Mikala Gibson is an award-winning stage and screen actress, screenwriter, published writer and master teaching artist. She has appeared on major networks such as HBO, Showtime, BET, PBS and most recently AMC where she took on the role of Doris in The Fear of the Walking Dead.  Her work has also been featured at the Cannes International Film Festival, Sundance, SXSW, Austin Film Festival, Urbanworld Film Festival and the American Black Film Festival, to name a few. 

 

After discovering her raw talent at a young age, Mikala’s parents encouraged her exploration of theatre by often escorting her to local plays and auditions.  Eventually Mikala enrolled in acting classes and earned a theatre scholarship to the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX. 

 

While at UIW, Mikala earned an ATAC Globe nomination for her performance as Maria in Twelfth Night and went on to win the ATAC Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Globe award for her performance in Picnic. She was also honored with the “Most Creative Writer” award for her collection of poems and short stories. 

 

Mikala graduated from college and went on to work in professional theatres across the southern region, and started her television and film career. She has since been the recipient of many honors and awards such as, a Giorgee Best Supporting Actress Award, two Best Actress awards from the 24fps Film Festival for her performances in the films Shoppin’ and Hope’s War and an honorable mention Best Female Actor from Fort Worth Weekly Magazine for her performance in Gem of the Ocean.

 

When she is not on set or stage, Gibson is usually teaching theatre and creative writing to the next generation of young artists. Having taught successfully for 15 years, Mikala is a sought after lecturer and arts educator. 

 

Gibson is married to award-winning indie filmmaker, Ya’Ke Smith and together they are raising their son, Zuberi in Austin, TX.