Arts & Entertainment

Roswell Resident Aims for Hollywood with Tyler Perry Studios

Chesta Drake is competing for a walk-on role for an upcoming Tyler Perry movie.

Maybe you know Chesta Drake, and maybe you don't.

But, if she gets a walk-on role for an upcoming production created by Atlanta's own mega-superstar Tyler Perry, well, then everyone will know her. And, that's what she's hoping for. 

Drake, who calls Roswell home, uploaded a video of herself telling jokes -- funny talk about her age, her weight and the bane of Krispy Kreme doughnuts, her previous husbands and more for a chance at fame.

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She performed the skit at Jerry Faber's Side Door Club on Roswell Road, and figured it would just have to be funny enough to do. Now, she's waiting for votes. (Vote for Drake here.)

Why vote for her?

Find out what's happening in Roswellwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Well," she said, "I think I'm funny, and I can act, and I'm a better financial bargain than Kathy Bates or Betty White."

Persons with the most votes (decided by the public) will then be screened by Perry himself, who will then choose a winner. The contest ends June 29, however, the day Perry's newest movie "Madea's Witness Protection" hits theaters. So, time's a ticking.

Sure, it could be a long shot, but Drake believes it is worth it. After a long career as teacher and counselor at many schools in Gwinnett County, launching into the Hollywood comedy arena, is a life-long dream.

"I hate to have on my tombstone -- 'She never really went for it,'" Drake said.

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Vote for Chest Drake by clicking this link, and then hitting the heart below her skit.

To see her perform live, catch Drake at Jerry Faber's Side Door Club on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.


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