Sarah DeSouza-Coelho
Actor & Writer
About
Sarah DeSouza-Coelho is a talented Guyanese-Canadian actor, writer, and creative producer based in Toronto. With a diverse body of work, she is recognized for her dedication to authentic storytelling and her ability to bring complex characters to life on screen. Sarah’s career spans award-winning series such as Haphead and Tinder the Web Series, as well as notable films like Moving Boxes and Brotherhood.
In addition to her acting accomplishments, Sarah recently starred in the Lifetime holiday movie Mom’s Christmas Boyfriend. Her career continues to rise with her upcoming lead role in the highly anticipated Netflix holiday rom-com Hot Frosty, where she will star alongside Lacey Chabert, Lauren Holly, Chrishell Stause, and Joe Lo Truglio. This project, set to be released on November 13th, marks a major milestone in her acting journey.
Beyond acting, Sarah is an innovative creator, currently developing Back to One, a digital series in partnership with Colrize Productions and Shaftesbury. The series, which she conceived, explores the journey of a first-generation Indo-Caribbean artist as she faces the challenges of cultural and industry expectations while striving to become a television star.
Her work not only reflects her creative versatility but also her commitment to telling stories that resonate deeply with audiences from all walks of life.
In addition to her acting accomplishments, Sarah recently starred in the Lifetime holiday movie Mom’s Christmas Boyfriend. Her career continues to rise with her upcoming lead role in the highly anticipated Netflix holiday rom-com Hot Frosty, where she will star alongside Lacey Chabert, Lauren Holly, Chrishell Stause, and Joe Lo Truglio. This project, set to be released on November 13th, marks a major milestone in her acting journey.
Beyond acting, Sarah is an innovative creator, currently developing Back to One, a digital series in partnership with Colrize Productions and Shaftesbury. The series, which she conceived, explores the journey of a first-generation Indo-Caribbean artist as she faces the challenges of cultural and industry expectations while striving to become a television star.
Her work not only reflects her creative versatility but also her commitment to telling stories that resonate deeply with audiences from all walks of life.
"Crafting diverse stories with heartfelt passion"
Interview
You’re about to star in the upcoming Netflix holiday rom-com Hot Frosty. How did you prepare for your role as Nicole, and what attracted you to this project?
When I got the initial email from my agent and I read that Nicole was a waitress that tends to her customers and always wants to break her personal record for tips, I felt like all my years of working in customer service, hospitality and sales came in handy. It’s so true that life imitates art sometimes because it felt so natural to tap into her character. And when I read the entire script, I noticed there was a quirky humour to it that you don’t always find in Christmas movies. It was such a joy to play a part in lifting those words off the page.
Hot Frosty features a unique and magical storyline. What was it like working alongside stars like Lacey Chabert, Lauren Holly, and Joe Lo Truglio in such a festive, heartwarming film?
It was such a ‘pinch-me’ moment. Getting the opportunity to work with actors that I’ve watched and admired over the years and that star in some of my favourite shows and movies was a dream come true. I remember Mean Girls came out when I was 10 and I begged my parents to buy it for me on DVD for my birthday. Brooklyn-99 and The Office are also shows I watch religiously. It felt like a full circle moment. It was also so inspiring to watch these legends “play” and have fun on-camera. I think that’s something young actors like myself forget to do sometimes.
You’ve appeared in award-winning series and films like Haphead, Tinder the Web Series, and Brotherhood. How do these past roles compare to working on a holiday rom-com like Hot Frosty?
I was on-set for Hot Frosty for two weeks and there were a lot of back-to-back night shoots. I think working on a lot of independent projects combined with my acting training prepared me with the tools to maintain my stamina on a massive set like a Netflix film.
As a Guyanese-Canadian actor, how important is it for you to bring representation to the screen, and how do you incorporate elements of your heritage into your performances?
Growing up, it wasn’t very common to see actors that look like myself on screen. More specifically, I never saw Guyanese or Caribbean stories told in the media. For a really long time, I wondered if a career in the film industry was even realistic. Today, I have the platform to inspire other younger members in my community to achieve their dreams. While the roles I play may not directly correlate to my heritage, I always find ways of incorporating my childhood experiences and the traditions I know and love into their backstory in my character preparation.
You’re currently developing Back to One, a digital series that explores the journey of an Indo- Caribbean artist. What inspired this project, and how does it reflect your personal experiences?
Back to One was the silver lining of the pandemic for me. As the entire film industry shut down, I took a step back and looked at the kinds of roles I had gone out for over the years and where I felt I was at with my craft. I realized I had never auditioned for an Indo-Caribbean character or storyline. So I decided to write myself a leading role, drawing on my experiences navigating the film industry, romance and family expectations as a first-generation.
Back to One is a 6-episode dramedy series that follows Sarah Rampersaud, a budding 20-something Guyanese-Canadian actress who quits her 9-5 to embark on a journey to become network TV’s biggest star. But along the road to success, she realizes her greatest achievement is disappointing the people she needs the most. We shot the teaser in 2022 and it’s gotten over 13K views across social media. I’m currently working with Colrize Productions to get it off the ground and I can’t wait to bring all 6 episodes to the world.
With your background in both acting and creative production, how do you balance these two roles, and what excites you most about being behind the camera?
Funny enough, I think working in-front of and behind the camera benefits one another. When I was producing Back to One, I took into account things that an actor may have in mind, like shooting the more complex/intense scenes at the start of the day. As much as I love acting and getting to embody different characters, I think real change starts from behind the camera. It affects the diverse nuances in the script, how diverse the crew is and the platforms used to share the project. I can’t wait to continue making changes in the industry.
Outside of acting, you’re passionate about pilates and boxing. How do these activities influence your approach to your craft, and do they help you stay focused in your demanding career?
On one hand, when nerves take over in an audition or on set, the breathing techniques I’ve learned in pilates help me stay grounded. On the other hand, when I’m in a boxing class, I’m imagining myself in an action movie. I’m basically manifesting that to come true!
You’re an advocate for diversity in the entertainment industry. What challenges have you faced as a woman of color in this space, and how do you work to create opportunities for underrepresented voices?
I started out in this industry in 2014 and for a really long time I felt confined to a box in terms of the types of roles I was being called out for. The entertainment industry has made great strides in having not only more diverse characters, but characters that are multi-dimensional and robust. When I was getting ready to shoot the teaser for Back to One, it allowed me to ensure we had a diverse crew and cast that were also champions for representation in the media. I think there’s something really beautiful in leveling up while also lifting up those around you.
Lastly, with Hot Frosty premiering soon and Back to One in development, what other projects or dreams do you hope to achieve in the near future, both as an actor and as a creator?
I’ve written a feature film entitled Five More Minutes, a rom-com that follows Alisha Ramnarine, a Guyanese-Canadian 30-something marketing guru, who on the eve of her engagement party must re-evaluate what love really means for her. While I try to find a home for it, I’m also working on writing a TV pilot. I hope to be bicoastal in the near future, working in Toronto and Los Angeles.
Projects
Do you want to know more? You can find some projects below.
Spotify Playlist