Check Out Ebony Tates’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ebony Tates. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
It’s actually a very interesting story. I was part of a very active youth department, we learned how to read scripts at a young age. I wouldn’t be exaggerating if I said I was at church Monday – Sunday. After school, it was about homework, and then it was time for rehearsals. I pretty much feel like I was trained for this career and lifestyle. Shortly after college, I started my modeling career, which so happened to be a smooth transition to begin acting professionally. I was working with Duane Johnson, he was amazing. God rest his soul. He photographed me well; he introduced me to a well-known author Tonja Ayers aka The Shoe Lady. I started working with Tonja as a model for her shoes and accessories back in 2012/2013. She wrote a book called “A Ho Needs To Stay In A Ho’s Place” I was one of the models on the cover. The book grew very popular, shortly after, that book was adapted into a stage play. “Stay In Your Place” was my second stage production; I was casted as the character I portrayed on the original cover. This stage play was wild, it was talked about a lot, in fact, Tonja turned it into a feature film. I was casted as Jessica, the same woman I portrayed on the cover of the book and in the stage play. After SIYP, I stuck to film like glue, I started participating in various commercials and skits on social media. Balancing my work life and my acting career along with the random projects that occur isn’t always as easy as it seems, but it was definitely work it. In 2015 I starred in my first YouTube series as Micah in “Carter & Cody” (2015), Tasha in “Da Gram” (2016), “Dead Wrong” 2017. In 2018, I was asked to be part of a street series titled “McGraw Ave”. In 2019 I landed my first leading role as “La’Dawn” in “Birthday Behavior” (2020). I starred in “The Mule” as “Yolee”. When 2020 happened, it shook a lot within the film community, as it did the world. I spent a lot of my time writing. In 2021, I was nominated as Detroit Favorite Actress, and I won! It was a moment I’ll never forget because for me it was a sign to keep going. That same year I attended the Detroit Film Makers Award Ceremony to support my best friend; I had no idea I would walk out of that year with 2 feature films set to start in 2022. I am ecstatic about my next projects, but even more excited to introduce myself as a writer, director, and actress in 2023. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It’s been one heck of a journey for sure. There’s been many times I’ve had to sacrifice my job, reduce hours and go part-time just to be a part of productions. So yes, the struggle is real, but the reward is greater! 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am most proud of the fact that I keep going. No matter how hard it becomes, no matter what happens behind the scenes. I still keep going. 

One “rumor” I have always heard about myself within the industry is that I’m easy to work with. Dating back to when I was a kid, on set for hours every single day. I don’t complain; I work. I have always stood out just simply being myself. My persona and personality itself speaks volume. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebonytates/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ebony.ewade.3

Image Credits
Rozell Jackson
Tyler Moncrief