Biografia
Penny Gibbs is a Detroit-based actress who recently completed a notable supporting role in the feature film Cedar Rapids, where her character interacted closely with Ed Helms, Mike O'Malley, Anne Heche, John C. Reilly, and others central to the story. She has also appeared in commercials for Ziebart, Harley Home Improvement, Trident Layers, and Baker College, leading in all of them.
Typically cast as nurturing mother, wife, or friend roles, Penny also enjoys taking on bold, edgy characters.
Her acting instructor describes her as an "emotional actress with a sensitivity and depth of feeling," noting that directors often want to see her cry.
In the short film Oily Pen Stuff, screened at the Sundance Film Festival, the director praised her performance, saying, "Sharon, the footage turned out fantastic. I LOVE the actress you found; her 'Come back here you little punk' line is the best part of the entire short." Regarding her portrayal of a suicidal mother in Politics of Street Crime, the film's director remarked, "Penny was heartbreaking as Monique's tragic mother. With blood splattered and tears in her eyes, she delivered a suicide scene worthy of Meryl Streep." Her recent role as Emma Fisherman moved the director and crew to tears as she portrayed someone helping a dying friend pass on.
Penny describes her style as a blend of Susan Sarandon (whom she greatly admires), Sally Field, and Ellen Barkin, though she is younger than these accomplished actresses. She is also comfortable playing slightly neurotic, comedic roles reminiscent of Shelly Long and Meg Ryan.
Her extensive training at the Actors Workshop pushed her beyond her comfort zone daily, helping her grow both personally and professionally, while also honing her improvisation skills.
Additionally, Penny is proud to have interviewed Lord of the Rings actor Billy Boyd on location in Sault Ste. Marie, Canada, during the filming of Ecstasy. Appearing as an extra, she was granted the interview for a website she manages.
