Today we’d like to introduce you to Kacee Aguirre.
Hi Kacee, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Storytelling has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest memories involve a stage, music, and the excitement of performing. I was blessed to grow up in a family where the arts were simply part of everyday life. My great grandmother, Momo Carter, and my grandmother, Bev Keneipp, founded Keneipp Dance Studio, where generations of our family learned to dance, perform, and express themselves through creativity.
My mom, Chris Keneipp-Osman, was a beautiful tap and ballet dancer, and my family still loves telling the story that my very first appearance on stage happened before I could even walk. I was dressed as a little bee while she carried me across the stage during a theater production. I may not remember it, but I like to think performing has always been part of who I am. My family even jokes that I was learning rhythm before I was born because my mom continued tap dancing while she was pregnant with me.
Growing up, I spent countless hours at Keneipp Dance Studio learning ballet, tap, jazz, interpretive dance, and performing in recitals and Christmas productions. My Aunt Shelly Welch directed incredible variety shows filled with music, comedy, puppetry, scenes from classic musicals, and creative performances that brought our community together. Those are some of my favorite childhood memories because I was always happiest when I had the chance to perform. Whether I was dancing, singing, acting, or simply making people laugh, entertaining others always felt like home.
Music became another passion. In middle school, I earned a place in Varsity Singers and had the opportunity to perform at the Illinois Music Education Association state choral festival. One of my favorite memories was auditioning for a featured solo. I practiced everywhere I could, in the shower, in the garage, while walking through the woods behind my house, and anywhere else I could sing. When my choir director, Mrs. Cori Copeland, selected me to perform both featured solo parts instead of splitting them between two students, I learned that passion, preparation, and persistence really do pay off.
My older sister, Kaitlyn, inspired me just as much. Watching her dance and perform made me want to follow in her footsteps. She showed me how exciting the performing arts could be, and I always dreamed of one day being on stage myself.
As much as I loved acting, I also dreamed of modeling. I watched America’s Next Top Model every chance I got and imagined what it would be like to be part of that creative world. I remember telling a family member that I wanted to become a model one day and being told I was too short. For a while, I believed it. Looking back, I am grateful the industry has evolved. Today there are opportunities for people of all heights and backgrounds, and modeling has become another creative outlet that I truly enjoy. Working with talented photographers around Arizona has allowed me to collaborate on artistic concepts, become a muse for creative ideas, and discover how much storytelling can happen through a single photograph.
One of the biggest moments that shaped my dream happened when I watched Robin Williams in Mrs. Doubtfire. Seeing him transform into so many different characters and create unforgettable voices completely fascinated me. That was my introduction to voice acting, and from that moment on I secretly dreamed of becoming an actor. Growing up in a small town in southern Illinois with fewer than 8,000 people, that dream felt almost impossible. There were very few opportunities nearby, and Hollywood seemed like a world that existed somewhere else. Even so, I never let go of that dream.
High school brought some of the happiest and hardest years of my life. I was a varsity cheerleader all four years under the incredible leadership of Coach Amy Blake. I was honored to earn All American Cheerleader recognition, and our team created memories and friendships I will always cherish. During those same years, my mom courageously battled colon cancer. Losing her the summer before my senior year changed me forever, but her strength, kindness, and love for the arts continue to inspire me every day. During my senior year, my classmates voted me Homecoming Queen, which remains one of the greatest honors of my life because it reminded me that kindness, compassion, and making people feel seen truly matter.
After graduating high school, I moved to California and explored several different career paths, including interior design, architecture, and engineering. Although I enjoyed each of them, none felt like where I truly belonged. Looking back, I realize I was not searching for the right career. I was searching for the courage to pursue the dream I had carried with me since I was a little girl.
Eventually I moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where I built a successful career in automotive sales. I loved helping people through important moments in their lives, whether it was helping someone buy their first car or finding the perfect vehicle for a growing family. In 2021, my husband, Justin Aguirre, and I moved my dad, Kenneth Osman Jr., from Illinois to Arizona so he could be close to us. Those years together became one of the greatest gifts of my life.
In 2024, I finally took the leap and began pursuing acting professionally. My dad got to witness those first exciting steps. He helped me practice, encouraged me, and believed in me even when none of us knew where the journey would lead. He loved quoting Shakespeare’s famous line, “All the world’s a stage,” and it became a reminder that every person has a role to play in life. Sadly, my dad passed away on November 30, 2024. Losing both of my parents has been the hardest chapter of my life, but it has also given me an even deeper sense of purpose. Every audition, every role, and every opportunity feels like a way of honoring them. I hope they would be proud of the life I am building and the stories I have the privilege to tell.
I truly would not be where I am today without Justin. From the very beginning, he believed in my dream before I fully believed in myself. He encouraged me to stop wondering “what if” and finally take the chance I had always dreamed about. Having someone who believes in you that deeply is a gift, and I will always be grateful that he encouraged me to pursue the career that has brought me so much joy.
