Draft:Laila Odom

Laila Odom (born October 19, 1988) is an American actress and producer. Odom is best known for her roles in Salt-N-Pepa (2021) and The Bobby DeBarge Story (2019).

Early life and education

Odom was born and raised in New Jersey, USA. As she was growing up, she developed a passion for the arts, particularly in acting and performance. Odom’s love for the craft led her to pursue formal education in theater. She attended Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theater Arts.

Career

Odom made her acting debut in 2007 with the film On the Job Training, marking the beginning of her journey in film and television. Over the years, she took on a variety of roles, showcasing her versatility as an actress.

Odom's breakout moment came in 2021 when she portrayed Sandra "Pepa" Denton in Lifetime’s biopic Salt-N-Pepa.The film highlighted the journey of the iconic hip-hop group and was a major milestone in her career. Odom’s dedication to embodying the real-life character was evident, as she not only spent time with the actual Sandra Denton but also immersed herself in dance and vocal training for the role. The movie’s executive producer was Queen Latifah, who brought Odom significant recognition for her work.

Odom gained attention for her role in The Bobby DeBarge Story (2019), further solidifying her position in biographical storytelling. Her other notable works include Game Shakers (2015) and Undercover Brother 2. In addition to her acting, Odom has contributed to Kevin Hart’s LOL Network, showcasing her comedic talent.

Beyond film and television, Odom is passionate about storytelling that celebrates “Black culture and history”. She often expresses the importance of diverse narratives and the need for better representation in Hollywood. As a producer, she continues to seek projects that challenge norms and elevate voices from underrepresented communities.

Awards and recognition

• Silicon Beach Film Festival (2019)
• Winner of Best Ensemble Cast for Fifty & Over Club
• Shared with co-stars C.G. Ryche, Tripp Law, Donre Walker, and others
• Silver State Film Festival (2019)
• Winner of Best Comedy Short for Fifty & Over Club

Filmography

Films:

• Salt-N-Pepa (2021)
• The Bobby DeBarge Story (2019)Phantom HaloDysfunctional Friends (2012)
• Undercover Brother 2
• On the Job Training (2007)
• Kiss Me Christmas
• The Preacher's Son
• Back Then
• The Match
• Bikini Model Academy
• Nora’s Hair Salon 3
• He’s Mine Not Yours
• Christopher Nolen’s Four Seasons
• Laughing to the Bank
• Outrighteous

TV Series:

• Game Shakers (2015)
• Zatima (as Connie)
• For the Love of Jason
• My Online Valentine
• Man and Wife
• Lord, All Men Can’t Be Dogs
• The Therapist
• Phat Girlz
• Lunar Lockdown

Personal life

Odom is connected to her heritage and she is passionate about her wellness simultaneously. She prioritizes her health after facing challenges like anemia and fibroids. Her interest in health has expanded into a desire to educate others, particularly Black and Brown communities, about nutrition and cancer research.

Odom loves to travel, and her visits to places like Ghana have deepened her understanding of her African heritage and the history of the African diaspora. Her trip to Ghana was especially meaningful, as her surname has ties to the country, making her feel a profound connection to her roots. Odom also enjoys exploring Black history and culture, and she is committed to promoting wellness through fitness, particularly yoga, which she finds therapeutic.

Odom remains close to her family, especially her mother, who has been her biggest supporter throughout her career. She also shares a deep bond with her late grandmother, who wished for Odom to work with Tyler Perry and luckily it was fulfilled when she landed a role in the Tyler Perry series Zatima.