GREENSBORO, N.C. — She is a proud UNCG alum but these days she is on the fast track in Hollywood.
"It all started back when I was three years old and my Mom tells the story of me watching Barney and Friends and I scooted up to the TV and told her that I wanted to be INSIDE the tv," said Chestnut. "And it was all about the acting ever since."
From UNCG she moved to New York armed with a little bit of money, a headshot, and resume, and a whole lot of determination.
"I was throwing my headshots and resumes everywhere I could, but I finally got one casting director to take a look," said Chestnut, "They must've seen some hope in my future because they helped me get an agent and it was on!"
After a few stints on Broadway and some TV shows, she recently got a major role on season 3 of the Paramount + show "Picard". Playing Star Trek Next Generation's Geordi La Forge's daughter who is now the helmsman on another starship.
"I was a huge Levar Burton fan but I knew him more from Reading Rainbow, so I was very excited to meet him," continued Chestnut, "In fact I ran up to him and gave him a big hug and said, I'm going to be your daughter."
Chestnut said it has all been so surreal but she wouldn't trade it for the world.
MORE WAYS TO GET WFMY NEWS 2
Subscribe to our daily newsletter Let’s Get 2 It!
Download the WFMY News 2 APP from your Apple or Google Play store.
ADD THE WFMY+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or search for WFMY.
Amazon Fire TV: Search for WFMY to find the free app to add to your account. You can also add the app directly to your Fire TV through your Amazon account.