Written by: Francesco Vincenzo Iacono
Tamara Lee, who was born and raised in Burlington, Ontario Canada, is a rising 50-something Fashion Model, Actress, and Influencer. In 2018, Tamara left Canada and moved to New York, New York to pursue her modeling career. In 2021, she left New York and moved to the west coast and lived in Los Angeles, California to pursue her acting career. Then, in 2023, she moved back to New York to ultimately combine both careers and set the course for her future. So, how did this Canadian mom turned model end up living on both coasts?
While Ms. Lee loved her 25-year hospitality career she felt unfulfilled like something was seriously missing, but for the longest time she didn’t know exactly what it was. She just knew that life had more to offer her. In 2017, at the age of 46, Tamara decided to shake up her life and take a chance on herself when she embarked on a career in modeling.
With that, she joined a couple of “Over 40” groups in hopes of connecting with like-minded individuals who had a similar passion for fitness and living a full life. The idea was to share some tips, pointers, etc. Through these groups, she loved what she saw and realized that there were a lot of others like her out there that believed they too could be in their 40’s and still set new goals, dream new dreams, and live a new and active life! That is when her movement officially began!
Later, at the urging of a good friend, she decided to book a photoshoot with a well-known photographer in the Toronto area to both market and promote herself. Little did she realize that the photo session was going to be the beginning of what would become a whole new career path! As a result, her following grew through shoutout pages and general interest for a “Mature Model” and an “Over 40” genre. To that extent, she decided to put a portfolio together and sign up for a few online modelling websites. Soon she was being booked by photographers to model for portfolios and for print work. It was at that time, where she began to share her message, the one that drives her and fuels her passion. “No matter what your age, you are NEVER too old to dream a new dream or set a new goal in your life!”
In this edition of The Creative Spotlight, I had the pleasure of interviewing Tamara Lee and asking her a few questions about what first got her interested in being a fashion model, her career as an actress, her experience in working as the lead actress on Amazon Prime’s Life After 40, her appearance in Sirr Jones’ “9 to 5” video, as well as her short and long-term future projects.
Q&A Session
The Creative Spotlight: At what age did you become interested in becoming an actress, fashion model, and Influencer? And, who or what inspired you to pursue a career in these exclusive but exciting professions?
TL: My modeling journey began in 2017 at the age of 46, as such my presence on social media grew and I added acting to my repertoire in 2021. This creative career actually began as I was traveling down another path. I had gone back to school at the age of 43 to upgrade my education after the end of a 21-year marriage where I would be on my own for the first time in my adult life. There were many people who were surprised that I’d decided to make such a big life change, and I learned just how many people felt I was too old to make these changes. I decided that part of my new life/journey needed to be to show people that you could make big changes no matter what your age.
At the urging of a friend, I decided to take my message to social media and share my story. My friend thought I should participate in a photoshoot and share my pictures and story via Instagram. So, I did the shoot and had so much fun! I sent my pictures to a few shoutout pages that promoted the over 40 crowd. Low and behold as my social media presence began to grow. I had photographers reaching out to me to shoot with them as a model! I was truly shocked. What began as traveling down one different path led me to my actual passion, which was being in front of the camera.
TCS: For the benefit of those who may not be too familiar with Tamara Lee or your overall body of work, can you please provide us with a brief overview of your career?
TL: I am a freelance model, actress, content creator and influencer. I have had the pleasure of working with multiple photographers, doing commercial and print work. I have also been featured in multiple music videos and have also been published in a few different magazines including a couple covers. I also do UGC content creation and promotion for brands/companies. Additionally, I just finished a supporting role in the upcoming movie “Tainted” which was shot in Indiana. I will be traveling to Nashville in September to take part in another movie in which I have a lead role that will be on Netflix in 2024. I am also blessed to be a social media influencer with over 1 million followers across my platforms. I do a live stream podcast on my YouTube channel weekly.
TCS: Can you give us 3 “Need to Know” facts about you?
TL: 3 “Need to Know” facts about Tamara would be that:
- First: I’m very family oriented. My close circle is very important to me.
- Second: I’m very business minded yet also very creative.
- Third: I stand out in a crowd, and not in an egotistical way. My energy is life giving and it shows.
TCS: In what ways do you feel being born and raised in Burlington, Ontario Canada, then moving to Los Angeles, California, and now living in New York has influenced and shaped your career choices and goals?
TL: My goals have changed/shaped and evolved over the years. It was amazing being born and raised in beautiful Burlington Ontario Canada. I knew that in order to take my modeling career to the next level, I needed to be in New York. It was there that I gained valuable experience in the industry. When I decided I wanted to give acting a try, I made the decision to make a big move and go to Los Angeles once again. It was there that I got my first movie role in Life after 40. It was a wonderful experience to live in Los Angeles but in the spring of 2023, I moved back across the Country to New York to further all aspects of this amazing journey I’ve embarked on.
