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Avery Berry, a talented Texas teen actress, is making waves in the entertainment industry with her impressive performances on both the big and small screen.
Most notably known for her role in the horror film “The Sawyer Massacre,” Avery captivated audiences with her chilling portrayal of a young woman caught in a nightmare scenario. Her ability to convey fear, vulnerability, and strength all at once showcased her remarkable acting skills and cemented her as a rising star in Hollywood.
In addition to her success in film, Avery has also made a name for herself in the world of television. She appeared in the popular series Austin High and Generation Hope, where she demonstrated her versatility and range as an actress. With each role, Avery continues to prove her depth and talent.
The young starlet is set to take on a new challenge as she gears up to co-star in the upcoming TV series Funny Old Ladies – a comedy/mystery series. Funny Old Ladies is about numerous older men and women who live in some condominiums in Florida while unraveling life together through their mutual friendships. In Funny Old Ladies, talented actress Avery Berry portrays Isabella, a young, intellectual and studious daughter of award-winning actor Howard Nash’s character Howard and award-winning actress Maggie Wagner’s character Jacquie. Funny Old Ladies was created by multiple award-winning screenwriter Julie A. Stehouwer.
Avery’s interest in acting started when she was in elementary school. “I began acting in elementary school doing small school plays but I really didn’t pursue it professionally until the Covid pandemic happened. During that downtime, I started taking it seriously.”
Acting, for Avery, seems to be time-oriented and being ready at any moment to audition or to portray a character. “I like acting because I can morph into different characters in a make-believe world. I find that really interesting and super fun. The downside about being in the film industry is the sacrifices we all have to make in regards to time. We are always tied to the clock. It’s hard to plan time with friends and family because at any given moment there’s always the chance that a last minute big audition will come in and you will have to drop everything and turn that audition in on time. So yes, that would probably be the hardest part but it goes with the territory of being in the film industry. You’re always on standby and always on the fly!
“I love acting for both TV and film, actually. The only difference is one is attached to several episodes per season where the other is just one project and you’re done. I find them both equally as fun.”
The best part of acting is making it a family affair. “My dad, Jon Berry, is an amazing actor and a writer so it’s definitely in my genes. We did work together on a project early last year, and we had one scene together. It was so much fun, and I look forward to working with him again in future projects if the opportunity presents itself.”
Avery is just as passionate with her off-screen antics that may seem quirky to some: “One fun fact about me is I tend to find myself rescuing birds off the roadside. I mean, I don’t intentionally go out and seek injured birds to rescue, but I always seem to be at the right place at the right time to save these feathered balls. I’ve seen them fall off trees after a storm, slam into windows right before my eyes or just on the side of the road injured by cars. I’m that person who makes Mom stop the car, grab a shirt or a box and scoop the feather ball in and take it to Austin Wildlife Rescue for rehabilitation. I’ve rescued grackles, sparrows, black swallows and mockingbirds. The mockingbird babies are sooo loud. Those little boogers will keep you up all night begging for food if you don’t feed them.”
Avery’s most memorable film project to date is an historical one. “My most memorable project would have to be the Sisters film. I came across a casting call and the script was all about The 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. It sounded super cool and interesting, and I had to throw my hat in even though they were only seeking Los Angeles talent. I gave it my everything. I also had no idea at the time it was going to be sponsored by Biola University. I ended up with two callbacks for different lead roles followed by chemistry reads. Unbeknownst to the producer and director during my last chemistry read via Zoom, I was actually suffering from Covid and had a raging fever. I remember standing the whole time and felt like I was dying during the chemistry read, but I figured I had made it that far that I should probably saddle up and finish the job. I got through it and went back to sleep. Months later I was on a plane to LA to film at Biola Studios.
“Everyone’s dream is to film in LA no matter how big or small the project. When I arrived at Biola, the students had built this realistic-looking bunker filled with things from that timeframe and things you would need during a nuclear war crisis. We filmed our scenes in the bunker and dozed on and off in between breaks. My amazing Sisters cast are still my LA besties, and I still keep in touch with them as well as some crew members which were phenomenal to work with. The film was shot entirely in black and white. A few months later Biola decided to premiere two films including Sisters. We flew back to LA for the premiere only to find a massive line of people scaling all the way back through buildings at Biola waiting to see the movie. It was estimated that about 650 people or so attended. I still hear the loud clapping and roaring coming from the audience after the cast credits rolled up at the end of the film. Everyone wore their gorgeous gowns and suits. They even built an interactive walkway with old newspaper clippings during that time period. The director, producer, AD, crew and cast all out of L.A. were soo amazing and so fun to be around and there’s this crazy Texan in the middle of them all. I loved every minute of it! I was so fortunate to experience that huge Red Carpet event at just barely 12 years old. I’m extra thankful for Director Oscar Quilala for casting me. I honestly owe him a horse. The whole experience in working with Biola University’s incredibly talented students is a memory that will last me a lifetime. Their teachers are truly doing an amazing job in producing the next generation of student filmmakers.”
Even though she feels a calling to Los Angeles, her roots will be forever planted in Texas. “I love the wide open spaces. I don’t take that for granted. Our beautiful beaches and the Hill Country are so special to me. The people. No matter where I go, Texas is always not far from my mind, especially after filming in different states. I’m actually a seventh generation Texan, so it’s home.”
Thankful for her many acting opportunities, Avery has this to say to others wanting to pursue a career in acting. “I would tell them to follow their dreams. To never give up. I would encourage them to surround themselves with people who have their best interests at heart, who believe in them and who support them every step of the way. The beginning is always the hardest but if you stick to it, good things will come.”
Her future? “That’s hard to predict in this crazy film industry. Hopefully, I will be shooting films for some major movie studios. The possibilities are endless if you work hard enough. My journey is just beginning. One thing is for sure, I will keep perfecting my craft with my acting coaches and mentors out of LA. With them and my parents by my side I can do anything.”
SOCIAL MEDIA
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Cover photo courtesy Avery Berry
Bob Valleau is a regular entertainment contributor for Texas Lifestyle Magazine
