Interviews with Extra-Ordinary People: Multi Talented Actress, Comedian, TV Personality, Singer, Hostess with the Mostest & More... Beneva Fruitville!
Beneva Fruitville is a widely renowned entertainer, full of comedic wit and pure artistic talent.
Interviews with Extra-Ordinary People: Multi Talented Actress, Comedian, TV Personality, Singer, Hostess with the Mostest & More... Beneva Fruitville!
My next guest needs no introduction, she’s been in the spotlight for years, serenading us with her smooth vocal talent, hosting the hottest VIP events, making us laugh through her comedic wit, drawing us in with her charm, and showcasing her acting chops, most recently as Madame Pearl in the highly anticipated film, Pie Car, which will be shown at The 22nd Annual Sarasota Film Festival among others.
She’s always captivated me,along with the rest of us in Sarasota and beyond, so I decided to ask for a bit of insight into this beautiful, brave change-maker’s world…
Name: Berry Ayers aka Beneva Fruitville
Occupation: Entertainer/Teacher
Age: 44
Place you were born: Winter Haven, FL
Your Hidden Talent: Being me. The older I get, the more I realize that being me is about coming to terms with and allowing myself to be and to do all of the things that I was much too scared to be or do while growing up.
A Random Fact about You: I have, with my own two eyes, seen every continent on this planet; including Antarctica.
Your Motto in life: “No Day But Today”
A Favorite Hobby: Makeup application and purchasing it, lol. I love shopping for makeup!
Please name One of your Greatest Childhood Memories: I have a very strong memory of singing a song in my summer camp talent show. The song was The Rose and I had made an accompanying track for it on my tape recorder by playing it on the keyboard. I couldn’t look at any of the kids in the audience, but I sang and the kids applauded and cheered after. I was hooked.
Your Favorite Musical Artist: Brendon Urie of Panic! At the Disco. I am a huge fan of his voice and musicianship. He also is an advocate for major social issues and is an incredible live performer.
Favorite Movie: I love the Disney film Aladdin. I saw it the day it premiered after having spent the day at Disney World and it became an obsession. I fell in love with the story, the Diamond in the Rough concept, and I loved the friendship between Aladdin and Genie.
Favorite Book/Author (or both): This is a difficult one for me as an avid reader. I think the book I go back to most often is Insomnia by Stephen King. It is an epic drama about love, death, and afterlife.
A recent act of random kindness: Right now,(due to Covid-19 pandemic) there is not a lot of opportunity to do most anything at random, but I did clean my apartment as a little surprise and thank you to my roommate.
Please name a Personal Accomplishment that you are most proud of to date: Seeking mental health treatment and working on personal mental health issues is my greatest accomplishment. After years of shame, doubt, fear and pain, I took and continue to take the time to work on issues that help me truly live my most authentic and joyful life.
What is the Largest Challenge You’ve Encountered in life so far and How did you overcome it?: My diagnosis of a litany of mental health disorders and realizing that I am not defined by them, but emboldened by them.
What is your personal belief about life in general?: I truly believe that God does not give you any more than you can handle, and with Him you can handle anything.
Are there any projects you’re currently working on?: I am on a hiatus at the moment due to Covid19. Most of my work involves gathering large groups of people together and at this time and for the most important of reasons, is impossible.
I have been doing a Facebook Live called Quarantined with Beneva Piano Bar, weeknights 8pm - 9pm. I play and sing songs from Broadway and hits of the decades. (links below)
What drove you to pursue the project?: I was bored out of my mind and I needed to sing and play, just for my own mental health. I got on Facebook Live that first night about 4 weeks ago and just started. It was cathartic and people seemed to like it, so I’ve kept it going.
What makes the project important to you and to others?: It’s been a fun, escapist outlet for me and it offers me a source of income through online tips.
What is your ultimate future goal?: I simply want to continue to make my living entertaining people.
Your favorite charity? And why?: This is an easy one! My favoritecharity is ALSO Youth, which is a Non-Profit Charity that provides peer support services, educational programs, advocacy, and referrals for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and questioning youth ages 13 to 21, their families and friends, and the community, thereby enhancing self-esteem, promoting healthy dialogue, and increasing awareness of sexual minority youth issues.
I truly believe if I had had a place like this when I was growing up I would not have developed some of the mental health issues I currently live with.
Learn More about ALSO Youth here: https://www.alsoyouth.org/
Follow all of the Latest and Greatest Beneva Fruitville News & Media here (You can even take private singing and performing lessons from Beneva, which I highly recommend): http://www.benevafruitville.com/
Watch Pie Car in it's entirety on Amazon Prime!
Follow Beneva Fruitville on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/BenevaF/