Once I committed to this dream, I gave it everything I had. I immersed myself in learning the craft, studying the industry, attending workshops, and saying yes to every opportunity to grow. In 2025, I attended a national talent showcase in Dallas, where I signed with national representation. Since then, I have been fortunate to book roles in independent films, theater productions, voiceover projects, commercials, and modeling opportunities while continuing to train and develop my craft. In 2026, I also had the privilege of mentoring acting students at Scottsdale Community College, which reminded me how rewarding it is to encourage others as they begin their own creative journeys.
Today, I truly love what I do. Film and television are where I feel most at home because I love stepping into a character’s world and discovering what makes them human. Voice acting still brings me back to the excitement I felt as a little girl watching Robin Williams create unforgettable characters. I also love modeling because it allows me to tell stories in a completely different way through expression, movement, and collaboration with talented photographers.
Creativity has never been limited to acting for me. I love painting, drawing, creating beaded wind chimes, tackling DIY projects, and finding beauty in making something with my hands. I have always been happiest when I am creating, whether that means stepping in front of a camera, building a character, producing a story, or turning a simple idea into something meaningful.
I draw inspiration from so many incredible artists. Robin Williams first inspired my love of acting and voice work. Jennifer Aniston, Jim Carrey, Tom Hanks, Bruce Willis, Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Lawrence, and Helena Bonham Carter have each inspired me through their authenticity, versatility, and fearless creativity. I have also always admired Tim Burton for creating whimsical, beautifully eerie worlds that feel unlike anything else. I hope one day I have the opportunity to be part of stories that leave audiences with that same sense of wonder.
I also founded Anamore Legacy Productions because I believe storytelling has the power to connect people, inspire hope, and create opportunities for others. Whether I am acting, modeling, producing, mentoring, or simply encouraging someone else to chase a dream, my goal is always the same. I want people to laugh, cry, think, or walk away feeling a little less alone than they did before.
Looking back, I realize I did not get here by myself. My family gave me a love for the arts. My mom taught me grace. My dad taught me perseverance. My grandmother and great grandmother built the foundation that introduced me to performing. My teachers and coaches challenged me to grow. Justin reminded me that it is never too late to chase the dream I had carried since childhood. Every audition teaches me something new. Every role makes me better. Every friendship has shaped me.
I still have so much to learn, and honestly, that is one of my favorite parts of this journey. I wake up every day excited to keep growing, keep creating, and keep telling stories. If there is one thing I hope people take away from my story, it is that no dream is ever too big and it is never too late to chase it. Sometimes the path is longer than you expected, but every twist, every setback, every loss, and every victory prepares you for the moment you finally step into the life you were always meant to live.
I truly believe the best chapters of my story are still ahead, and I cannot wait to see where this journey leads next.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all, but looking back, I wouldn’t change the journey because every challenge has shaped who I am today.
Growing up in a small town in southern Illinois, a career in film, television, or modeling felt more like a dream than a realistic path. There weren’t many opportunities nearby, and I honestly didn’t know where to begin. For a long time, I convinced myself that dream probably wasn’t possible, so I explored other careers, moved across the country, and spent years working in retail and automotive sales while trying to figure out where I truly belonged.
Some of my greatest challenges had nothing to do with the entertainment industry. My mom passed away from colon cancer the summer before my senior year of high school, and that loss changed my life forever. Years later, my husband, Justin Aguirre, and I moved my dad, Kenneth Osman Jr., from Illinois to Arizona so he could be close to us. When I finally began pursuing acting professionally in 2024, he got to watch the beginning of that journey. He encouraged me, helped me practice, and believed in me from the very start. Losing him later that year was heartbreaking. Losing both of my parents has been incredibly difficult, but it has also reminded me that life is precious, and there is no better time than now to chase the dreams that have been on your heart for years.
The entertainment industry has its own challenges as well. Every actor hears “no” far more often than “yes,” and early on I had to learn not to take rejection personally. Not booking a role doesn’t mean you aren’t talented. Sometimes another actor is simply the right fit for that particular story. I learned to see every audition as an opportunity to grow, sharpen my skills, and become a better storyteller.
I also had to overcome my own self-doubt. As a little girl, I was told I was too short to become a model, and for years I believed that. Today, I have the opportunity to work with talented photographers, explore modeling as another creative outlet, and prove to myself that there is room in this industry for all kinds of people. That experience taught me not to let someone else’s opinion define what is possible.
Probably the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that there is no perfect timeline for following your dreams. For a long time, I thought I had missed my chance. Looking back now, I realize every experience prepared me for where I am today. The years I spent helping customers, working with people from all walks of life, overcoming loss, and learning resilience have made me a better actor because they have given me a deeper understanding of people.
I still face challenges every day. Balancing auditions, classes, work, and life takes discipline, and this industry will always keep you humble. But I genuinely love the process. Every class, every audition, every role, and every new connection is another opportunity to learn.