TCS: Describe for us your experience in playing the role of Kate in Jason Jordan and Jim Ross’ 2022 movie Life After 40?
TL: Life after 40 was a wonderful experience for me! It was a small cast and crew and as such not overwhelming as a new actress. This was my first film and I learned so much! Everyone was so helpful to me and there were a lot of laughs every day on set. I don’t think I could have asked for a better first role experience than this one.
TCS: What do you feel is the hardest part of getting into the mindset of a character?
TL: I feel that the hardest part of getting into a character is learning about the character’s traits and personality, as well as figuring out the best way to bring them to life to do the role justice.
TCS: How did you land the role in the TV commercial for Edible?
TL: I was approached by a chef who was involved in a wonderful project that was going to be combining food and models together to create a series of cookbooks with a fashion flair! Since I was not only modeling but also had a passion for cooking, I was chosen to represent the project as the lead model in the commercial.
TCS: Tell us about your experience in filming Sirr Jones’ video for “9 to 5” featuring Shorty T?
TL: Working with Sirr Jones and Shorty T for their video “9 to 5” was such a wonderful experience. Both artists are very talented! I consider it to be an honor to be able to work on music videos as a model in my 50s. Typically, I am the oldest model on set! It is such a blessing.
TCS: As an actress, what’s the most exciting role you’ve played? Why?
TL: The last film I worked on, Tainted, was the most exciting. I worked with some truly fabulous cast and crew on this production. This was most definitely the most dedicated and hardworking production that I’ve had the pleasure of working with. The script and story line are so well-written, and I can’t even begin to tell you how much heart and soul went into this! We all became family on this production. Lifelong connections!
TCS: From a modeling perspective, what are you most proud of? Why?
TL: I’ve been so blessed and fortunate to have worked on so many great modeling projects during my career, but I would have to say that receiving my first magazine cover at the age of 50 has been the greatest highlight! This industry is very competitive, there are so many beautiful and talented models out there and for me to be chosen to be on the cover at the age of 50 was truly incredible!
TCS: Have you embraced social platforms to help market your acting and fashion model career as well as your work as an influencer?
TL: Absolutely. I’ve certainly embraced social media.
To stay connected, please join me on the following:
To inquire about booking me for a modeling/acting opportunity or to book me for an appearance, please email me at tamaralee@tamaraleeisme.com
TCS: Can you tell us about your “From the Heart” podcast?
TL: The “From the Heart” podcast was a couple years in the making before I brought it to life. Originally, it began airing on Anchor and Spotify. I am very excited to announce that in the coming weeks, it will be a “live” podcast broadcast on my YouTube channel. During the podcast, I speak about my journey including life’s trials and tribulations in a way that comes natural to me and from the heart.
TCS: Can you please share with us what the quote, “You are never too old to dream a new dream or set a new goal” means to you personally?
TL: The quote “you are never too old to dream a new dream or set a new goal” is a constant reminder that no matter where you are in life, no matter how old you are, or whatever situation you are in, YOU have the power and opportunity to set new goals and chase after your dreams. I feel that many people think that once you hit middle age it’s too late to make big changes and take big risks in life. It’s been my mission to show people through my journey that it’s not. There is no greater joy to me to hear that I’ve inspired someone to chase their dreams because they’ve seen me chase mine.
TCS: What does the short and long-term future look like for Tamara Lee?
TL: I am excited to see what the next chapter has in store for me! Short-term, the launch of my new YouTube channel which will feature food, fashion, and fitness. Additionally, a merchandise line is also in the works as well as another movie role! Long-term is something I choose not to focus on…it’s just one day at a time!
About Francesco Vincenzo Iacono
Since 2012, Francesco Vincenzo Iacono has served as the President and CEO of The Creative Spotlight, the ultimate destination for unearthing a wealth of undiscovered musical talent, reading exciting interviews, releasing new music and sharing exclusive videos.
Every good story needs a good storyteller. And, The Creative Spotlight has truly provided a quality forum for revealing those great stories. Through the years, the online publication has featured national and local musicians such as Ash Costello from New Years Day, Williams Honor, Stacey David Blades, Screaming For Silence, Ages Apart, Roxy Petrucci, Peter Beckett, We The Kings, Everything Falls, Rod Black, Derek Crider, Daniel Mason Band, The Rockin’ Krolik, Michelle Leigh, Jessie G., Karen Mansfield and Hillbilly Vegas.
Additionally, The Creative Spotlight has also focused on historic Pennsylvania-based paranormal venues such as the Eastern State Penitentiary, Pennhurst State School and Hospital, Paranormal investigator Kitsie Duncan, Spirit Medium Tiffany Rice, the Bates Motel & Haunted Hayride, well-known actors, and actresses, published authors, professional artists, local businesses, consultants, trainers, speakers and more…
Francesco earned a BA degree in English/Communications and Marketing from Cabrini College, and he also received a Webmaster Certification from Penn State Great Valley.
The Creative Spotlight 