What inspired you to become an actor?
Watching the kids on all of my favorite shows inspired me to become an actor.
What actors do you study for style and character?
None; I have my own unique style of acting and creating character but I study seasoned actors for their delivery timing.
What inspires you to show up at work every day?
The love I have for my craft and my personal responsibilities to provide for my family.
How did you determine your career path?
While working on my first acting job as an extra in Robert Townsend’s film, Meteor Man, I knew that I wanted to act for the rest of my life.
What other industries connect to your career choice?
I love to draw, which I guess makes me a detailed person. I also love math which helps me keep track of my money and last but not least, I love to dance and freestyle, which gave me the necessary confidence to perform in front of an audience.
Describe the skill sets that are essential to future business leaders and innovators.
It’s very essential that future business leaders and innovators are equip with complete focus, being able to zero in on one thing and attack, creativity, being able to think outside the box and be computer savvy. Technology is the way of the future and without advanced knowledge of it, one could fall short of reaching his or her dreams or capability.
Define innovative methods you apply to acting.
I keep up to date with any innovative methods that will help me to further develop my acting skills so that they grow more valuable with each passing year.
How do you set goals and evaluate your success?
I set my goals in a five-year plan where each year has a list of things to accomplish. If I were unable to accomplish any of those goals they are then included with the following years goals. I’m a pretty simple guy.
My success is evaluated by my work being established, secure, satisfying and financially rewarding to provide for my family.
Who do you consider your peers in your field? Who is setting a good example of best practices?
I consider my peers, not by age, but from an artistic skill level. Idris Elba, Christian Bale and Jeffery Wright would be considered my peers just to name a few. A couple great examples of actors that I could get support and best practice from if necessary are Denzel Washington, Sidney Poitier, Morgan Freeman, Clint Eastwood, Louis Gossett Jr., and Forest Whitaker. There are so many great and talented actors that I admire.
Information and increase skill methods you use?
For information, I would read acting books, converse with other actors and use the internet. For me, experience is it’s best teacher. I try to constantly work on someone’s project, even if I have to do my own. I also watch a lot of film, which I use a study guide. Skill is only increased by practice. Continue to be a student of the game because learning for one never stops. As they say, “practice makes perfect.”
Name three books that changed how you saw life that you would recommend to others.
My life was changed instantly when I read The Book of Instructions Before Leaving Earth (Bible), The Alchemist and Who Stole My Cheese.
Describe why lifelong learning is important to you.
Learning is not only very important to me but it is essential to live and be productive. We were put on this earth to learn and be taught. Learning prepares one for life’s many challenges.
Describe the voice of success that you hear in your head.
It’s mostly a feeling that lives in my stomach. I honestly believe it’s a part of one’s make up [and] journey. You can’t teach ambition, drive, passion, determination, or excepting anything less than great. Those things are a part of one’s DNA.
Technology plays what role in your daily life?
Technology is my marketing and promotional team. Technology is the keys to the machine behind Ro Brooks from social networks, photo shop, sending emails and reaching the entire world with the click of a button.
What software or tools of technology have made the biggest difference in your life?
I use Adobe, Fire Fox and Windows software programs. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and IMDB have been my main sources for marketing and branding myself. Recently, I’ve added Instagram and Linked In to the formula.
What role do music and cultural events play in your self-identity?
Music plays a huge part in my life. I’ve owned several music stores for half of my life. I am a music connoisseur. I listen to all kinds of music from, jazz, blues, gospel, pop, country, hip hop, R&B — you name it. Music is universal, with that being said, music helps me relate to other races and understand things about their culture.
Define your personal culture.
My culture is humanitarian. I am here to serve and to be that light for someone when they can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Describe your favorite vacation spot.
My favorite vacation spot would consist of beautiful weather, palm trees blowing, clear blue water, seclusion with easy access to fine dining, good music, dancing and other fun activities.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
How people treat one another. To work as one to accomplish the same common goals in harmony.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would be more patient. That’s something that I’ve been working on.