If my journey has taught me anything, it’s that success isn’t about having a smooth road. It’s about continuing to move forward with gratitude, kindness, and a willingness to grow. Every challenge has strengthened me, and every obstacle has made finally stepping in front of the camera that much more meaningful. I truly believe I’m exactly where I’m meant to be, and I’m excited to see where this journey leads next.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I consider myself a storyteller and a creator first. Whether I am acting, modeling, producing, doing voiceover work, painting, creating handmade art, or designing a DIY project, I love bringing ideas to life. Creativity has always been a part of who I am. I have never been someone who likes to sit still for very long. I am happiest when I am building, imagining, or creating something with my hands or my imagination.
Professionally, I work in film, television, voiceover, modeling, and theater. Film and television are where I feel most at home because I love stepping into a character’s world and discovering what makes them human. Every role is an opportunity to explore a new perspective, tell a meaningful story, and connect with an audience in an honest way.
Voice acting has fascinated me ever since I watched Robin Williams in Mrs. Doubtfire as a little girl. Seeing how one person could completely transform through different voices and personalities inspired me to dream about becoming an actor. That passion has stayed with me ever since, and I continue to study and develop my voice work alongside my on camera career.
Modeling has become another artistic outlet that I truly enjoy. I love collaborating with photographers, becoming a muse for creative concepts, and telling stories through expression, movement, and imagery. Every photoshoot is different, and I enjoy exploring new ideas while helping bring someone else’s artistic vision to life.
Outside of the entertainment industry, I have always loved creating. I enjoy painting, drawing, making beaded wind chimes, tackling DIY projects, and finding new ways to turn simple materials into something beautiful. Some of my favorite moments are creating alongside my husband, Justin Aguirre, who is an artist himself. We love bouncing ideas off each other, encouraging one another’s creativity, and finding new ways to bring our imaginations to life. I think all of those creative outlets naturally complement my work as an actor because they encourage me to see the world from different perspectives.
One thing that sets me apart is my curiosity. I genuinely love learning. I am always asking why a character behaves the way they do, what experiences shaped them, and how I can portray them honestly. I enjoy taking classes, studying different techniques, collaborating with other artists, and pushing myself outside my comfort zone. I never want to stop growing because I believe there is always something new to learn.
I also believe kindness and professionalism are just as important as talent. Film sets are built on teamwork, and I love being part of that environment. Some of my closest friendships have come from this industry, and I enjoy encouraging other artists just as much as I enjoy pursuing my own goals. That is one of the reasons I founded Anamore Legacy Productions. I hope to create meaningful stories while also creating opportunities for other artists.
I have been fortunate to book roles in independent films, theater, voiceover, commercials, and modeling, and I am incredibly grateful for every opportunity. I hope to continue growing in film and television, expand my commercial and voice acting work, and eventually produce projects that blend heartfelt storytelling with imaginative, visually captivating worlds. Artists like Robin Williams, Jennifer Aniston, Jim Carrey, Tom Hanks, Bruce Willis, Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Lawrence, Helena Bonham Carter, and Tim Burton have all inspired me in different ways, and I hope to one day create work that leaves audiences feeling the same sense of joy, wonder, and connection that their work has given me.
More than anything, I hope people remember me as someone who genuinely loved creating. Whether I was performing in front of a camera, standing on a stage, collaborating on a photoshoot, making a piece of art with my husband, or producing a story from the ground up, I want every project to leave the world a little brighter than I found it.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
If I had to choose one quality that has been the biggest contributor to my success, I would say perseverance. No matter what challenge comes my way, I keep learning, keep growing, and keep moving forward. I don’t believe there is ever a point where you’ve learned everything. Every audition, every class, every role, and every project is another opportunity to improve, and I genuinely enjoy that process.
I also believe that no one succeeds alone. One of the greatest blessings in my journey has been having my husband, Justin Aguirre, on my team. He is my biggest supporter, my sounding board, and my favorite scene partner. He helps me prepare for self tape auditions, runs lines with me, improvises scenes, role plays different situations, and isn’t afraid to be completely silly while we’re exploring characters together. Some of our best practice sessions happen when we’re simply laughing, experimenting, and encouraging each other to try something new. Having someone who believes in me so deeply has given me the confidence to take creative risks and continue growing as an artist.
Kindness is another quality I try to carry into everything I do. I believe people remember how you make them feel just as much as they remember your work. Whether I’m on a film set, in an audition room, or collaborating with photographers or fellow actors, I want to be someone who is prepared, positive, respectful, and easy to work with.
At the end of the day, I think my success comes from a combination of perseverance, curiosity, and having people in my life who believe in me. I wake up every day excited to learn something new, tell meaningful stories, and become a better artist than I was yesterday. I truly believe that if you stay humble, work hard, and surround yourself with people who encourage you to grow, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kacee.aguirre/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kacee.Aguirre
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/klaguirre
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KaceeAguirre
- Other: https://imdb.me/KaceeLAguirre
