Elise Neal born March 14, 1966, Memphis, Tennessee is an American film and television actress. She graduated from Overton High School in 1984 and attended the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Neal moved to New York City where she landed roles in musical theater and found herself traveling the world with various touring companies. Her experience in musical theater allowed her to easily transition into commercials, eventually bringing her to Los Angeles.
Once in Los Angeles, Neal quickly landed the role of Janice Sinclair on the ABC soap opera Loving. Shortly after, she made the leap to primetime on Seaquest, whose executive producer was Steven Spielberg. Her film debut was her starring role in John Singleton Rosewood. Other film credits include: Paid in Full, Money Talks, Mission to Mars and Restaurant.
Neal newest film, 4 Life, also starring Wood Harris, hit stores July 3, 2007. This project also marks her first debut soundtrack single, I am Down Baby, produced by Hustle and Flow award-winning songwriter, Al Capone. She is currently appearing in the series K-Ville, which stars Anthony Anderson and Cole Hauser. Elise will also be seen in Ransom Games, in which she plays a wife forced to negotiate for the safe return of her husband. Expanding her role as producer, Elise Neal is creating and developing several multimedia projects: a reality show based on her RB group, Assorted Flavors, a fitness and lifestyle brand, and multiple feature projects through her development deal with Mandalay Bay Entertainment.
Neal and the rest of the cast of Hustle and Flow were nominated for a Screen Actors Guild award for best ensemble, an NAACP award for Best Picture, and won as Best Cast at the Young Hollywood awards. Neal was the 2006 recipient of the African-American Women in Cinema Trailblazer Award. She has three NAACP award nominations: Best Actress in a Comedy for The Hughleys twice and a Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for Hustle and Flow.
