Walnette Carrington Is Walking in Her Purpose; And She’s Just Getting Started
By Dayana Preval
When you meet Walnette Carrington, there’s a calm confidence that immediately draws you in the kind of energy that says she knows exactly who she is and where she’s headed. The actress, who you might’ve recently seen lighting up screens in Netflix’s Ruth and Boaz, has been grinding in the game for years. But now? She’s walking in her moment with grace, faith, and gratitude.
Before acting, Carrington’s path looked a lot different. Growing up in a Dominican and Puerto Rican household, she often heard the same advice many of us did: go to college, get the degree, play it safe. “I enrolled at Georgia State University for journalism,” she told me, laughing. “But I never actually went to class.”
That decision, though, turned out to be divine timing. When her mom heard a casting call on the radio, she encouraged her daughter to give it a shot. Walnette submitted and booked her first project. “When I got the call, I cried tears of joy for the first time in my life,” she said. “It was the first time I felt something that real. Acting became therapeutic for me.”
Since that moment, Carrington’s journey has been one of faith and evolution. From early indie projects like Prosper and Hollywood Hearts to major films like Madea’s Destination Wedding and Ruth and Boaz, her career is a timeline of growth and grit. When I read her filmography aloud, she smiled and summed it up in one word: “Growth.”
Her latest role as Lena in Ruth and Boaz is one you don’t want to miss. A raw, unfiltered portrayal of sisterhood, struggle, and loyalty. “What drew me to Lena was how real she was,” she shared. “The role stripped me of all the extras, the makeup, the glam, and forced me to show up as my authentic self. I wanted to tell a story that felt familiar, one that reflected real women working hard and showing up every day.”
That authenticity shines through in every scene. As Lena, Carrington embodies the kind of friend who keeps it real but loves you hard. She’s the one who checks you, roots for you, and helps you find your footing when life gets messy. “I hope people watch the film and see a Lena in their friend circle,” she said. “Someone who rides for them, no matter what.”
But behind the scenes, Carrington was also navigating her own season of vulnerability. Filming Ruth and Boaz came not long after giving birth to her daughter. “It was my second time on screen postpartum,” she revealed. “There were moments where I felt really raw, literally. But that experience taught me how to just be.”
Now, with the film ranking No. 1 in multiple countries, Carrington remains grounded. “It’s surreal,” she said. “I’m grateful, but I know it’s God’s alignment. Going from a Madea film to Ruth and Boaz, I couldn’t have prayed for a better journey.”
And her story’s far from over. Carrington recently landed a role in Tyler Perry’s Sistas and an upcoming Lifetime movie, with even more on the way. But despite her growing success, she’s quick to emphasize the importance of balance. “Rest is important,” she laughed. “Booked, blessed, and rested that’s the goal.”
When asked what advice she’d give to the next dreamer coming up behind her, Carrington didn’t hesitate. “Your dream is yours,” she said. “God placed it in your heart for a reason. Not everyone will understand it, but you still have to protect it. Stay rooted in faith and surround yourself with people who believe in you. You’re going to need that community.”
In a world where everyone’s chasing visibility, Walnette Carrington is focused on something deeper, purpose. Her story is a reminder that when you stay true to who you are, alignment follows. And if her recent wins are any indication, she’s only getting started.
Listen to the full interview on my YouTube Channel.