Kinna McInroe is a small fish in a big ocean called Hollywood.

McInroe is currently in California pursuing her life-long dream, to become a successful actress. 

“I was a weird kid,” said McInroe.  “I was always doing my own thing and trying hard to make everyone laugh.”

McInroe, former SPC student who grew up in Levelland, said she always watched the women of comedy on TV.  She recalls idolizing actresses such as Carol Burnett, Lily Tomlin, Kathy Bates and Sally Field. 

“I always knew I wanted to entertain people,” said McInroe.  “These ladies made me want to be in that profession so much.”

Believe it or not, McInroe used to be a shy girl in school.  She said she was always made fun of when she was young because she was overweight.  That was partially the reason that she was so quiet.

“Kids are brutal,” said McInroe.  “I guess I took them a little too seriously early on, because there were some days when I didn’t say a word at school.”

But when she came home, quiet was a different story.  McInroe would sit in the backyard and talk to herself in her own imaginary language.  She would go to her neighbor’s house and do pantyhose commercials in their living room.

“She always tried hard to make everyone laugh,” said her mother Brenda Dunlap, who is the secretary for the dean of arts and sciences at SPC.  “Kinna has always been a happy kid.”

McInroe recalls that during the summer of her fifth grade year, she hit a growth spurt and lost a few pounds.  When she returned to school, she had a ton of friends.  McInroe knew that they were only her friends because of her size.

“I took all of their jokes and puns and turned them into positive energy for myself,” said McInroe.

A couple of years after graduating high school in 1991, she came to SPC to study drama and study voice.  McInroe left SPC to go to K.D.’s Studio-Actors Conservatory in Dallas.  That was where she landed her first job.

McInroe was in Mike Judge’s first (and only) motion picture, “Office Space.”  She was the red headed receptionist who talked on the phone and handed out cake to everyone but Milton.

“Mike was a really nice guy,” said McInroe.  “He was the one who actually told me to move to L.A. and pursue my career faithfully.”

That was the boost that she needed.  McInroe put in about three more years of performing in the Dallas area before moving to Hollywood.  One of the areas of performing that she got into was improv comedy, better known as stand-up. 

“I was really nervous during my first show,” said McInroe.

The nervousness soon departed and McInroe had a successful comedy skit called, “Red Headed Step Child.”  She began to want to act in ensemble shows such as “Saturday Night Live” and “Mad TV.”

When her days in Dallas were done, she practically begged a friend to move to California with her.  The day before the move, the apartment that they were moving into had been taken away from the man who was leasing it. 

“It was difficult to deal with at first,” said McInroe.  “I had forced a friend to give up a good life in Dallas, only to be ‘homeless’ for a little while.”

They weren’t without a home for very long though.  McInroe had begun her career in Hollywood on a sour note, but it would not last for long. 

McInroe began starring in small roles on the TV show “American Dreams” as a history teacher in a convent.

“If the show gets brought back for another season, my role will get larger,” said McInroe.  “But right now, it’s not looking too bright.”

Just a few months ago, McInroe landed her biggest job yet.  She starred as the murderer on the February 24 episode of “CSI: Las Vegas.”

“I went in for the casting call and auditioned,” said McInroe.  “I thought I did pretty good when I came out.”

The casting directors were so impressed with her performance that they insisted on getting her hired, even though she wasn’t old enough or tall enough for the part.  She got a call shortly after telling her when to come in and do the shoot.

The part was extremely challenging for the young actress, because she had to play a diabetic, overweight woman.

“I felt bad about the part just for the fact that I had been that ‘fat lady’,” said McInroe. 

McInroe said that she related to the part that she played on the show, and she agreed with her character’s view on the whole ordeal. 

“She relayed a powerful message about society today,” said McInroe.

Basically, the character didn’t want to be at the mercy of any late-night jokes because of her weight.  McInroe agrees totally with this statement.

“Today’s society labels everyone,” said McInroe.  “Here, in Hollywood, everybody is overweight, so it doesn’t matter to me.”

McInroe was challenged by the role, but took advantage of the experience.  She really doesn’t care what anyone else thinks about her. 

“I am currently enrolled at Gold’s Gym, and I have a personal trainer,” said McInroe.

According to McInroe, Hollywood is a tough place to be. 

“If you want to be out here, be ready to sacrifice everything,” she says.  “There are times where you think you won’t make it, but just stick in there.”

McInroe has stuck in there and is slated to star in the upcoming Ray Romano comedy “Grilled.”  

“The only bit of information that I have for upcoming actors and actresses is be aware and be yourself,” says McInroe.  “If you are yourself, no one can take that away from you.”