Few people start at the top, and Baltimore native Liris Crosse is no exception. She certainly came from humble beginnings. When starting out, her statuesque form, cat-like eyes, full lips and caramel complexion got Liris in the door of most model agencies, but her derriere landed her on the shelf. Liris received rejection after rejection due to her voluptuous shape. And even though she chose an east cost giant, Wilhelmina Models, as her mother agency, casting reps were still requesting that she first lose weight and then come back in six months. The industry did not know how to market her powerful curves.

 

Instead of giving into their demands or giving up on what she believed was her calling, Liris took matters into her own hands and created the vision for them. She became her own agent and utilized the urban market to achieve her dreams. Liris began to spread like wildfire. Essence, Honey, XXL, The Source and Black Elegance magazines were the first to believe in her vision. Men, women and young girls of all walks of life started to buzz about the impact Liris had in the mainstream magazines since she was the only model who represented reality!

 

With these successes, Glamour, Seventeen, YM and Girl soon caught on to her refreshing image and began requesting Liris for editorial and commercial layouts. With all the sudden attention, Liris knew to ride the wave, generating enough energy to land the much sought after Lane Bryant, Ashley Stewart, Pelle Pelle, Karl Kani and Davouchi campaigns. This cemented her as a pioneer in the modeling world representing for the women with curves!

 

Before all this, the hip-hop community was the first to embrace her fierceness, and Liris crossed over into the world of music videos. She booked top videos such as 98 Degrees, Jennifer Lopez, Luscious Jackson, JayZ, Beenie Man, Puff Daddy, Lil Zane and The Big Pun Memorial Video.

 

Once again, interest grew and Liris' exposure increased with commercials like Sony Mini Disc, Charles Schwab, Amtrak and guest appearances on MTV Jams with host Tyrese and BET's 106&Park. Impressed by Liris' appeal and stage presence in videos, MTV asked her back to do an up-close and personal interview for "Dude".

 

The experience and exposure gained from music videos and commercials primed Liris for the silver screen. Although modeling is her first love, when asked what she enjoys most in the entertainment industry, movies win hands down. If you had a chance to see "The Best Man," Malcolm Lee's number one box office hit starring Taye Diggs and Nia Long, you definitely agree that this young starlet has much to offer the silver screen. Even more proof of her on screen presence is Liris' role in the John Singleton film, "Baby Boy," in which she has a steamy scene with Tyrese.

 

Until her next big role, she continues to stay busy with cover stories and beauty layouts for magazines. She was the first inductee into XXL Magazine's Eye Candy Hall of Fame. Liris also contributed the female voices for the videogame "187: Ride or Die" alongside Larenz Tate & Guerilla Black. Recently she was asked to have a character made in her likeness by body and voice for the Def Jam Icon video game which they even named after her. She had the lead role in a film called "Eye Jammy" which hit the film festivals as well as an appearance in the Spike Lee film called "The Inside Man." Liris appeared in The Source Magazine as "Dimepiece" and also was chosen as 1 of only 5women ast the Topy Eye Candy models of the decade for XXL's Magazine 10th anniversary issue. The premier fashion bible, Vogue Magazine, shot her for their beatuy insert last fall! Liris was featured in the 15th Anniversary issue of Vibe Magazine for her trail blazing efforts in the video vixen/urban model market. She filmed lead roles for the DVD films "He Who Finda A WIfe" and "Women Do It Better" She has a cameo out now in the Antoine Fuqua directd film "Brooklyn's Finest" and "Mama I Want to Sing"!

In February 2009, she was the lead in the 1st of its kind hip hop musical “The Jim Jones Project” along with infamous rapper Jim Jones which got  rave reviews ! That month, Liris appeared in a role on Law& Order SVU which is one of her favorite shows & will be wrapped filming her starring role in the indie film “Abidjan” which will be shot in Africa! She also just wrapped filming along side acclaimed actor, Gbenga Akinnagbe, in the film “Knucklehead”and just booked a role in the upcoming  indie film “Disciple” aside Taral Hicks. Liris also completed the film "Conspiracy X".

 

With Liris' career well on its way, she hopes that her story will provide the motivation needed to fuel other young girls hopes and dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem. Her motto, "If you can think it, you can do it," is more than just a motto. Liris has proven that she can make her own dreams come true. As her career continues to move forward, whether model or actress, Liris Crosse is definitely hot and the one to watch!