She Defines Soul.Substance.Style (No. 020): Megalyn Echikunwoke

Written By: MIM!—If looks could kill, then actress Megalyn Echikunwoke would be behind bars, or at least that's what most men think when they see her. But maybe that's not surprising given Echikunwoke means "leader of men." At age 14, Megalyn was discovered while performing in an arts academy summer camp play, and thus began her long distance relationship with Hollywood. She began auditioning for parts via videotape, and then she and her mom would make the long drive in from Arizona (where she lived). Her persistence paid off and at age 15 she was cast as the young female lead in the ABC/Peter Benchley miniseries "Creature." Soon thereafter she and her family moved to Los Angeles where Megalyn enrolled in high school and immersed herself in the theatre department. Her career with Hollywood has only continued to move in an upward trajectory as she has appeared on screen in several roles, including television series such as The Game, 24, For the People, That ‘70's Show, ER, Boston Public and Buffy the Vampire Slayer ... to name just a few of this woman of Soul.Substance.Style's acting credits. But we especially love her for lending her name and giving her time to Women (And Girls), Education, And Arts, Providing Opportunities, Now ("W.E.A.P.O.N."), an organization committed to ensuring that African women and girls have easy access to education and a forum where their voices can be heard.

(Photo Credits: © Megalyn Echikunwoke)