Today we’d like to introduce you to Antoinette Greene-Fisher.
Hi Antoinette , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am originally from New York City, relocated to Baltimore in 1989 to marry my second husband, a childhood friend who had moved to Baltimore to go to college. I worked for 10 years for FOX-TV in New York and continued working for FOX in DC (WTTG) as a broadcast technician until I retired in 2018 to complete 38 years with the company. During that time, I raised a daughter, took up acting for fun at the time, lost my husband to early onset Alzheimer’s, retired and has been on a road of discovery of myself ever since. Now that some of the smokes has cleared, I have always had a love for the arts. The new person in my life is an artist. We met Khateeta Emerson at an art show and this story begins. Khateeta was starting Gallery Reimagine in Little Italy in her home. It was to help emerging artist. I have learned so much more about the art world working beside Khateeta and working to keep her on track with her mission. And finding out how that world has opened up in Baltimore. so much more than when I first moved here. And how we have to get it to open up more and reach more people. I truly feel the arts save people and when it is taken away how it hurts, especially the youth.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
All roads have rough patches, but I had a mother that never gave up. So that is the only way I know. If one door closes keep knocking. One of my supervisors at FOX said to me one day I see how you get things done you don’t give up. You are a pit bull. I was also shop-steward and then the business agent for our union at FOX. And sitting across the table from the lawyers gave the ability to never back down. Speak your truth, that is what people find hard to take at times. So yes, I had to learn to curb my tongue, not to be so sharp. Still learning but better. Not to be so aggressive. I had to learn I can get more people to listen and be on your side if I stay calmer.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I want to talk about my acting. I am always working on improving myself and to stop doubting myself. The funny thing is I took up acting because a co-w0rker at FOX in New York, he asked me what I did for myself. At the time my daughter was 3 years old I was married to my first husband (an artist). I told my friend I come to work, and I take care of my daughter. He said, well I take an acting class. I thought interesting and looked into one and enrolled. I have to say it is probably what help me get a divorce. I have kept at it, part time. But it is what I think kept me going and working on myself. Showing up even when you are told no. You do build a tough skin. I have been at it for at least 30 years or more. I have done some stage, local independent films, some commercial work and print work. Now in Baltimore what I would be known for is playing Mayor Pugh in “We Own This City”. People will ask you how you get that. I can only think I just never gave up.
What makes you happy?
The thing that makes me happy is seeing how my daughter has come through her storm and is now striving. I fought until I had to let her go, so she could see herself. And it was the best thing I could have done for her and myself. And my two grandsons give me so much joy and headaches at the same time. Just watching them brings me back to what is truly what life is about. We can forget, and they keep me in the present.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.antoinettegreene.com/
- Instagram: @tonigreene57
