When Lena Cardwell's mother told her that she could not afford acting or singing lessons, Cardwell, who was then only nine years old, begain singing for money at Detroit's Eastern Market to help pay the bills. Realizing that her daughter had serious talent and a desire to be near Broadway, Cardwell's mother took her to New York, where she enrolled at the Professional Performing Arts School. Unable to pay for continuing classes or books and material, Cardwell and her mother were homeless and lived on the streets of New York, while Cardwell sang on the subway platforms and in Times Square to support them. Her talent shone through and she was "discovered."
Cardwell appeared in numerous television series and films including "New York Undercover" and "The Object of My Affection" with Jennifer Aniston. After her audition, "Passions" producers thought she was "perfect" for the role of Simone and immediately signed her to her first television series contract. Fans were dismayed when NBC abruptly let Lena go in the early winter of 2001.
After leaving "Passions", Cardwell became determined to be what no one else had been yet...the first African American country singer. She has released two albums, a hip-hop album in 2001, and a country album in 2002. She is appearing in her first major co-starring role in 2003's "Jeepers Creepers 2." Cardwell's many interests include martial arts, singing, ballet. jazz, hip hop, and gymnastics. Her birthday is February 28, and she currently lives in California.
5 July 1999 to 16 April 2001
Power Rangers Wild Force
Flower Shop Girl
Three's a Crowd
2002
The Nightmare Room
Fear Game
2001
The Steve Harvey Show
Samantha
Last Dance
2001
New York Undercover
Richele
Quid Pro Quo
1998
Jeepers Creepers II
Chelsea Farmer
2003
The Object of My Affection
Girl at Community Center
1998
Music Portfolio
MUSIC
Black Barbee
2001
Country Angel
2002
DATE OF BIRTH: February 28, 1985
PLACE OF BIRTH: Michigan, USA
HAIR COLOR: Black
EYE COLOR: Brown
PARENTS: Callie (mother)
