titled “Open Your Eyes”. Now what people have been asking for is either a part two to that book or to make it a series. But telling my story might be a good ole read! I would probably be too honest and become a best-selling author! (laughs)
I had no idea. That is amazing. Congrats on the book. Schelle, what advice do you have for others when it comes to saying yes to themselves and pursuing their goals and dreams?
If God whispers something to you be obedient. He will want you to execute it because He already knows how it will turn out. And understand that “NO” from anyone means a “YES” is coming from someone. Keep going. I’m rooting for you!
I love that. Thanks again for your time, Schelle. How can our readers stay connected with you?
Please support me on FB and IG/Threads @schellepurcell, TikTok @therealschellepurcell and visit my website to sign up for newsletters at www.schellepurcell.com. Thank you, Cyrus, for honoring me with this opportunity. May God continue to richly bless you and this magazine beyond your wildest imagination.
