AzMarie Livingston

AzMarie Livingston
Born Ashley Marie Livingston[1]
December 28, 1986
San Fernando Valley, California[2]
Residence Los Angeles, California
Ethnicity Black-American, German, Indian, Caucasian[1]
Occupation Model, actor, artist, dancer
Height 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight 131 lb (59 kg)
Partner(s) Raven-Symoné (2011-present)

AzMarie Livingston, mononymously known as AzMarie, is an American fashion model and actor who rose to fame after appearing on America's Next Top Model: British Invasion in 2012. Recently AzMarie was cast to play the role of Chicken on Fox's new hit show Empire airing January 2015.

Early life

AzMarie was born Ashley Marie Livingston in San Fernando Valley, Raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. According to Livingston, the name "AzMarie" is an amalgam of her first and middle names, and took the "Az" to be edgy.[1] Livingston was raised primarily by her single mother; her father was gay, and Livingston describes the relationship between her parents as being "best friends".[2] As a young child, she moved to the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area, where she later attended Nicolet High School. At age nine, Livingston began an interest in modeling after traveling with her father on vacation to Los Angeles, California,[3] but according to Livingston, "I took a break when I was younger because it didn't pick up as much. I wanted to have a childhood."[1] After graduating high school, Livingston attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater before dropping out after three semesters and moving to Los Angeles to further her career.[2]

Career

Modeling

Livingston began her career as a runway model in Los Angeles and New York City. From 2009 to 2011, she appeared in many different magazines and participated in several fashion shows, including London Fashion Week and BET's Rip the Runway.[4]

America's Next Top Model

In 2012, Livingston first came into the public eye as a participant in The CW program America's Next Top Model: British Invasion. She was noted for her tattoos and androgynous look. Despite her initial strength in the competition, including two first callouts, Livingston was eliminated in the sixth episode after her refusal to partake in the week's challenge. She placed ninth overall, and the season was later won by Sophie Sumner.[5]

Acting

AzMarie is currently a recurring character on Fox network new hit show in 2015 EMPIRE as Chicken, Hakeem's best friend and DJ. In 2009, Livingston appeared in the award-winning film. Precious. In 2010, she went on to appear on the television shows The Real Housewives of New York City and The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty.[4] After her stint on Top Model, Livingston acquired a role on the gay television series, DTLA, which airs on OUTtv and Logo. Working alongside actresses Melanie Griffith and Sandra Bernhard, Livingston plays the role of Ricki, who is Griffith's girlfriend on the show. Of her breakthrough role, Livingston says, "Being a rookie with all-stars made me a little nervous, but I don't think I showed it."[6]


Signed to Pantheon Talent Agency

Music

Before embarking on her own solo career, Livingston started out as an extra in several music videos, including Kelly Rowland's "Motivation" and Nicki Minaj's "Moment 4 Life".[4] As of 2012, she is reportedly working on an album; her debut single "Morning Guarantee" was released in December 2012. In 2014 AzMarie released her EP on soundcloud titled "HipPopMelodicPoetry." She is presently recording a new EP to be released in 2015 . [6]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Jerry Nunn. "Interview with AzMarie". Chicago.gopride.com. Retrieved 2013-10-12.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Wiggins, Lori (21 April 2012). "AzMarie, ‘America’s Next Top Model’ contestant, to hit local runway". Midtown Raleigh News. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  3. ↑ Pat Cain. "AzMarie Livingston: Androgynous Model a Lesbian? (Photos)". Rightentertainment.com. Retrieved 2013-10-12.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "AzMarie". Modelmayhem.com. Retrieved 2013-10-12.
  5. ↑ Chris Spargo. "AzMarie Livingston & Matthew Stephen Herrick Talk ‘DTLA’: Video". Newnownext.com. Retrieved 2013-10-12.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Catching up with AzMarie Livingston". Afterellen.com. Retrieved 2013-10-12.