Today we’d like to introduce you to Leesa Marie Benz.
Hi Leesa Marie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story is unique because its other people that have got me where I’m at now. I was discovered in 1995 by the mailman….yes, the mailman! This mailman would see me everyday at my job when he would deliver the mail. Mr. Mailman would often comment on how much I resembled Marilyn. So, one day he informed me that they were going to have a “Marilyn Monroe Look Alike Contest” before June 1, (Marilyn Monroes bday) which was the day the postoffice was going to launch the stamp dedicated to Marilyn & have a huge party w the media there. So, w hesitation I entered, won & thats how it all began. I got so much exposure that this win opened so many doors! From winning that contest, I went on to win 2 beauty pageants, Mrs. Ormond Beach ’99 then Mrs. Daytona Beach 2000. From that I was featured on a radio show at WELE, 1380 AM & they offered me my own weekly show I named “Alive & Kickin!'” I would interview local movers & shakers in the community. Eventually, the radio show turned into a Podcast that is on YouTube now under the name “Alive & Kickin’ On Location.” Most recently, I worked on a Hallmark movie called “Rekindked for Christmas” & now I’m working on a sitcom called “Starving!” All these opportunities have happened just because the postman saw something special in me decades ago….. “Marilyn Monroe!”
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I guess the only struggles has been trying to juggle a full time job while doing my Marilyn gigs, being in pageants, movies & sitcoms too. Sometimes the boss is not very happy w the days off I need, LOL! Its all so fun tho to do what is so passionate to me. Im blessed to have been discovered & now looking forward to retiring from my day job soon so I can focus on my true passions….movies & television!!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My main day job is that I’m a Brand Ambassador which means I supervise a team to try out new products in different stores to test the market & see how well they sell. Our goal is to get them into these big box stores, on their shelves but we have to test them out first.
But my true passion is representing Marilyn Monroe & keeping her “alive” by spreading her joy. That is what Im known for. In fact, I’ve been labeled “Daytona’s Marilyn Monroe!” I’ve stumbled into being an “Extra Extraordinaire” on movies & sitcoms now too. These opportunities came to me thru a fashion show I modeled for my designer friend, Elizabeth Novias. She recommended me to Ranelle Golden who wrote & directed the Hallmark film “Rekindled for Christmas.” You can see it now on Amazon Prime. My next steps may be actually some speaking roles eventually but I’m very content being an Extra Extraordinaire for now. Im most proud of the Hallmark movie since I got a lot of exposure but that may change once I see the sitcom, LOL!
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Im on all social media platforms so people can find me there. I’d like to do more collaborations w products I love! Of course, Im usually available for Marilyn Meet & Greets too which is how this whirlwind began, LOL! People are always welcome to Zelle me money, too, if they feel the need, of course, LOL!
Pricing:
- Most Marilyn events, I charge about $350.00 per event. Depending on the location.
- Collaborations w other businesses are always negotiable.
- Being hired as an “Extra Extraordinaire” 4 movies & now sit coms is also negotiable.
Contact Info:
- Website: I can be found on most platforms just by Googling my name, Leesa Marie Benz
- Instagram: Leesa Marie Benz
- Facebook: Leesa Marie Benz
- Twitter: Leesa Marie Benz
- Youtube: Youtube.com/LeesaMarilyn
- Other: Gigsalad.com
