KAPPAS IN THE ARTS
where you had difficulty with a charac- ter? What was the character and why was it challenging? DA: I worked on an independent film called “Seven Hands of God” where I played a paraplegic. It was a sensi- tive character for me because I saw firsthand how my mother dealt with temporary paralyzation of her motor functions after her stroke. The role gave me a deeper appreciation for in- dividuals who are paraplegic. They are strong and have great tenacity. Journal: What is it to know about acting that the general public does not know? DA: Acting is a great career path to embark on. The journey to become a working actor is not easy. It takes time and dedication to become a great working actor. Training and network- ing is vital to your success in the industry. DA: That’s a very difficult question to answer. There are so many talented actors and actresses in the industry. My favorite actress is Helena Bonham Carter. She is well known for her role as Bellatrix Lestrange in the Harry Potter films. But I know her from her earlier work. She is my favorite actress because she’s a phenomenal charac- ter actor. Portraying a character out of your element is a special skill. My favorite two actors are Will Smith and Chris Pine. Will Smith because I grew up watching Fresh Prince and he grew up without his father in his life just like I did. Chris Pine has really surprised me as an actor. I first saw him on “The ER” as a small guest star and now he’s the lead of one of the biggest films of all time “Star Trek.” Journal: What are you working on now? Journal: Who is your favorite actor?
called “Cloak and Dagger.” I had the pleasure of working with Gina Prince- Bythewood. She’s a great director who directed and wrote “Love & Basket- ball.” She is very talented and gave direction very well. Journal: What sort of acting roles will you be seeking in the future? DA: My favorite movie growing up was Blade. I would love the opportu- nity to be in the next Marvel’s Blade movie or TV series. I heard that a Blade project is in development so I’m speak- ing my character into existence. I want to play Blade’s son or his protégé. If it’s in God plan it shall happen. DA: I played DJ Yella from the iconic pioneer rap group “N.W.A.” in the Michel’le biopic. That was a cool role because I got to play someone as talented as DJ Yella, especially because N.W.A. had a huge impact on the Hip Hop community in the early begin- nings of the rap culture. Journal: How did you find Kappa Alpha Psi ® ? DA: Kappa Alpha Psi ® runs in my family. My uncle and my cousins are Kappas. It was only right that I follow in their footsteps and join the greatest fraternity of all time. I am an initi- ate at the Lambda Omicron chapter (Spring 2008, 4 Klub). I was a fresh- man when I joined the fraternity. I was a little cocky and overconfident when I started the initiation process but the journey taught me how important hu- mility is and taught me how to humble myself. Throughout my college career as a Kappa, I grew as a better per- son through working as a team and prospering with my chapter brothers. The most important lesson that Kappa has taught me is to always strive for excellence in whatever you endeavor. Achievement in every field of human Journal: Of the roles you have played, which is your favorite?
portunity to work with Ava DuVernay and Oprah Winfrey who are phenom- enal at their craft and exquisitely tal- ented. Being in their presence alone was a great experience. Journal: What kinds of roles to you prefer? DA: I am open to any roles that are appealing to my eyes. If the script is good and I’m intrigued by the char- acter I’m open to take the job. Right now, I want to book more diverse roles that are totally different from my per- sonality. I want to be more vulnerable in my performances and see where my craft can take me. Journal: What do you do to get “in character” when you’re not really feel- ing the part on a given day? DA: I tend to listen to certain songs or watch different documentaries on the character types I’m playing. It doesn’t matter if you are having a bad day or you’re going through a tough situa- tion in your life, you have to give the best performance in every scene. The director, producers, writer and other coworkers are counting on you to deliver a solid performance. Journal: What is the most extreme change to your personality, hair, body weight, etc., that you have done to prepare for a role? DA: I just finished a football film called “Its Time” - the Chuck Mullins story, where I played one of his best friends; “Deano Orr.” It’s an inspirational story that portrays brotherhood and the bond of true friendship. I put on about ten pounds of muscle and toned up for the role. It wasn’t too difficult be- cause I played football at the “Univer- sity of New Orleans” so it was muscle memory for me. I trained really hard and I changed my diet for the role.
Journal: Can you tell us about a time
DA: I just finished a Marvel pilot
76 | SPRING 2017 THE JOURNAL
Publishing achievement for more than 100 years
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker