Women I Admire: Annaleigh Ashford
No matter what age we are it’s important to have role models whose behavior, example or success serve as a model to be emulated by others. Annaleigh Ashford is one of mine.
If you’re a Broadway musical fan, maybe you’ve seen Annaleigh in Sweeny Todd, Legally Blond, Kinky Boots, or Wicked, just to name a few.
Some of Ashford’s television and film credits include Masters of Sex, Nurse Jackie, Law and Order SVU, Unbelievable, Bad Education and Impeachment.
I’ve never seen her in something I haven’t loved!
She sings, acts, dances, produces AND she’s hilarious. An overall phenomenal talent. Ashford is extremely well rounded and a performance goddess. Most importantly, she’s kind beyond measure and believes in the power of paying it forward. She embodies this belief system and most recently has been a tireless advocate in the addiction and theatre community by promoting the Off-Broadway play The White Chip, on every platform imaginable.
Annaleigh is one of the producers of an autobiographical play about one man’s journey, playwright Sean Daniels, journey to sobriety. Her husband Joe Tapper plays the lead and his performance is breathtaking. Last week’s Motivation Monday article: The White Chip: How One Man’s Story Saves Lives. The show is open for 3 more weeks. GO SEE IT!
It’s so rare for live theatre to earn national promotional coverage on television. Last week, Annaleigh and her husband Joe were guests on MSNBC The Morning Joe AND The Drew Barrymore Show. This play is going to blow up! Not only is the mission strong but the collaborative efforts of people who are passionate about a common cause has no limits.
Annaleigh and Joe were set up by friends and started dating several years later. They’ve been married for 13 years and have an adorable seven year old son. They have a beautiful life together (although not perfect, nobody’s is) because just like his character Steven in The White Chip, Joe also earned his white chip. The white poker chip is given out at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for those coming to the program wanting to change their life by having a desire to stop drinking.
“The hardest thing I ever had to say to my husband was, it’s either me or the alcohol. He got the help he needed and celebrates 12 years of sobriety in March. I’ve never been so proud of someone.
I’m also a member of Al-Anon (a worldwide fellowship that offers support to families of alcoholics) and this show is my service work. The 12th step in the program is to carry this message to others and Annaleigh clearly practices a strong program. The disease of addiction is a family issue. Everyone in the family unit needs support.
During my interview with Annaleigh, she was so humble and full of gratitude for this life and the work she gets to do.
My favorite quote from her is “We all have soul clusters. God pairs us with souls who you are supposed to journey in this life together.” I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this and have experienced dozens in my own life. I know that you have, too. We need to be open and aware to receiving these experiences or as I like to call them, “god winks.” Coined by Squire Rushnell to describe a coincidence or personal experience that seems to have a divine origin.
This week’s call to action, find a cause you’re passionate about and do everything in your power to move the needle and leave a legacy.
Follow @annaleighashford on instagram for upcoming projects and inspiration.
