In a new episode of Angie Martinez IRL, actress, director and producer Tasha Smith sat down with Martinez to reflect on her journey from Camden, New Jersey, to Hollywood and the role faith has played in her career.
Smith recalled being just 20 years old and sleeping in her gray Ford Escort at Venice Beach, determined to stay in Los Angeles long enough to see if her dream of becoming an actress would come true. Despite dropping out of high school in the ninth grade and facing insecurities about her lack of formal education, she explained that acting and comedy had always been the dream she carried with her.
The actress credited early encouragement from Tisha Campbell and her mother, along with support from people in her community, as key moments that helped her believe the dream was possible. Smith also shared that her passion for performing started as early as eight years old, when she and her twin sister Sidra would stage their own sketches and impersonations.
Throughout the conversation, Smith emphasized her belief that dreams are not random but connected to purpose. She said she has always seen her creative calling as something planted by God, a vision that sustained her through years of uncertainty.
Smith also opened up about the role of prayer and meditation in her life today. She spoke about still feeling nerves before stepping onto major platforms and explained how spiritual practices, including prayer in tongues, help her stay grounded and intentional about using her voice to inspire others.
Looking back, Smith said her gratitude comes from seeing her life as a reflection of God’s grace and promise, a reminder of how far she’s come since the early days in Camden and those nights spent in her car at Venice Beach.
