A Peek into the Life of Actress, Filmmaker and Power Ranger — Nakia Burrise
Exploring the hidden details and stories behind her achievements and successes
I conducted a 10-minute interview with Burrise where we delved into the topics discussed in this article, which you can listen to here:
Nakia Burrise’s life showcases not only her iconic roles like the Yellow Power Ranger, but also the hidden details that reveal a story of resilience, commitment, and unwavering passion. Beyond the fame lies a narrative that goes beyond the screen — a tale of triumph over adversity, a commitment to faith, and someone who has not only conquered the challenges of the industry but has also emerged as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring artists and fans.
Born in 1974 in San Diego, Nakia Burrise grew up in California and embarked on her journey into the world of entertainment with determination. Though widely recognized for her role as Tanya Sloan, the Yellow Zeo Ranger, in the iconic television series “Power Rangers Zeo,” Burrise’s path to success was paved with challenges that molded her into the exceptional actress she is today. While acting full-time on the show, she was also a full-time student at the University of California, Los Angeles. She explained that it was tough to manage both at the same time, but she was able to graduate within four years and one extra semester through it all.
Burrise honed her skills at the university, showcasing her versatility as an artist and creator. She expanded her talents during her time at UCLA, pursuing theater and teaching at the same time. Through her efforts, she realized that her true passion resided in acting, but she also ended up utilizing her degree in teaching later in life as well.
Burrise’s breakthrough moment came when she joined the cast of “Power Rangers Zeo” in 1996 while she was a Junior in college. After a rigorous 2 months of auditioning, she explained, “I got the call that I was blessed with the role, and I remember auditioning for it I didn’t even know what Power Rangers was. I had no idea because I was a college student and I really didn’t watch television. I was into my studies and partying.” While her time on the show was a whirlwind of action-packed sequences and stunts, it was a very definitive and impactful moment in her life.
Beyond the confines of her Power Rangers legacy, Burrise’s career has continued to evolve, encompassing a wide array of roles in both television and film. Some of her more recent work includes appearances on popular shows like Nickelodeon’s Danger Force, Star Trek Continues, or the 2023 House Party film remake co-produced by LeBron James.
One of the hidden aspects of Nakia Burrise’s journey is her ongoing dedication to inspiring the next generation of performers. Engaging with fans at conventions and events, she has become a mentor figure, encouraging aspiring actors to pursue their dreams regardless of the challenges they may face. She also occasionally visits schools and speaks about her life revealing to students that perseverance matters. Her commitment to fostering kindness and positivity amongst hardships in the entertainment industry has left a mark, illuminating the path for those who are eager to follow in her footsteps.
Burrise also hosts a YouTube channel with fellow Power Ranger Catherine Sutherland, where they make content focused on Power Ranger content and pop culture media. The pair have built a significant following on the channel, amassing nearly 27k subscribers and 1.6M views. Burrise also co-founded Ranger Stop and Pop Atlanta, a yearly convention that according to their site “isn’t just about Power Rangers — it’s a celebration of all things Pop Culture and Anime! From comic books to anime, video games to cosplay.”
Most recently, Burrise created and starred in her own film, Back to Bridgewood, a story that revolves around perseverance, faith, and elements from her very own life. “Overall, it was just a really great experience and I hope to be able to continue that for the rest of my life. Blessing people with work and creating things that make the world a better place, and also make myself really happy, doing things that I feel proud of.”
Off-screen, Burrise advocates for various social causes, using her platform to address issues close to her heart. She never fails to send out a helping hand or show love to fans at conventions and events. She continues to be a force for positive change, using her influence to make a difference. It’s something that means just as much to her as acting does.
As Burrise continues to make her mark in the entertainment world, her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists everywhere. Behind the scenes of her well-deserved successes lies a tale of perseverance, passion, and a commitment to breaking barriers. She not only graces the screen with her talent but also leaves an enduring legacy that transcends the characters she portrays — a legacy of faith, kindness, and unwavering drive.
