Ohio native Destiny Elexis began her acting career just four years ago, when she was cast in a short horror film entitled Aura Djinn Story. In the relatively short time since, she has earned praise and recognition among her peers in the indie film industry. One of her most recent roles, in Whit Whitman’s comedy-horror Smokee, marks the first time Destiny traveled out of her home state for a film shoot. Besides Smokee, Destiny currently has several films in various stages of production that will be coming out within the next year.
As with many actresses who work in indie films, Destiny has also had opportunities to add behind the scenes roles to her fast growing list of credits. She was a script supervisor on the 2025 short film Good Luck to Me and has also assisted in casting and sound effects. Read on to learn more about this rising talent, in what will be know as one of her early interviews, right here in the following exclusive interview she did with Idol Features. Accompanying photos courtesy of Destiny’s social media pages.
CHRIS CHARLES: Thank you for doing this with me and for your fans, Destiny. So were you born and raised in Ohio?
🐻 DESTINY ELEXIS: Yes, I was born and raised in Lima, Ohio and have been living in Columbus, Ohio for some time now. It’s a great city.
CHRIS: When did you first become interested in acting?
🐻 DESTINY: I found my love for the industry four years ago. A friend who was my photographer got into directing and offered me a role in his short horror movie.
CHRIS: So, that was your very first acting role?
🐻 DESTINY: Yes, my very first acting role was as Monica in Aura Djinn Story, a short horror film you can find on Reveel.net. I got to be a part of the opening scene, which is one of my favorite parts in any movie.
CHRIS: You were recently cast in Whit Whitman’s comedy-horror Smokee as Lucia Tanner. Can you tell us about the character you’ll be playing in that one?
🐻 DESTINY: Lucia is very curious, vibrant, and emotional. Sometimes she’s even envious of those around her. She’s not afraid to speak up for herself when things seem off.
CHRIS: Have you already shot some promo stuff for the film?
🐻 DESTINY: I have a few behind the scenes TikToks that I’ve posted of my time with the cast and crew on set using the hashtag #Smokeemovie under my Zebrah Cakes account. You can also spot me in the trailer for Smokee, which you can find on Youtube.
CHRIS: Have you worked with anyone else in the cast or crew of Smokee before?
🐻 DESTINY: This was my first time working with these amazing talents. It was also my first time traveling out of state to be in a feature film. It was a big step and I’m happy I did it.
CHRIS: I haven’t seen it yet, but Kyra Elise Gardner’s Slay seems like a film I would enjoy. What was it like for you shooting that one?
🐻 DESTINY: Slay just premiered at the UK fright fest, and being on that set was remarkable. Myself and a bunch of local talent got to represent the city of Columbus in a big way. A very vibrant set. We shot outdoors during a beautiful hot summer day. I had the pleasure of being directed briefly in my scene by Jimmi Simpson, which was a fantastic time. I look forward to seeing it myself when it hits the USA.
CHRIS: Would you say there are any notable differences between working with a female director as opposed to working with a male director?
🐻 DESTINY: Not necessarily. Each director I’ve had the honor to work under has provided space to grow my character. I can say that everyone of them is different in their own way, which brings an energy to the set that you can’t help but feel valued for your craft.
CHRIS: Is horror your favorite genre?
🐻 DESTINY: Absolutely, since the moment I could lift my head and watch television. Horror has had a very special place in my heart. It would be a dream to be a part of the Scream Queen legacy.
CHRIS: Is there anyone in indie horror, on either side of the camera, you’d particularly like to work with?
🐻 DESTINY: So many, where to start? I would be thrilled to work alongside Curry Barker. My ultimate goal is to make it to mainstream and be directed by the great Eli Roth and Guillermo del Toro. My favorite actor is Denzel Washington, so to be on any project he’s involved in would be a honor.
🐻 DESTINY ELEXIS: Yes, I was born and raised in Lima, Ohio and have been living in Columbus, Ohio for some time now. It’s a great city.
CHRIS: When did you first become interested in acting?
🐻 DESTINY: I found my love for the industry four years ago. A friend who was my photographer got into directing and offered me a role in his short horror movie.
CHRIS: So, that was your very first acting role?
🐻 DESTINY: Yes, my very first acting role was as Monica in Aura Djinn Story, a short horror film you can find on Reveel.net. I got to be a part of the opening scene, which is one of my favorite parts in any movie.
CHRIS: You were recently cast in Whit Whitman’s comedy-horror Smokee as Lucia Tanner. Can you tell us about the character you’ll be playing in that one?
🐻 DESTINY: Lucia is very curious, vibrant, and emotional. Sometimes she’s even envious of those around her. She’s not afraid to speak up for herself when things seem off.
CHRIS: Have you already shot some promo stuff for the film?
🐻 DESTINY: I have a few behind the scenes TikToks that I’ve posted of my time with the cast and crew on set using the hashtag #Smokeemovie under my Zebrah Cakes account. You can also spot me in the trailer for Smokee, which you can find on Youtube.
CHRIS: Have you worked with anyone else in the cast or crew of Smokee before?
