Portia Bartley

Portia Bartley is an Actress, Poet, Writer and Model based in Los Angeles, CA. Born and raised in London, England, she has studied in New York and Los Angeles where she obtained her BFA in Acting from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Her acting work has given her Theatre credits such as Ruined and The Laramie Project. She also has been in National Commercials and TV shows such as Shea Moisture, BET Black Girls Rock and Baskets on FX.

Her poetry speaks on social injustice, immigration, race and queer identity. It has taken her to Colleges, Theatres and workshops nationwide including UCLA, Chapman University, The Los Angeles LGBT Centre and many Busboys and Poets locations in the DMV area. It has also been featured on The Black And Sexy Web series “Sexless” as well as Russell Simmons’ “All Def Poetry”.

With her poems, Portia strives to connect and empower. She highlights another side of being black in America – where her gender, nationality, sexuality and race have significantly shaped her experience. She recently completed her Land of The Free tour. Where she was promoting her book of the same name.

Look out for Portia in the latest commercial for NYLON magazine.