“My purpose is to give. My desire will always be to inspire others. After establishing myself in the entertainment industry, I would like to pursue motivational speaking and activism to bring the arts to inner city youth,” offers Caiseen Warren. An engineer by trade, Warren earned his master’s degree in electrical engineering at Cornell University. While working at Procter and Gamble, a leading manufacturer of consumer goods, he had an ‘Aha’ moment. So he packed his bags and moved back south to Atlanta, where he’d once lived while earning his bachelor’s degree at Clark Atlanta University.
Here, Warren gives us a little more background information. –yvette caslin
Current Project: The Promise (Studio 11 Film’s 11Eleven Project)
Where you were born/where you were raised? Born and raised in Philadelphia.
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Why did you take this role?
I felt a close relationship with this role because I grow up with similar people. I have people in my family with similar lifestyles. I never was involved with those things, however being so close to it allowed me to emulate the energy and mentality of a criminal.
Did you have any particular mentors or inspirations as a young actor?
Absolutely, my mother is my biggest inspiration. She is my hero. My mother is an entrepreneur, she has her own real estate business, and she has been foster parenting for over 20 yerrs. She has always encouraged me to find something I loved and enjoyed doing for a career. After I took my first professional photos, I showed my mother the photo and she said ‘Caiseen I think you are missing your calling,’ and from that point I have never stopped the pursuit.
The one movie you attended that you will never forget:
Glory, has a phenomenal cast. It’s a great screenplay and storyline. I have it in my DVD player right now at home. Trust me; it doesn’t collect dust.
Your personal acting idols:
Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Lisa Gay Hamilton, Don Cheadle, Will Smith, Al Pacino, and Tom Hanks
Last good movie you saw:
Think Like a Man is a great film. Kevin Hart who’s from Philly was hilarious. Kevin Hart is a hard worker.
Some films you consider classics:
Cooley High, Braveheart, I Am Legend, Heat, Dead Presidents, Forrest Gump, Road to Perdition, A Time to Kill, and all films with Denzel Washington.
Performer you would drop everything to go see:
John Legend, Lenny Kravitz
Pop culture guilty pleasure:
I have joined the social networks: Facebook, Twitter, etc.
Favorite cities:
Atlanta, New Orleans, Houston, Chicago
First CD/Tape/LP you owned:
Michael Jackson’s Thriller album
Moment you knew you wanted to perform for a living:
The first time I stepped in acting class. I knew from that point.
Worst flubbed line/missed cue/onstage mishap:
I performed a monologue in front of a live audience. I felt the monologue was dramatic, but the audience thought it was the funniest thing they ever heard. I don’t think they got the message. [Laughs]
Most challenging role you have played:
The most challenging role I played was a 24-year-old homeless guy. The role challenged me to stretch.
Worst job you ever had:
I once worked a student project; it was terrible. The project was extremely unorganized. Now don’t get me wrong, I have also worked on some fantastic student projects as well, but this one didn’t go so well.
Career you would want if not a performer:
There is no other option. At least that’s how I feel right now.
Three things you can’t live without:
Freedom to pursue my dream as an actor, freedom, and friendship with [my] mother
