How Cassandra Creech found her voice — and shared it with the world

Growing up in Clayton, North Carolina, Cassandra Creech (B.F.A. Drama ’92) was no stranger to the stage. Whether performing in local dance recitals or competing in beauty pageants, she gravitated toward the spotlight. But her path to becoming a performer wasn’t choreographed from the start — it took a bold leap of faith and one unforgettable summer to set it in motion.

A chance encounter with Drama

Creech lost her twin sister to cancer when they were just six years old. She says one of the smartest things her parents did afterward was encouraging her to explore creative outlets. Although there wasn’t much offered in Clayton, she discovered dance and pageantry — and dove in.

A middle school counselor first mentioned UNCSA as a place where young artists could grow. Creech auditioned for the School of Dance… and didn’t get in. But then came a simple, unexpected question: “Would you consider trying out for Drama instead?”

With little acting experience, she memorized a monologue, took a chance, and nailed her audition: She landed a spot in the School of Drama’s summer program. That experience, she says, changed the course of her life. “It opened up the world, in terms of having my own voice.”

What started as a summer opportunity quickly evolved into a deeper calling. Surrounded by young creatives from across the globe, Creech discovered the magic of storytelling, stagecraft and enduring friendship. She still cherishes the friendships and mentorships that began on campus and helped shape her career.

When Maya Angelou spoke up

Accepted into the School of Drama’s undergraduate program, Creech thrived under the guidance of faculty like Richard Ellis, Mollie Murray, and the unforgettable Yuri Belov, a master of Russian clowning whose teachings still influence her work today. During one summer, she studied at the British American Drama Academy at Oxford after being selected by Yale’s Earle Gister, who was scouting students at UNCSA.

But not every chapter came easily. Early on, Creech hit a challenging stretch in her development as an actor. Faculty questioned whether she was ready to continue in the program — a moment that could have marked an end. But thanks to a strong support system and a bit of serendipity, it became a turning point instead.

Creech’s mother reached out to Dr. Maya Angelou, then a professor at Wake Forest University. Angelou saw potential in her and advocated on her behalf. With renewed encouragement and a growing sense of purpose, Creech leaned in, found her voice, and stayed the course.

Becoming Cassandra Creech

Being the only Black woman in her class brought added layers to her experience, sharpening her perspective. By the time she reached her senior showcase, she knew exactly who she was — and what she wanted next.

Soon after graduation, Creech signed with a New York agent and began studying under legendary playwright August Wilson. Though she initially set her sights on the stage, television came calling when she landed a role on the hit soap opera “Another World.” That opportunity launched her decades-long screen career.

Since then, she has appeared in everything from gripping dramas to daytime classics. She’s been featured on shows like “NCIS,” “CSI: Miami,” “Third Watch” and “Crossing Jordan,” with recurring roles on “As the World Turns,” “Days of Our Lives,” and, most recently, “The Bold and the Beautiful” — a performance that earned her a 2023 Daytime Emmy nomination. You can still catch Creech today as Dr. Grace Buckingham.

Life behind the scenes

It's been a fulfilling and rewarding career — but make no mistake, it’s demanding work. Creech holds a jaw-dropping record for soap operas: She once filmed 42 scenes in a single day. She credits her rigorous training at UNCSA for preparing her to thrive in the fast-paced world of television.

“You get to practice what you’ve been taught and understand how it makes sense to you, how you create. It’s an art,” she says. “I'm an artist, and I love, love what I do.”

A typical shooting day begins before sunrise. Creech starts the day at 3 a.m. with meditation and a workout before heading to the set. Then its hair, makeup, and long hours of filming, followed by studying her lines for the next day’s script. The rhythm requires stamina and discipline — qualities she brings not just to acting, but to all areas of her life.

You get to practice what you’ve been taught and understand how it makes sense to you, how you create. It’s an art.

Cassandra Creech

Outside of television, Creech runs a K9 training business. Inspired by her upbringing on her grandfather’s farm, she became a certified dog trainer and an animal behaviorist, and has worked with law enforcement and entertainment clients alike. 

Notes for the next act

To aspiring actors, Creech offers both encouragement and realism: “Follow your dreams, and keep it simple,” she says. Quoting Shakespeare — “To thine own self be true” — she reminds them that there’s no one path to success. “Give yourself a little bit of grace,” she adds. “In the pursuit of passion, compassion for yourself is just as important as the hustle.”

Next up, Creech will appear in a highly anticipated Disney+ series, premiering in December 2025. She’s also exploring her musical side and looking for opportunities to return to live performance. Stay tuned, she’s just getting started.