Happy Black History Month! In this special feature, I had the privilege of sitting down with the talented Marcus Murphy to discuss his remarkable career as a Black actor. Join us as we delve into Marcus’s experiences, challenges, and the transformative power of authentic storytelling within the entertainment industry. We also explore Marcus’s insights on the evolving landscape of representation for Black actors, his role models, and the exciting projects he has lined up for the coming season.
Happy Black History! I am excited to chat about your career as a Black Actor! Are there any specific roles or projects that have had a significant impact on you personally, particularly targeted toward the Black community?
Marcus: First, Happy Black History month to you as well. As you know, wherever there is black, history will be made in some shape or form. As a black actor choosing the correct roles with positive messages are essential not only for myself but the representation of my community. Furthermore, one of the significant roles I had the honor to portray was in the Off-Broadway production Until the Flood by Dael Orlandersmith and directed by Julie Janson portraying the character, Paul. Paul resonated with me because we had similar backgrounds growing up in poverty, attending school outside our jurisdiction, and keeping college at the forefront. Art is an imitation of life and the choices we make can better us or deteriorate us to stay complacent. Paul’s life almost changed when he had a run-in with the police during the peak of Michael Brown’s untimely death. Paul had to think at that moment about becoming another statistic or knowing he had a future ahead of him in California to attend Berkeley College to study art. Whereas, if Paul had not taken that moment to reflect his story would have ended tragically. In final consideration, Paul and I are the same due to wanting better for ourselves despite our upbringings and challenges faced in poverty. Perseverance and having faith are keys to succeeding.
How do you think the entertainment industry has evolved in terms of representation for Black actors during your career?
Marcus: My career started off on a great path with seasoned actors who come from Broadway. The stories I would hear allowed me to be grateful for black actors who paved the way for me not to endure any kind of mistreatment. With that being said, the entertainment industry for black actors has evolved by allowing us to tell our stories in the most authentic way possible. We have many platforms now to showcase black talent outside of the stereotypical way. On the other hand, black actors like me are grateful for any opportunity but as an actor second and human first if integrity doesn’t exist starting off, the work that has been done goes out the window.
Who are some of your role models or influences within the Black acting community?
Marcus: I am inspired by all black actors that have paved the way for me to contribute to the industry. Sidney Poitier is someone who demonstrated role model qualities by the way he carried himself within interviews, being selective on roles that were impactful and being okay with not always saying yes to a role. In the beginning of my career, I would take all jobs because I thought it was what I needed to do. It took a mentor of mine by the name of Andrew Skinner to provide me with the knowledge to have an end goal within your career and not take every opportunity. I appreciate him for that advice because had he not said that the direction of my career would be uncertain. Therefore, I am influenced and inspired by old Hollywood and everyday people who have had an impact in my life.
Can you share any exciting projects or upcoming roles that we can look forward to seeing from you?
Marcus: I have so many great projects in store for this season and blessed to have the opportunities. Therefore, the upcoming projects are Tremaine and Los created by DeAndre Little and my character in the series is Lionel Williams who becomes a cop determined to clear his family name. My next series I am apart is called The League. It was created by Justin Lindsay and my character in the project is head coach George Woods for the West Palm Meerkats basketball team. My next role is portraying a pastor in the season finale series of The Realness Behind the Crown by Liam Caldwell. Lastly, I will be portraying the character Donnell in the upcoming drama film Trading Partners by DeWayne Etheridge. A busy year with phenomenal challenging characters to develop.
In what ways do you hope to contribute to the ongoing conversation about diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry?
Marcus: As an entertainer the goal is to evolve in many ways not only for your brand but as a human. With, my contribution surrounding diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry is speaking out and creating jobs that show its not only one race but humans. As stated earlier, wherever there is black there will be support. Overall, by planting the seeds and showing visualization will continue to make strides in the industry with diversity and inclusion.
Can you share any experiences or challenges you’ve faced as a Black actor in the industry?
Marcus: My introduction into the industry was through a modeling print ad and the production was phenomenal. I thought everyone was the same. I quickly learned everyone has a goal to be a star so remaining authentic and focusing on the work has been my direction. I appreciate each of the opportunities presented to me and have experienced working with amazing actors, directors, and producers that have challenged me to be the best. On the other hand, the challenges I have experienced are colorism and nepotism that initially changed my thought to continue pursuing an entertainment career. The thought quickly vanished because by obtaining knowledge of the business it’s just that. I cannot take it personally and by being myself continuous has allowed me to befriend and work with amazing actors and directors.
What advice would you give to aspiring Black actors who are just starting their careers?
Marcus: My advice to aspiring actors who are just starting their careers would just be yourself. It is easy mimicking your idol and you should have someone that inspires you. However, being your authentic self is more worthwhile. Do not get discouraged by hearing a lot of no’s. It is just part of the business and use that as fuel to continue your journey. A no doesn’t dictate your abilities so do not allow that to question yourself. Overall, have fun and do the work. If you are in it for the wrong reasons, you will always feel you have not arrived.
Contact and Connect on Social Media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SupermanMarc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollywooddevon/
