Portia Williams | Daily Times

Holly Harold, Hollywood writer and producer signs her name on her star on the Portsmouth flood wall Saturday

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Portia Williams

PDT Staff Writer

Hollywood producer and writer, Holly Harold, a native of Portsmouth came to town to sign her star on the Portsmouth flood wall yesterday.

Harold is a writer and Co-Executive Producer of the SyFy Channel’s, “Warehouse 13”, the series that she is currently working on in Canada. Harold’s resume also consists of writing and producing for the hit TV series, “Criminal Minds,” and “Smallville.”

“Everything that I have done has lead me up to this point. I graduated from Portsmouth High School, went to The Ohio State University, where I received an undergraduate degree in television and film and got my Masters at Ohio University because I wanted to be a Screenwriter, then I went out to L.A to be a Screenwriter,” Harold said.

Harold presently resides in Los Angeles with her boyfriend, Bruce Grimshaw, and his two daughters, Tyler and Carly.

“Determination, knocking on a lot of doors, and a lot of hard work is what it entailed for me,” Harold said.

Harold said that she was really grateful to have people from her hometown acknowledge her work.

“I don’t even know how to express my gratitude it is a very nice honor from the city of Portsmouth,” Harold said.

During her studies at The Ohio State University she received an internship at Lorimar Studios in Los Angeles. Harold went on to enter Warner Brothers writing program, where she produced her first episode of “Smallville” in 2002.

Additional work to Harold’s credit, include “The Forgotten,” starring actor, Christian Slater.

Harold said that in the writing industry, one’s job is never done.

“This is an industry that is constantly evolving, there is always some new terrain to conquer,” Harold said.

Harold said that her ultimate goal is to create her own television show.

While she is currently enjoying success, Harold said that the road to success has not been easy. Harold said her greatest accomplishment was mustering up the courage to pursue her dream of being a screenwriter.

“My greatest accomplishment was knocking on the first door and saying, I want to do this, and standing up to everybody who said you’re never going make it.

According to Harold, the key to unlocking one’s dreams and goals is hard work.

“Work really, really hard, and keep working really, really hard. Call every friend, call everybody that you know if you want to accomplish something, and just don’t stop until you make it happen,” Harold said.

Family members of Hoad Copas, Gordon M. Freeman, and Hezekiah Leroy Gordon “Stuff” Smith were also present and were recognized as additions to the floodwall.

The event was concluded with a reception at the Holiday Inn in downtown Portsmouth.

Portia Williams may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 234 or portiawilliams@heartlandpublications.com