The Sam Sanders Show Scam To The Top? w/ Danielle Pinnock
Nov 21, 2025
Danielle Pinnock, actor and comedian known for her role as Alberta on CBS's Ghosts and creator of the Body Courage project, shares her inspiring journey in the industry. She recounts nearly quitting before landing her breakthrough role and highlights her unconventional audition strategies. Danielle emphasizes the importance of representation in Hollywood, especially for Black stories, and discusses her innovative Body Courage project. Plus, she makes a compelling case for more all-Black holiday films, proving her passion for storytelling and inclusivity.
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Audition Hustle Paid Off
- Danielle Pinnock describes "scamming" auditions by working as an audition monitor to sneak into callbacks and audition on lunch breaks.
- That hustle led to major opportunities like understudying at the Geffen and moving to Los Angeles.
On The Brink Before Breakthrough
- Danielle nearly quit acting after years of guest roles and a failed screen test before the pandemic.
- During lockdown she taped an audition for Ghosts and that submission changed her life.
Don't Take Auditions Personally
- Danielle learned not to take audition outcomes personally and to relinquish control after auditioning.
- She advises focusing on preparation and moving quickly to the next opportunity.