BECOMING HANNAH w/Gaby Montiel

Ever since she was young, Hannah Lanier has always been a natural artist. Creativity was in her nature, something she attributes to her similarly artistic family. Whether it was strumming a toy guitar, choreographing dances, or reenacting dramatic scenes for her family to watch, Hannah’s passion for the arts always shined through. 

However, it wasn’t until a special commercial audition that she realized acting was her true passion, or as Hannah says, “Oh yeah, acting can be my THING.” (Of course, this audition would place her on a set with none other than Oprah!) The experience created a sense of belonging for her, as if she had found her place. With her loved ones around her, she embraced the new environment, which would be the beginning of a flourishing journey. 

Like many artists, Hannah’s development from an aspiring performer into a professional actor was not simply granted to her. Rejection had intertwined itself with her career, and she received countless noes. During this time, it was difficult for her to acknowledge herself as a “true actor”, though she persisted, as this was the very thing that fielded her passion. Artists hold the tormenting storm of curiosity and life on their shoulders, but as a compensation for this burden, passion parts to success. Finally, at just 14 years old,  she earned roles in Roadhouse and Lioness almost simultaneously. The news was overwhelming and exciting. It emphasized all the hard work, sacrifices, and resilience she had shown over the years. Every “no” she had received up to that point felt as though it had led her to this pivotal moment. It was then she knew: acting was more than just her dream. It was a lifelong pursuit, one she was determined to continue growing in.

But Hannah’s vision reaches far beyond her personal success. She sees the entertainment industry as a powerful platform for positive change, one that has yet to fully capture depth and diversity in the human experience. She is passionate about promoting underrepresented voices, ensuring their stories are told with authenticity and impact. She dreams of a future where powerful women lead major motion pictures, not just as actors on screen but as decision-makers behind the scenes, shaping the narratives that define our culture. 

Hannah Lanier is an embodiment of creativity, perseverance, and the desire to use art as a tool for meaningful change. “I want more powerful women on billboards leading major motion pictures as well as behind the scenes making decisions and calling the shots,” she says. “We have such amazing opportunities as artists to dig into complex stories and introduce society to a variety of people and cultures that may help to bring awareness and understanding in a new or different way.” ∎

Find Hannah on Instagram:
@hannahlovelanier