Hi! I’m Colby.

My mother was a dancer.

She put me in ballet classes starting at the age of 3. Every weekend I remember standing at the barre, a star baby ballerina. At least that’s what I thought. If you ask my mother, however, I was a hyper, talkative, fidgety little something. She quickly realized theater might be a better fit for me.

I spent the next several decades performing on stages and it led me to Howard University. I graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts in Musical Theatre.

I loved my time at Howard, but post-graduation I found myself burnt out. So, I took a break. I became a flight attendant, I traveled, spent time with family but most importantly, I found me again. UNTIL. I got very, very sick. In 2018, I was admitted to the Hospital for sepsis. After about a month in and out of ICU, I was finally diagnosed with Lupus.

Having Lupus was both terrifying and a relief because I finally had an explanation for the symptoms I’d experienced for several years. After being diagnosed, I was devastated. My symptoms made me feel like I’d never accomplish the things I loved in life. I wanted a break from acting, I didn’t expect it to be forever.

As my body healed, I modeled full time to make ends meet. Largely unfulfilled, my ­boyfriend at the time, now fiancé, was in film school and suggested I try graduate school. I got in and I spent the next three years at University of California, San Diego. I graduated last year with my Master’s in Fine Arts.

In 2024, I had the honor of touring with Broadway’s Tony-nominated Jaja’s African Hair Braiding by Jocelyn Bioh, directed by Whitney White. My 2024 work also included playing Juliet in Romeo and Juliet and performing in Bunny, Bunny, a new play written and directed by Raja Feather Kelly.

Currently, I’m thrilled to be a series regular on CBS’s new soap opera, Beyond the Gates—be sure to keep up with Katherine “Kat” Richardson Monday-Friday at 2PM est on CBS and Paramount+!

Whether on stage or screen, I bring my whole self to every role, and I’m always excited to connect with others. Feel free to reach out—I would love to share more!