In Memory of and Tribute to Kelsey White

SAG-AFTRA New Orleans Local member Kelsey White passed on Feb. 9, 2020, after an eight-year battle with ovarian cancer," said fellow member Laura Cayouette. Cayouette is a delegate for the New Orleans Local and chair of the New Orleans Local Women's Committee. "Like many members of our local, Kelsey’s credits do no justice to her talent. In 2015, Kelsey entered an acting contest run by podcaster Nick Savides and me. I’d been working with Oscar winners for over 20 years at that time and had an eye for talent, but we created a judging panel comprised of filmmakers, a theater producer/artistic director, a magazine editor, and several actor/instructors. Kelsey beat out more than 90 entries with her moving monologue."

"One of Kelsey’s prizes was a photo session, so Nick and I were able to spend that afternoon with her and then join the runners-up for dinner. We chatted for hours and I answered many acting and career questions. Afterward, Kelsey wrote me an email that stopped my busy day and made me pay attention. She’d actually heard the experiences and lessons I’d tried to pass along and used some of the networking things we talked about and wanted to share her reactions. 

"I wrote back, 'You paid attention to what was important during a night where a million topics were covered … You’re clearly bright, hard-working and dedicated … I loved reading about your results because you really dared to fail. You had a plan, tried new things, let yourself feel uncomfortable feelings and kept on trying new things.'

"I didn’t know Kelsey well, but I know she was a fierce creature and a true talent. Enjoy Kelsey’s winning monologue and remember that film is forever," added Cayouette. 

Click here to read Kelsey’s obituary.

— This appeared in the New Orleans Local newsletter. 

 
Photo: New Orleans delegate Laura Cayouette and Kelsey White. Photo by Steve Hammond