🐻 DESTINY: This was my first time working with these amazing talents. It was also my first time traveling out of state to be in a feature film. It was a big step and I’m happy I did it.
CHRIS: I haven’t seen it yet, but Kyra Elise Gardner’s Slay seems like a film I would enjoy. What was it like for you shooting that one?🐻 DESTINY: Slay just premiered at the UK fright fest, and being on that set was remarkable. Myself and a bunch of local talent got to represent the city of Columbus in a big way. A very vibrant set. We shot outdoors during a beautiful hot summer day. I had the pleasure of being directed briefly in my scene by Jimmi Simpson, which was a fantastic time. I look forward to seeing it myself when it hits the USA.
CHRIS: Would you say there are any notable differences between working with a female director as opposed to working with a male director?
🐻 DESTINY: Not necessarily. Each director I’ve had the honor to work under has provided space to grow my character. I can say that everyone of them is different in their own way, which brings an energy to the set that you can’t help but feel valued for your craft.
CHRIS: Is horror your favorite genre?
🐻 DESTINY: Absolutely, since the moment I could lift my head and watch television. Horror has had a very special place in my heart. It would be a dream to be a part of the Scream Queen legacy.
CHRIS: Is there anyone in indie horror, on either side of the camera, you’d particularly like to work with?
🐻 DESTINY: So many, where to start? I would be thrilled to work alongside Curry Barker. My ultimate goal is to make it to mainstream and be directed by the great Eli Roth and Guillermo del Toro. My favorite actor is Denzel Washington, so to be on any project he’s involved in would be a honor.
CHRIS: I see you have appeared in several short films. Please tell me the first thing that comes to mind when I mention them. The ’78 Slasher: A Halloween Fan Film.
🐻 DESTINY: Absolutely remarkable cast and crew. I’ll never forget my time on this set, being apart of a fandom that has made an impact on me since I was a child. What true horror fan wouldn’t want to face their fears of being face to face with the boogeyman?
CHRIS: Dinner at 5.
🐻 DESTINY: A short film that had so many laughs behind the scenes. Working with Alysm Films is always a good time. It was very fun being the annoying neighbor, surprisingly.
CHRIS: Alien: Gemisi.
🐻 DESTINY: One of my favorite voice acting opportunities. Another incredible fandom I was blessed to be apart of. Plus I got to scream my head off for the role of “The Director.”
CHRIS: A Killer Party.
🐻 DESTINY: Nothing beats working alongside the people who have helped you grow in the film industry. When I work with a team of incredible actors like the ones in A Killer Party. I can’t help but feed off the energy and give it my all. I’ve never done a character like “Creepy Mo” before, and at the same time she was exactly what I needed to branch out of my comfort zone and just be in the moment. It was a great time.
CHRIS: The Afterlife Social Club.
🐻 DESTINY: This is an upcoming short film that definitely has some wonderful actors involved. The script allowed us to truly bring out these characters. My character “Lilith” gives zero worries and it is the total opposite of my personality. So, I felt a challenge with this character that I truly enjoyed overcoming. Stay tuned.
🐻 DESTINY: Absolutely remarkable cast and crew. I’ll never forget my time on this set, being apart of a fandom that has made an impact on me since I was a child. What true horror fan wouldn’t want to face their fears of being face to face with the boogeyman?
CHRIS: Dinner at 5.
🐻 DESTINY: A short film that had so many laughs behind the scenes. Working with Alysm Films is always a good time. It was very fun being the annoying neighbor, surprisingly.
CHRIS: Alien: Gemisi.
🐻 DESTINY: One of my favorite voice acting opportunities. Another incredible fandom I was blessed to be apart of. Plus I got to scream my head off for the role of “The Director.”
CHRIS: A Killer Party.
🐻 DESTINY: Nothing beats working alongside the people who have helped you grow in the film industry. When I work with a team of incredible actors like the ones in A Killer Party. I can’t help but feed off the energy and give it my all. I’ve never done a character like “Creepy Mo” before, and at the same time she was exactly what I needed to branch out of my comfort zone and just be in the moment. It was a great time.
CHRIS: The Afterlife Social Club.
🐻 DESTINY: This is an upcoming short film that definitely has some wonderful actors involved. The script allowed us to truly bring out these characters. My character “Lilith” gives zero worries and it is the total opposite of my personality. So, I felt a challenge with this character that I truly enjoyed overcoming. Stay tuned.
CHRIS: JK – LOL.
🐻 DESTINY: Something about being an extra that gets to be EXTRA, has always been a good experience for myself. We got to eat great food on set, shared in memories we can hold onto for a long time and it shows in the final project. Simon Freitas is insanely skilled to work with. When he has a vision we all want to make it come true.
CHRIS: I see you were the script supervisor on Good Luck to Me. What are some other behind-the-scenes-roles you have done on films?
