Meet Mary McElree

We recently connected with Mary McElree and have shared our conversation below.

Mary, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

Honestly, it’s still a work in progress. Confidence and self-esteem didn’t arrive all at once for me, they were built slowly, show by show, moment by moment. Growing up in theater helped. There’s something about standing in the wings, heart pounding, and stepping into a spotlight that teaches you to trust your preparation, your voice, and your ability to connect.

But beyond performance, I’d say confidence really started growing when I stopped trying to be “right” all the time and started embracing being real. I began to understand that vulnerability was actually my superpower, especially in storytelling. Whether I’m on set, on stage, or in a waiting room full of actors who look just like me, I’ve learned that my value isn’t based on being chosen. It’s based on showing up with authenticity and generosity.

Becoming a mom has also reshaped my sense of self in huge ways. It’s forced me to get clear on what actually matters to me and let go of the noise. That kind of clarity brings its own quiet confidence.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m an actor/singer/producer with a passion for excellence in everything, and a heart for character-driven stories, especially ones that blend comedy and depth. I’ve worked as an actor on stage, in film, TV and VO—and most recently in the whacky world of vertical-format streaming which I think merits a category of its own, haha! In all of these I’m known for bringing a kind of grounded emotional core to the roles I play, even when the genre leans broad or stylized. I love collaborating in ways that support a project’s bigger picture, whether that’s jumping into rewrites, or just being that calming presence on set.

My husband and I have launched our own production company, Hero Shot, to make the kind of stories we’re genuinely excited to tell—funny, heartfelt, a little off-center, and deeply human. Our first project is TRASH, a tongue-in-cheek comedy pilot that gives plenty of humor with a ton of heart. You can watch it on our Hero Shot Youtube channel or on our IG. If you like what you see and want to collaborate, let’s talk about what’s next.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Find your own way of doing things. Just because someone says, “this is how it’s always been done,” doesn’t mean it’s the only—or best—way. Some of the best, most meaningful stuff I’ve done out here came from taking the road less traveled and simply making the best use of whatever I’ve had on hand.

Find your community. My husband and I found ours through church, which gave us the immediate support we needed. It’s tough enough out here in this industry without feeling alone.

Get clear on your values early and set boundaries. This business will toss you around a bit, so knowing what really matters to you helps you stay grounded when everything else feels upside down. And be kind. Not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because this industry is smaller than it looks, and kindness always circles back.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m all for teaming up with people who care about bold, meaningful storytelling. At Hero Shot, we’re all about championing original voices and fresh perspectives, and we’re not afraid to tackle the hard stuff. I believe the best work happens when we pursue excellence together as a team, no matter your role. If that sounds like you, let’s connect and make some powerful stories.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Ren Scott | GLASS DARKLY
Koury Angelo Photography
Jonathan Charles

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