Marcelle LeBlanc is a shining star you’ll want to learn more about! This Alabama based multitalented actress developed an interest in the arts at a young age, doing readings as Shirley Temple and playing Annie in “Annie”. Since we have had the pleasure to see her in “Stranger Things”, “Cobra Kai”, and her first voiceover role Hulu’s “PEN15”. Most recently, Marcelle stars as ‘Mary Ellen’ in the CW “The Waltons: The Homecoming”. Marcelle has so much to offer, and her dedication extends beyond her work as an actress. She is an advocate for arts education, and is passionate about finding a cure for Polycystic Kidney Disease, where she has helped to raise funds for the cause. At only 14 years old she founded nonprofit “S.T.A.R.S,”. “S.T.A.R.S” is a scholarship program that works directly with the Alabama Arts Alliance to create opportunities for kids from all backgrounds who want and need access to after school arts programs. Continue reading below to learn more about the multitalented Marcelle LeBlanc!

Where are you based?
I am from Alabama!

How did you develop an interest in acting?
Growing up I really struggled a lot to fit in. I had kids throw my lunchbox off tables so I wouldn’t sit with them, people ask me not to hang out with them, I’ve even been asked to take the group picture of other people at social gatherings, but not asked to be in it. I tried everything to find an outlet where I could truly be myself and find people who would help me grow. This is when a family friend of ours suggested that I get involved in theatre. He insisted that theatre kids were different, and that I should try it. So, my mom and I found a local community theatre that was holding auditions for Annie, and I wound up landing the title role! From there, I found the film and television world, and the rest is history!

At 10 years old, you were asked to be a part of a new Broadway musical’s first reading in New York. Where you played young Judy Garland and young Shirley Temple! How did this experience influence your career in acting?
It was mind blowing! I had only recently found this industry, and was beyond shocked when this musical wanted to fly ME out to participate! It definitely reaffirmed that this was what I wanted to do.

Early in your career, you transitioned from theater to both television and film. Additionally, you book your first professional role in the Netflix’s hit series “Stranger Things”. Can you tell us about the transition from the stage to the screen? What did you learn from this transition and your role in “Stranger Things”?
I love theatre and film/tv so much that it has truly been a joy to be able to do both. One of the biggest differences that I found in film/tv and theatre is that in film, you get multiple tries to do a scene to get it perfect. However, in theatre, you get one shot to do the entire musical. I do not know if I could necessarily pick a favorite, as I love the rush of theatre, and the longevity of film! Like my experience with the Broadway Musical, I was so shocked to book my first professional role in a show that was so widely popular. My mom has a video of me breaking down into tears because I was so excited. I am so grateful for my time on Stranger Things, and the many lessons it taught me. I was able to learn about how everything works behind the scenes. How many takes they must do to get the scene perfect, child labor laws, costumes, friendships, and so much more.

Most recently, you starred as ‘Mary Ellen’ in the CW TV Movie “The Waltons:
Homecoming”. What were some highlights from this production?
There are so many highlights, I don’t think that I could pick just one. The Waltons was without a doubt, my favorite project that I have ever been attached to. The people, the environment, the story, the characters... I mean, what’s not to love! The biggest highlight was simply being a part of it.

What are you hoping viewers get out of watching “The Waltons: Homecoming”?
I hope the viewers get the messages of love and acceptance. This movie is about so much, but I feel like these three points are the ones that really hit home. Especially through the character of Mary Ellen, this movie can show that who you are is more than enough, and you should not be ashamed of that, and those who are true will be there for you.

The TV Movie “The Waltons: The Homecoming” is a remake of the 1971 film which led to TV’s beloved “Waltons” series. Since you were not born when the first film was released, how did you prepare to embody a character that was created before your time? What were some of the Challenges?
It was different to play a character set in 1933, but honestly the easiest way to get in character was just stepping on set. The cast and crew did an amazing job of making set like a time machine. When you put on the clothes and walk into the house, you really felt like you were in a different time period.

