Milanis Clark’s meteoric ascent from obscurity as another pretty three-year-old face eight short years ago to the position she occupies now as one of the most promising young acting talents working in television or film, the Internet or even the Broadway stage. Clark hails from an environment rife with powerhouse performers so it is, perhaps, a given that she comes so strong out of her corner. She’s got all of the markings of someone who will be around for decades to come.
Her mother and stepmother are paving the way for her in a manner that preceding child talents didn’t always benefit from. Mother Yeimis is a successful entrepreneur and co-founder of Designed 2 Dance Inc. as well as an outstanding professional dancer currently collaborating with 80s pop giant Lisa Lisa from that decade’s seminal act Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam. Her stepmom Toni Menage is Lisa Lisa’s personal manager and tour director, roles she excels in thanks in part to her own experiences as a singer and dancer, and her role in steering Clark’s first professional choices cannot be underestimated.
Her most significant acting appearance so far is the role of Young Alline, the sister of a young Tina Turner, in the recent Broadway hit Tina – The Tina Turner Musical. This appearance has coincidentally led to another plum role in a historical musical. Her marquee project of the moment is another stage appearance in the new production Ella – An American Miracle. The musical takes on the life of vocalist Ella Fitzgerald in youth and later with Tony award-winner performer Dee Dee Bridgewater in a highlighted role. Clark’s association with this production is another feather in a cap teeming with colorful plumage.
The signs have been there since the beginning. Clark began singing in local talent competitions and dining establishments when she was only three years old and, by age six, began acting in School House Rocks and other productions. She has since pivoted into more prominent fare such as Disney+’s Better Nate Than Ever featuring an eclectic mix of newcomers such as herself alongside time-tested talents such as longtime Friends and Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion alum Lisa Kudrow.
There will be more peaks to reach. Many, many more mountains to climb. Milanis Clark’s at the beginning of what promises to be a life long journey throughout on our theater stages, screens of various sizes of stripes, and even our speakers. She is bounding into her bright future full of the promise that his youth’s golden providence, but something tells you that the magic will continue long after childhood’s bloom fades away.
Some people are just like that. They have talent, passion, and life-affirming energy. They do not take no for an answer and inspire you to feel the same. Milanis Clark joins their ranks with her recent appearances and the future will only solidify her as a talent to watch. Do not take your eyes off her, she is going places and you will want to follow.
Troy Johnstone