🐻 DESTINY: Being a script supervisor was beyond thrilling. As someone who enjoys being a helping hand, it was a privilege to help be a part of the crew and maybe a big part of what makes this film so special. I also got a chance to help slate for this short film. I have had the pleasure of doing SFX on a few local projects. I also take a lot of pride in helping directors find other local talent, so you can say “casting agent” may be a part of my future. I plan on doing a lot more as a cast and crew member on other projects in the near future .
CHRIS: I see you have several tattoos. Do all of them have a special significance?
🐻 DESTINY: I believe each tattoo represents something I enjoy and truly love. Regardless if the meaning behind them is big or small they all hold a special significance to me and that’s enough. Most of my tattoos have been done by talented artist I am happy to call my friends and have enjoyed watching their growth in the tattoo industry. I believe in supporting my people and when I look at each piece of artwork on my body I can remember them and the memories we shared.
CHRIS: Do you have any hobbies or skills that only those who are close to you would know about?
🐻 DESTINY: I am a cosplayer, hula hoop flow artist and DIY extraordinaire. On occasion you may hear me hit a note or two because I enjoy singing around my close friends. However, I have not had the courage to take that any further .
CHRIS: I take it you enjoy Halloween. It falls on a Saturday this year. What are your plans?
🐻 DESTINY: “In Girl World, Halloween is the only night of the year when a girl can dress like a total slut and no other girls can criticize her.” – Cady Heron in Mean Girls (2004)
I absolutely adore Halloween, the costumes, the candy, the weather, and everything in between. This year, my husband and I are gonna get as much fun in as we can. We are expecting twins in the winter so it’s our last big year without kids. However, I do look forward to having a reason to go trick-or-treating in the near future as we do family costumes.
CHRIS: With that, I’ll thank you again for doing this for Idol Features, Destiny. In closing, any shout-outs to anyone?
DESTINY: A big shout out to my husband, Jacob, for being my rock and the best reader for when I’m doing self tapes. My family for always supporting me in my weird endeavors. My friends who have always told me to just go for it and never judged, and a big thanks to Lynn Lowry, the Scream Queen herself for training myself and the other cast on the Smokee set. I learned so much.
🐻 DESTINY: Something about being an extra that gets to be EXTRA, has always been a good experience for myself. We got to eat great food on set, shared in memories we can hold onto for a long time and it shows in the final project. Simon Freitas is insanely skilled to work with. When he has a vision we all want to make it come true.
CHRIS: I see you were the script supervisor on Good Luck to Me. What are some other behind-the-scenes-roles you have done on films?
🐻 DESTINY: Being a script supervisor was beyond thrilling. As someone who enjoys being a helping hand, it was a privilege to help be a part of the crew and maybe a big part of what makes this film so special. I also got a chance to help slate for this short film. I have had the pleasure of doing SFX on a few local projects. I also take a lot of pride in helping directors find other local talent, so you can say “casting agent” may be a part of my future. I plan on doing a lot more as a cast and crew member on other projects in the near future .
CHRIS: I see you have several tattoos. Do all of them have a special significance?
🐻 DESTINY: I believe each tattoo represents something I enjoy and truly love. Regardless if the meaning behind them is big or small they all hold a special significance to me and that’s enough. Most of my tattoos have been done by talented artist I am happy to call my friends and have enjoyed watching their growth in the tattoo industry. I believe in supporting my people and when I look at each piece of artwork on my body I can remember them and the memories we shared.
CHRIS: Do you have any hobbies or skills that only those who are close to you would know about?
🐻 DESTINY: I am a cosplayer, hula hoop flow artist and DIY extraordinaire. On occasion you may hear me hit a note or two because I enjoy singing around my close friends. However, I have not had the courage to take that any further .
CHRIS: I take it you enjoy Halloween. It falls on a Saturday this year. What are your plans?
🐻 DESTINY: “In Girl World, Halloween is the only night of the year when a girl can dress like a total slut and no other girls can criticize her.” – Cady Heron in Mean Girls (2004)
I absolutely adore Halloween, the costumes, the candy, the weather, and everything in between. This year, my husband and I are gonna get as much fun in as we can. We are expecting twins in the winter so it’s our last big year without kids. However, I do look forward to having a reason to go trick-or-treating in the near future as we do family costumes.
CHRIS: With that, I’ll thank you again for doing this for Idol Features, Destiny. In closing, any shout-outs to anyone?
DESTINY: A big shout out to my husband, Jacob, for being my rock and the best reader for when I’m doing self tapes. My family for always supporting me in my weird endeavors. My friends who have always told me to just go for it and never judged, and a big thanks to Lynn Lowry, the Scream Queen herself for training myself and the other cast on the Smokee set. I learned so much.
Destiny delivering a very powerful monolog in character as Hannah Ward (1800-1887),
the mother of abolitionist John T. Ward (1820-1897).
About the author
Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Chris flirted with the music business there and in Nashville before joining the U.S. Army and serving in South Korea. He remained in Asia for several years afterwards, teaching English, traveling, and covering the regional entertainment scenes. A former Xanga blogger ("Xangan"), Chris is still in a mindset between Seoul and San Francisco. Besides Idol Features, you can also catch his writings in the print edition of the monthly magazine, Effective.
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