Authenticity is the key to building a loyal fanbase that ensures a long and prosperous career. It is also a crucial component for maintaining positive mental health, cultivating strong self-esteem, and developing resilience. But most importantly, authenticity is an essential ingredient in personal fulfillment — if you’re not being true to yourself, your achievements may feel empty.

Several years ago, Mercedes Blanche danced her way into the hearts of millions by posting delightful clips that focused on her natural charm and beauty. Her hard work and commitment to posting — 7 to 10 posts a day — eventually led to some exciting collaborative opportunities. However, Mercedes was a little different from the typical influencer. Instead of trying to polish up her sometimes quirky and offbeat nature, she leaned into it, striving to stay true to herself. Endeavoring to remain authentic.

Today, Mercedes is a beloved creative who is probably best known for her corny jokes that don’t always land. She is also known for the long, uncomfortable pauses that follow those jokes. Her list of ever-accumulating accomplishments includes influencer, model, writer, author, comedian, and advocate for animals. However, with her more recent acting credits in The Boys, Robyn Hood, and Showtime, plus a producer credit for her award-winning short, HER, Mercedes is successfully transitioning from celebrated influencer to enduring celebrity.

When Entertaining Options reached out to determine her availability, we found Mercedes to be refreshingly real, remarkably professional, and wonderfully engaging. Even with her never-ending workload, she made it a point to prioritize this interview. We are grateful for her humble nature and hope this article lets you see Mercedes through our eyes so you can fall even harder for this authentic and talented woman who is just one casting call away from stardom.

Who are you?
I think… I’m someone who’s still figuring that out in real time. My name is Mercedes Blanche, comedian/actress. I know that sounds like a cop-out, but it’s true. People see one version of me — like the awkward jokes, the pauses, the… kind of soft, quirky thing — and that is me. But it’s not all of me. There’s also a part of me that’s really intense, really driven, and a little obsessive. I like creating things that feel honest, even if they’re uncomfortable.

If I had to introduce myself? I’d probably say, “Hi, I’m Mercedes. I make things. Some of them are funny. Some of them are… not.” 

What’s one achievement you’re proud of?
Honestly… finishing something I was scared to put out. My first short film, which got 2 award wins and 7 nominations, HER. I got a taste of the directing/acting side at the same time. It was stressful, but storytelling is what keeps me going.

What is important to you?
I think… authenticity, even when it’s messy. I’d rather people feel something real than think I’m perfect.

What drives you?
I don’t know if it’s healthy, but it’s like… this constant feeling that I haven’t done the thing yet. Like I’m close to something, but not quite there. Curiosity, I guess. And also fear, if I’m being honest. Fear of wasting potential. That’s a big one.

You work incredibly hard. Do you remember to take care of yourself?
…sometimes? I’m getting better at it. I used to think burnout meant you were working hard enough. Now I’m like—oh, no, that’s actually your brain shutting down. Sleep helps. Moving my body helps. Turning my phone off helps. I’m still learning boundaries, though. That’s… a work in progress.

Which project taught you the most?
Anything where I felt completely out of my depth. That’s where you learn the fastest. Usually not in a fun way. Usually in a “I’m going to cry in my car after this” way… and then you get better.

If someone could only watch one thing of yours, what would you recommend?
Probably something where I’m not hiding behind humor as much. Because the comedy is fun, but the quieter moments are closer to who I actually am.

What type of characters do you like to play?
Flawed ones. Contradictory ones. People who don’t fully understand themselves yet. I get bored with characters who are just one thing. I am also a huge fan of dramas, especially psychological thrillers. I would love to do a 180 and try myself out. 

What is your dream role?
Something that scares me. Something where I’m like, “I don’t know if I can do this.” That’s usually a good sign.

Why are you “special”?
That’s such a weird question!! I don’t think in those terms. I think what I try to do is not filter myself into something more acceptable. And that tends to stand out, because a lot of people feel like they have to.

What shaped who you are the most?
Probably moments where I felt misunderstood. Those stick with you. They make you either shut down… or express yourself more clearly. I choose the second one, eventually.

Rapid favorites:
(This feels dangerous.)
Favorite TV show: Mr Robot/Breaking Bad.
Favorite movie: Changes constantly, but I love Forrest Gump.
Favorite book: Anything that makes me feel seen in a way I didn’t expect.
Favorite comfort genre: Dark comedy/comedy.
Guilty pleasure: Rice with honey.
Favorite actor: Julia Garner.
Favorite actress: Same answer.
Favorite comedian: The ones who make you laugh and then feel weird about it. I love Bill Burr and Dave Theune (coach of mine).
Favorite fashion accessory: Necklaces.
Favorite way to relieve stress: Being offline.
Favorite life hack: Saying no earlier.

What is the most surprising thing about you?
I think people assume I’m more put-together than I am. I’m really not. I just… edit well. 

Were there any hard moments when you felt like quitting?
Yeah. There are moments where you’re like, “This is too uncertain, maybe I should do something easier.” But then… I think about not doing this, and that feels even worse.

Are there any causes you care about?
Anything that helps people feel less alone. That’s always the through line for me. Environment, animals.

Do you have a message for your fans?
Thank you for seeing me and laughing with/at me.

What mark do you want to leave?
I’d want someone to say: “I felt less weird because of her.” That would mean a lot.

Is there anything I missed that you’d like to cover?
Probably a lot. I tend to realize what I should’ve said about two hours later.

What is the best way to support you?
Watch the work. Share it if it means something to you. And… be kind. To me, to yourself, to other people. That part matters more than anything.

Mercedes links:
Instagram • TikTok • YouTube • IMDb