Biography
Nominated for "Best Leading Actress" for her role in the film "Pure Justice," Lunden De'Leon has appeared in over 50 movies and television shows. Some women are go-getters, some are business-minded, and some turn their struggles into stepping stones for success. Lunden De'Leon embodies all of these qualities.
Dictionary.com defines an entrepreneur as someone "who organizes and manages any enterprise, especially a business, usually with considerable initiative and risk." In an ideal world, a radiant photo of De'Leon would perfectly illustrate this definition.
Born in Barbados and raised in South Carolina, De'Leon faced many challenges before becoming the powerhouse she is today. After briefly working at Burger King as a teenager, she was inspired by her gospel-singer father to pursue a career in entertainment. She eventually arrived in Hollywood homeless, with only $200 to her name.
With the support of a roommate who changed her life in unexpected ways, things began to improve. She attended a modeling audition initially just to overcome her "hungry and penniless" situation, but not only did she land the audition, she also secured a one-year modeling contract that very day.
Shortly after, De'Leon made her television debut on the hit series Vital Signs, filmed in Los Angeles but broadcast in Germany, where she played a young woman striving to succeed in the United States—a story close to her own experience. She continued to build her reputation with roles in various films and TV shows, including the NBC sitcom Just Shoot Me!
Her biggest opportunity came in 2003 when she founded her own record label, Dirrty Records. Following its success in Los Angeles, she opened a second branch in South Carolina, where she still resides.
With a diverse lineup of artists signed to the label, including Seattle punk band The Slumps and British indie rock group The Fades—whose music has been featured on NBC's Life and Friday Night Lights—De'Leon established herself as a creative and influential force.
Her achievements gained widespread recognition.
She was featured in New York-based hip hop magazine The Ave as "one of the most significant women in entertainment" and, in 2004, was inducted into the Caribbean Hall of Fame alongside reggae icon Bob Marley and acting legend Sidney Poitier.
Since then, De'Leon, who also has a day named after her (February 7) in Los Angeles by former mayor James K. Hahn, has continued to push forward.
Recently, she launched Palmetto Film Studios, a movie production company in Marion, South Carolina, which distributes five to seven films annually. She also founded The Lunden De'Leon Foundation, encouraging young children to pursue their dreams with the same determination she has demonstrated.
