Daniella down

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When I first moved to Amsterdam, I thought I’d have to leave acting behind. Being part of that energy was amazing.

At the same time, it came with some unexpected challenges. But moving to Amsterdam has changed so much for me. I’m a native (RP) English speaker and work comfortably in American and other dialects. From 2014 until 2017, I acted in three romantic comedies in Nigeria, including The Wedding Party 1 & 2, which became huge hits in Nollywood.

After feeling isolated in London, Amsterdam felt like the place I was meant to be. I am experienced and adept at working on Dutch-speaking and multi-lingual sets.

Notable credits include playing Suzy in Videoland’s series Sleepers, Deirdre in the international Nollywood movies The Wedding Party 1 & 2, Sam in Mum, Dad, Meet Sam, and Ellie in The Conversations, and playing femme fetale Martine Burden in Vertigo Studio’s VR game, The 7th Guest.

The whole experience was such a learning curve. How has that shaped your sense of identity?

Daniella: It’s funny because, for most of my life, I felt like I didn’t belong anywhere. Whether it’s on a yoga mat, in my creative work, or as a mother, I’ve found so much power in simply being real.

Text: Janna Nieuwenhuijzen
Photos: MADEBYSEM
Studio: Parq Studios
Links: Tiny Theatre & Della Moves

Hi, I’m a freelance actor, voice-over artist, and copywriter based in Amsterdam.

As the only white actress on set, I stood out, and with that came a lot of attention. That’s how my passion project, Tiny Theatre - Monologues Live!, came to life.

daniella down

I graced the Hong Kong musical stage playing Polly Brown in The Boyfriend and Lois Lane in Kiss Me Kate.

NEW | Immersive Virtual reality video game The 7th Guest

Presenting & commercials

 

One from a series of informative videos for N26 Bank with Media Monks

A video in a series of explainers and how-tos for Dopper with Mate Made

Philips Latte Go 3200 Commercial, 2020

One from a series of videos for Elho with Mate Made

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With a degree in Performing Arts, I am as creative as I am versatile.

Written, performed, presented, recorded, or sung from the rooftops with (utterly unnecessary but wonderfully entertaining) choreography. 

I am British but have always lived internationally. I was caught in this liminal space, not fully belonging to either group. That boldness and unapologetic confidence have rubbed off on me in the best way.

Of course, I still face challenges, like the language barrier.

The city’s energy is magical—creative, welcoming, and full of possibility. The city’s smaller size and social culture make it so much easier to build connections. Raising my daughter Freya here has given me a deeper sense of belonging, and I love that she’s growing up in a city that celebrates creativity, independence, and community.

How did becoming a mother influence you?

Daniella: Motherhood has changed me in ways I didn't expect.

But deep down, I missed the thrill of creating and performing.

During that time, I realized I couldn’t wait for opportunities—I had to create them. I'm the eldest of five, so I thought I'd slip into it naturally.