A Journey of Strength, Resilience, and Empowerment

AnnaLynne McCord’s career is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of personal transformation. Best known for her role as Naomi Clark on the hit series 90210, McCord has navigated the ups and downs of the entertainment industry with grace and determination. Beyond her undeniable talent on screen, she has become a symbol of strength and activism, dedicating much of her life to causes close to her heart. Her journey, filled with challenges and breakthroughs, serves as an inspiration to anyone striving to make a meaningful impact in their career and beyond.

McCord’s story is not just one of Hollywood glitz but also of standing firm in her beliefs and values. Reflecting on a moment where she faced a potential career setback, McCord shared a crucial lesson. After being “uncleared” for a project she had been greenlit for, she found herself in a battle between her commitments to two jobs. Rather than giving in to pressure, she chose to stand up for herself, adhering to her personal code of honor. “I do not make promises I cannot keep. I demand the same amount of respect in my professional life,” she explained. This resolve allowed her to navigate the issue and successfully complete both projects. It was a defining moment in her career that taught her the power of self-respect and standing up for what she believes in.

For McCord, success in the entertainment industry comes down to staying grounded. “Remaining down to earth. Keeping the ego out of things,” she says, is key to sustaining success and sanity in the highly competitive world of entertainment. McCord’s focus has always been on the craft rather than the superficial aspects of fame, and her commitment to using her platform for good is a reflection of her character. “Finding outlets to use the incredible platforms being an artist can provide,” she says, has been her way of creating a deeper sense of meaning in her life and work.

One of the most profound lessons McCord has learned, and something she believes everyone can benefit from, is the importance of healing from past traumas. Drawing from an exercise in Ivana Chubbuck’s The Power of the Actor, McCord shared a personal experience of visualizing herself rescuing her younger self from moments of past pain. This exercise, she says, has been deeply healing and transformative for her.

It’s a testament to the emotional depth and introspection McCord brings not just to her acting, but to her life as a whole. For McCord, acting isn’t just about performance; it’s about self-discovery and healing, tools she believes are valuable for anyone, regardless of their profession.

Her activism is a central part of who she is, and her work with Together1Heart, an organization that fights human trafficking and sexualized violence, stands as one of her proudest achievements. McCord was deeply moved by the work of Somaly Mam, the founder of the organization, who herself is a survivor of human trafficking. Mam’s courage and dedication to rescuing girls from brothels inspired McCord not only to join the cause but to take on a leadership role. “She rescued over 7,000 girls. I like to say, ‘7,001,’ because she rescued me, too,” McCord shared, emphasizing how much Mam’s mentorship has meant to her.

Through Mam, McCord learned to give a “hand up, not a handout,” encouraging survivors to stand on their own feet and regain their autonomy. This approach, McCord believes, is crucial to making a real impact. Her work with Together1Heart has earned her numerous accolades, including a U.S. congressional honor in 2009, but for McCord, the true reward lies in the lives changed by the organization’s efforts.

Her influences extend beyond activism, as McCord cites Angelina Jolie as another powerful figure in her life. Both women have faced darkness in their early lives but have made it their mission to bring light to the world through their advocacy work. McCord’s admiration for Jolie, particularly in the way Jolie has used her own trauma to fuel her humanitarian efforts, has shaped McCord’s path as both an actress and an activist.

McCord’s journey is also one of forgiveness and letting go of anger, a lesson she attributes to Somaly Mam. “When you hold onto anger against others, it is like holding fire in your hand. You get burned,” Mam would often tell her. This wisdom has helped McCord navigate her own challenges with grace and compassion, both for herself and others.

In an industry that can often prioritize fame and fortune over substance, McCord has chosen a different path. She has used her platform not just to entertain but to uplift and empower others. Her advice for those looking to make a difference? “If you save or change for the better even one life, your entire life is worth having been lived.”

AnnaLynne McCord’s career is a shining example of how talent, passion, and a commitment to making the world a better place can intersect. She continues to inspire through her work, both on and off the screen, proving that true success lies not in the accolades, but in the lives touched and the hearts changed along the way.