Biography

Originally from Billings, Montana, Marie lived in several different cities growing up, but she considers herself a "true Montanan" as that was where she was born, graduated, and was adopted at age 16 out of foster care officially becoming Marie Lorraine Burke (born Marie Schollaert). Her journey is much of what has greatly influenced her artistic career.
- IMDb mini biography by: M.L.S.B.

Marie is an actress and singer who started professionally pursuing acting at the University of Southern California. Since then, she has been focusing on her craft in Atlanta, bringing to life characters on the small and big screens, on stage, and in live performances.

Her acting officially started in Montana during high school when, quite by accident, she joined the Forensic's Speech organization which led her to acting competitions around her home-state of Montana and eventually nationally. Her first performance piece, Charlayne Woodard's "Pretty Fire," told the true coming-of-age story of a little girl growing up in the South who experiences racism for the first time. As a foster child who grew up confused about her own background, this piece didn't just open up Marie's eyes to the world of acting but also a new understanding of culture and history. Once Marie got the "acting bug," she performed in several other dramatic pieces, comedic duos, musical interpretations and singing performances. Once in college, she continued to focus on theatre on the USC stage. Most of her experience there developed doing productions with the Black Entertainment Theatrical Association where she served on the board and played roles in plays like "The Colored Museum."

She also acted on stage in LA's Theatre District and was a live host on Fox's "Life After Film School." Since moving to the South, Marie has performed in various national and regional commercials, television shows, feature films, and made-for-TV productions including her latest film, "The Bobby Debarge Story," where she played 80s singer, Bunny Debarge. Her most recent television credits include roles on Tyler Perry's "If Loving You is Wrong," "Nashville,""Survivor's Remorse," and "Dynasty." Her film credits include her first feature film role in Universal's "Endless Love," TV One's "To Hell and Back," and upcoming, Disney's "Lady and the Tramp," and indie "Embattled" opposite Stephen Dorff.

Whether in Montana, Los Angeles, or Atlanta, Marie's dream is to inspire and add a glimmer of light wherever she goes. Her work reflects her drive to do all things well, and her life shows her passion to lift others up along the way. Stay tuned.
- IMDb mini biography by: M.L.S.B.Toussaint

Marie got into acting by accident in high school when she thought she was joining the Debate team. Instead the coach on the Speech side of the Forensics organization gave her a piece from Charlayne Woodard's "Pretty Fire" to perform.