Meet Kasey Bass

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kasey Bass. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kasey, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
My purpose is to be my healthiest self physically, mentally, and emotionally. I’m pursuing that purpose as an athlete–in stunts for film & tv and in ninja, as an English professor, and as an actress and model, performing as different people in a variety of worlds and situations. I found this purpose as a child, climbing trees and reading books, imagining what it would be like to be Anne of Green Gables or Alexander having a terrible day. Then as a child performer with an entertainment group singing and dancing, then as a professional teenage model. I didn’t understand how important it would be until I got cancer as a 20 year old. I had to fight difficult battles early in life. As a single mom of 5 children, that purpose became even more important, for me to endure the challenges of navigating this big, beautiful ship. I think staying true to our purpose gives us resilience. It reminds me why all of this matters. Now I explore as far as I can as an athlete, professional book nerd, actress and model because it’s how I live my life to the fullest. Looking down and seeing them watch me on my second year with American Ninja Warrior, acting with them on Mo (now on Netflix) were beautiful moments. The experience of living my life to the fullest and that example is the best gift I can give my children and myself.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As an actress and stunt actor, I have new work coming out all the time. You can watch me now on Knight Watchmen (on Tubi), on Sword of Alentius (on YouTube), and soon on Reina of the West & The Oldest Posse (westerns), Old Man Jackson, Chocolate Lizards, Desintegration, The Red Box, Pro Athletes Cross the Line, & Killer Relationships. You can also see me on Hip-Hop Family Christmas, Hip-Hop Family Wedding, Walker, & Mo (sometimes with some of my kids). I also show up on various commercials here & there. The musical feature film The Vaudevillian is in development.

I am very excited about the feature film The Haul Across Aswan–I play the female lead Aurelie Soutine. This movie is filming across Texas, led by director, writer, and actor Bryan Hadley. I’m also very excited about serving as a presenter and an entertainer for the upcoming inaugural Percy Award Show for the Academy of Independent Motion Pictures.

Finally, I’m excited about two fitness-related events: a new fitness project in development (I will release more information about it soon on my instagram and Facebook pages) and serving as Miss Bikini Sky Fitness at the upcoming Miss Bikini event at Miami Swim Week!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I think humility, curiosity, and fearlessness are the most important to my own journey. If you’re curious enough about what’s possible, you won’t care what anyone else thinks. You’ll be so focused on creating that you don’t even notice them. Also having humility keeps you grounded and reminds you that nothing is made in a vacuum. We’re surrounded by beautiful, brilliant people who can teach us something. The more we listen, the more we can grow.

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
1) Follow your passions and instincts. They’re there for a reason. They’re the first steps of the journey. 2) On the way, you’ll see things you want to do, ways you want to develop. Seek out people who are experts in those things. Listen to them, work with them, let them help you grow. A few examples:

When I was first on American Ninja Warrior, I met so many fascinating people. I had a lot of imposter syndrome, because I had always been an athlete, but not at that level. But there I was. I listened to their stories, and applied their strategies. I went on to compete in 4 ninja world championships. And started training in stunt fighting, because it was the missing piece to doing stunt work on film. The incredibly accomplished and generous Richie Gaona was kind enough to help me as I was first trying to enter the stunt world. He provided key insights and encouragement as he rigged for me and trained me at Trapeze Las Vegas, taking me under his wing between my trapeze tricks. Bryan Tai Self is my main trainer in Houston, helping me prepare for stunt roles. Iron Sports continues to be my ninja home, and I’m incredibly grateful to them.

Working with Baron Brown Studio in California, Next Actor’s Studio and Film Acting Academy in Texas has given me a similar experience in acting–providing me with a foundation as an actress. Top Language and several individual language coaches helped me learn the French, German, and Spanish I needed for film roles. Neal Hamil Agency and Bailey’s Entertainment Group, my agents in Texas and the East Coast, have given me a family and a home as I grow in my film projects.

Really the journey always starts at home. With the secret goals you whisper at night. The pivotal, quiet moments when you realize you want to build something new. When I was two years out from having twins, I realized I needed help getting my body back. But we were during lockdown, so instead of hiring a personal trainer, I became one. I got certified in personal training and nutrition from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Many years and 5 children after being a professional model as a teenager, I became a professional runway and print model again. As a single mom of 5, I recharted my life. Learning how to be healthy in body and mind is the key to a happy life. Claiming that knowledge for myself and then sharing it with others makes me really happy. Serving as Miss Bikini Sky Fitness at Miss Bikini at Miami Swim Week will be a key moment for me in that journey. I look forward to sharing it and many other exciting moments and projects to come with all of you! Connect with me anytime!

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Jordan Fischels Photography

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