Current Project: The Promise
Where were you born and where were you raised:
Born on Fort Sill, an army base in Oklahoma; raised in Bridgeport, Conn.
Zodiac Sign:
Aquarius and the year of the Dragon in the Chinese Zodiac.
Why did you take this role?
It was a great opportunity to work with and learn from a mixture of those who have industry experience and those who are trying to build up their resumes, like myself.
Did you have any particular mentors or inspiration as a young actor?
There aren’t many actors who are from where I grew up in Bridgeport besides Michael Jai White. So instead of mentors, I had influences. They all ranged from hip-hop artists [like] Busta Rhymes, Heltah Skeltah, KRS-1, Mobb Deep, Wu-Tang to a variety of actors on the big screen. Watching certain videos, TV shows and movies provided me with certain character profiles that I could practice emulating.
The one movie you saw that you will never forget:
The Matrix, hands down. Avatar is a very close second.
Your personal acting idols:
Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, Mel Jackson, Lawrence Fishburne, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Lee, Samuel Jackson, Sylvester Stallone, Terry Crews, Michael Jai White, Bruce Willis, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, Wesley Snipes, Jason Statham and Idris Elba.
Last good movie you saw:
Revolver
Some films you consider classics:
Blade 2, Terminator 2, Fallen, Avatar, The Matrix, Alien vs. Predator, Friday, 300, Gladiator and Troy
Performer you would drop everything to go see:
Michael Jackson if he were still with us. Rest in peace.
Pop culture guilty pleasure:
Admittedly, Facebook
Favorite cities:
Outside of the places I’ve lived like Bridgeport and Atlanta, Ga. It’sNew Haven, Conn. Brooklyn, NY. Queens, NY. Manhattan, NY and Miami, Fla.
First CD/Tape/LP you owned:
Boogie Down Productions’ Criminal Minded. Some of ya’ll young timers might not be up on that!
Moment you knew you wanted to perform for a living:
The moment I stepped on stage for my very first fashion show and received some very positive feedback from the crowd.
Worst flubbed line, missed cue, onstage mishap:
None as of yet. (Knocking on wood.)
Most challenging role you have played:
The role of Dray in The Promise. I initially auditioned for another character (Kareem) in the film. I landed the part and we were several rehearsals in when we got word that we had to switch roles – six days before the actual shoot. Regardless, we were able to pull it off due to the professionalism of the entire cast and crew.
Worst job you ever had:
Aww man, as a Fed Ex dock worker. Your part-time should never be more stressful than your full-time gig.
Career you would want if not a performer:
A songwriter and producer
Three things you can’t live without:
My two children, oxygen and my freedom
