(AllHipHop News) Reverend Joseph “Run” Simmons’ children have grown to become fashion designers, hip-hop artists and now movie stars, as Vanessa Simmons has landed a starring role in a new romantic comedy. Published author and accomplished filmmaker Dominga Martin chose Simmons as the leading lady in her new film My First Loves. In an interview with BlackFilm.com, Martin not only praised the 29 year old budding actress but compared her to legends: “I believe she is this generation’s Diahann Caroll or Dorothy Dandridge. She has range; she’s classy, FRESH and has a quiet strength. She is the image of the character I created in my head. I was searching for someone fresh faced and untainted and Vanessa Simmons is everything I was looking for. She’s got next! I can’t wait to see her blossom and bring this role to life.” The movie is gaining funding from Martin’s production company, House Of Ming’s crowdfunding campaign on IndieGoGo.com started in February of 2013 and plans to begin filming this summer. The fundraiser campaign ends on April 4th, 2013. Monty Ross, the producer of Spike Lee classics Do The Right Thing, She Gotta Have It and Malcolm X is apart of the project as well. This is not Vanessa Simmons first foray into the theatrical world. Before doing the film Dysfunctional Friends with Mega Good in 2012, Simmons appeared in the CBS soap opera Guiding Light in 2007 and Worst Prom Ever in 2011. Click here for more information on My First Loves. Facebook link: http://www.facebook.com/MyFirstLovesMovie