Prior to playing ‘Mary Ellen’ in “The Waltons: The Homecoming”, you took on the role of ‘Stacy’ in Netflix’s “Cobra Kai” and booked your first voiceover role as Venice in Hulu’s “PEN15”. As a multi-talented actress, how do you prepare for the various roles you play?
I love to make the characters as true as I can. The biggest way that I prepare for the various roles I play is trying to place myself in the characters shoes the best way I can.

Jejune loves that off-screen you are engaged in humanitarian work. You are involved in various social causes including helping raise funds for Polycystic Kidney Disease and are passionate about finding a cure. What led to focus on this cause?
In 2017, my cousin Molly Mae LeBlanc died from Polycystic Kidney Disease. She was just four years old, and it wrecked me knowing that she wasn't here anymore. Molly was such a force and survived more in four years than most people have in a lifetime. She was stronger than anyone I know, and kinder than anyone I know. She taught me that it doesn’t matter how old you are, you can make a difference in the world. She touched so many lives at just four years old, that her funeral service had to be livestreamed because so many people wanted to be there to celebrate the gift that she was. I want to help this organization because I want to help save more children like Molly.

In addition, you are a huge advocate for arts education. How did you get involved with giving back to this community?
My parents have always raised me under the principle that “The whom much is given, much is expected”. The arts industry has given me so much, and I felt a strong urge to give back to it. This is when I started my arts scholarship organization S.T.A.R.S. (Supporting The Arts through Resource and Scholarship). I realized throughout my time in theatre, acting classes, dance classes, and more that different kids would come for only short periods of time because of the lack of funds and resources to stay involved. This broke my heart because I knew how big of an impact the arts can make, and I wanted everyone to be able to experience that. I founded this organization at 14 years old so that I can provide individual scholarships for students to get involved in after school arts programs. My mission is that no kid misses this life-changing power, that is the arts.

At only 14 years old, you founded a nonprofit, “S.T.A.R.S”, a scholarship program that works directly with the Alabama Arts Alliance to create opportunities for kids from all backgrounds who want and need access to after school arts programs. Can you tell us a little bit more about this organization?
What drove you to create this program?
I touched on this earlier, but I genuinely believe the arts have the power to change kids' lives. I believe this because they affected me, and completely shifted the course of my life. On top of the organization that I founded; I have raised over $20,000 for arts scholarships. I have also lobbied in the state of Alabama for additional arts funding in school systems. There are teachers and students self-funding their arts departments because these kids need the arts, but their county doesn’t receive the funds. This is why I have made furthering arts education my mission.

Why do you think arts education is so important?
The arts are a force that teaches kids way more than what they learn in a classroom. They learn team-building, memorization, composure, patience, friendship, and self-confidence. All of this, while also being in an environment that fosters love, growth, and acceptance. The arts prepare kids to be successful adults, whether they chose to have a career in the arts or not, and I think that access to this critical tool should be more easily accessible.

Have these programs been able to run during Covid? How can kids stay active with the arts while still staying safe in the current wave of the pandemic?
While it was difficult to keep S.T.A.R.S. afloat during the stay at home orders, I did not let that stop me. In fact, I was able to host an entirely virtual talent showcase to help kids stay performing and creating, while also raising money for S.T.A.R.S.! Finding virtual platforms like this is a great way to remain involved in the arts, while also abiding by the stay at home orders.

How have you been staying positive during shelter in place? Are you back to normal now?
In the state of Alabama, most things are back to normal, besides the mask mandates. Some of the best ways that I found to stay positive during the shelter in place were zoom and Netflix Parties. These helped me to stay connected to my friends and family when I couldn’t see them in person and make some fun memories!

What is your motto in life?
“Shoot for the moon, and even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars”. I have been told this saying since I was young, and it has forever rung true to me. I know that not every opportunity in this world is going to be right for me. However, that doesn’t mean that I am going to stop trying and pushing myself until I find the right opportunity. I will always give everything that comes my way everything I have got. And even if I “miss,” I am still exactly where God wants me to be.

Please list any websites and/or social media that you would like Jejune to promote:
Instagram: @marcelleleblanc_
Facebook: Marcelle LeBlanc

Photography by Ben Cope.

Shooting for the Moon with Marcelle LeBlanc