Amy Kathleen May, also known as A.K. Benninghofen, is a proud native of Mississippi, with her roots deeply embedded in Tupelo, a city she affectionately refers to as her hometown. Despite her strong connection to Tupelo, her childhood was actually spent in the quaint town of Indianola, where she received her primary education at Indianola Academy, a prestigious institution that provided her with a solid foundation in academics. As her academic ambitions continued to grow and flourish, she made the decision to venture to the University of Southern Mississippi, where she successfully earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre, a degree that would serve as the perfect springboard for her future endeavors. Furthermore, she broadened her horizons by spending a semester in the esteemed Costume Department at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada, an experience that not only enriched her knowledge and skills but also provided her with a unique perspective on the world.
A.K. dedicated herself to honing her craft in both the vibrant cultural hubs of New York and Los Angeles, amassing a wealth of experience and expertise in the stage and screen industries. However, after a prolonged period of intense focus and dedication, she made the profound decision to temporarily set aside her illustrious career in order to prioritize the nurturing and growth of a loving family.
In this new chapter of her life, A.K. relocated to the picturesque city of Asheville, North Carolina, where she surrounded herself with the beauty and tranquility of the natural world. This peaceful environment allowed her to recharge and refocus her energy, providing the perfect backdrop for her to devote herself to the joys and challenges of family life.
As the years continued to unfold, A.K.'s children gradually matured into young adults, and with this newfound sense of independence, she made the courageous decision to re-enter the world of acting, rekindling her passion for the art of performing in the year 2021. This bold move led her to become quickly immersed in a diverse range of captivating projects, including the widely acclaimed television series The Staircase on HBO, the poignant coming-of-age drama Class of '09 on FX/Hulu, the highly anticipated and suspenseful thriller Pain Hustlers on Netflix, and the heartwarming holiday film A Biltmore Christmas on Hallmark, among numerous other endeavors.
A.K. has been in a long-term, deeply committed romantic partnership with the highly acclaimed actor, Jeff Benninghofen, since the year 2002, marking a pivotal and significant milestone in her personal life, one that has brought her immense joy, love, and fulfillment.
A.K. is a multifaceted individual who has not only achieved great success in her acting career, but has also demonstrated a profound passion for writing, showcasing her versatility and depth as a creative force.
Her literary work has been featured in a diverse range of esteemed publications, including the prominent online literary journal Word Riot, a leading platform for emerging writers and artists.
Additionally, her writing has been published in the acclaimed literary magazine Passages North, a highly respected publication that has been recognized for its dedication to showcasing innovative and engaging literary works.
Furthermore, her work has been featured in the influential review publication Evergreen Review, a publication that has been a staple of the literary world for decades, known for its insightful reviews and commentary on the latest literary trends and releases.
Innovative online literary journal Monkeybicycle has also showcased her writing, a platform that has gained a reputation for pushing the boundaries of literary expression and exploring new and exciting voices in the literary world.
Necessary Fiction, an esteemed online literary journal, has also featured her work, a publication that is dedicated to publishing high-quality literary fiction and showcasing the work of emerging and established writers alike.
Deep South Magazine, a respected Southern literary magazine, has also published her writing, a publication that is committed to celebrating the rich literary heritage of the South and showcasing the work of writers from the region.
Finally, her work has been included in the unique anthology A Book of Uncommon Prayer, a collection of essays, stories, and poems that explore the complexities and nuances of faith and spirituality in modern life.
