Hey Yo!

My name is Rachel Kanakanui and I am an actress based in Raleigh, NC.

For my very first audition – age 8 – I wanted to be Belle in “Beauty and the Beast.” Obviously,  the only option was to act out the entire “Big Pumpkin” book! This did not get me the role – the director kindly told me that Belle was usually played by an older actor – but it did get me featured in the local newspaper. I was cast in the ensemble as a townsperson (“kill the beast!”) and my path was set. 

I was born in China and after being adopted, grew up in Beckley, West Virginia, and then North Carolina. As a child, I tried out many things including gymnastics, piano, gingerbread contesting (I won first place). 

I was told early on that if I could find any other career to pursue other than acting that I should do it.  I’ve considered teaching and becoming a dentist, but nothing has even come close to my love for acting. I know I’ve chosen a competitive and uncertain career, but I’ve always loved a good challenge.

I will graduate from UNCG with a BFA Acting in May, 2022 and have extensive experience and skills in:

• Stanislavski
• Meisner
• Adler 
• Film Acting
  
  

My brand? Typically going for cool, sassy, spunky. Even though I have a bright smile, I can also bring an edge to a role.