Photo : Hannah Kenerly
From the Runway to the Big Screen: Hannah Lee Kenerly’s Journey of Passion and Purpose
Hannah Lee Kenerly, a former World’s-level Allstar cheerleader with Top Gun Miami Double OO, has transformed her athletic roots into a flourishing modeling and acting career. Known for walking in New York Fashion Week for three consecutive years and gracing the pages of ELLE Italia, Kenerly credits her cheerleading background for her confidence and stage presence. With over 460K Instagram followers, she uses her platform to spread positivity and support causes close to her heart, including Compassion International and Best Buddies International. Now venturing into acting, Kenerly draws on her modeling experience and rigorous training with InStudio to bring authenticity and depth to her roles. Balancing her passions for dance, kickboxing, and philanthropy, she remains grounded while pursuing her dreams. Fans can anticipate seeing her star in both TV series and films in the near future.
Your journey began as a World’s-level Allstar cheerleader with Top Gun Miami Double OO. How did your cheerleading background influence your runway presence and your rise as a social media creator?
I started modeling at age 13, and I was very into the Allstar cheerleading world, so I began posting about my cheerleading experience on Instagram. Soon I started gaining followers and got contacted by a photographer and got my very first modeling gig! Everything sort of just took off from there! Having a background in cheer and dance is very helpful because you always need something to set you apart, so having those skills to add to my resume is wonderful!
You’ve walked in New York Fashion Week for three consecutive years and graced the pages of ELLE ITALIA. What have been the most memorable moments of your modeling career so far, and how have these experiences shaped you?
One of my most memorable moments was my first time ever walking the runway. When I stepped onto the runway, I immediately felt so comfortable and I just had the best feeling, like ‘wow, I’m making my dreams reality, right now!’ It was super hard for me not to just break out into a huge smile, I felt so incredibly proud of myself in that moment. All the hard work I’d put in, all of the bullying I had endured while trying to build my future, it was all worth it in that moment.
From campaigns with Florence by Mills to Champion Sports, you’ve worked with some iconic brands. How do you approach embodying the vision of such diverse campaigns while staying true to your own style?
My approach is simple. I only work with brands that I would actually wear so it is very easy to stay true to my own style.
Photo : Hannah Kenerly
Your transition into acting is exciting! What drew you to action roles and romantic comedies, and how has your training with InStudio prepared you for this new chapter in your career?
Honestly, I’ve always wanted to act, but I was in school, so I was not able to pursue that dream. I’ve graduated now and recently went to my first acting camp; and while there, I really discovered my passion for acting and cinematography. With modeling I’ve grown super comfortable in front of the camera, which has been very helpful for this process.
Training with InStudio was so incredibly fun and so helpful for my acting journey. One key lesson I learned is the importance of character depth; understanding a character’s motivations and personality, which allows me to bring authenticity to the character – really bringing a character to life. Most of the time in acting you’re bringing an idea on paper to life, transforming it into a real person, so understanding your character is so important in that process. I’ve also learned the importance of cinematography in films. Specific details like the camera angles, the lighting, when music starts or stops, noises, it all adds together to set the mood and tone of the scene and ultimately add deeper meaning to what might just look like any other ordinary scene to most people.
With over 445K Instagram followers, how do you use your platform to connect with fans and promote your work in both modeling and acting?
I really try to keep my platform a very positive place. It’s important to me to be kind and spread joy.
You’re deeply involved in charitable causes like Compassion International and Best Buddies International. Can you share more about your passion for these organizations and how they influence your career and personal life?
There are times that it is easy to get caught up in the noise of the industry. Giving keeps me grounded. There is no way to truly love an organization like Best Buddies or Compassion without being so humbled by the amazing people in those organizations.
Dance and kickboxing have been part of your life outside of modeling. How do these activities contribute to your creative process and physical preparation for both the runway and acting roles?
Dance has taught me discipline and the art of being graceful. I really know very little that dance has not helped me with. To dance is to perform. Modeling and acting both require a person to perform. As for kickboxing, I love feeling strong and fit and it checks those boxes for me.
Looking to the future, what are your biggest goals in modeling and acting, and what can fans look forward to seeing from you next?
Hopefully you will see me in a series and on the big screen. That’s why I am here!
Where can we follow you on social media?
- Instagram: @hannahkenerly
- TikTok: @hannahkenerly