Today we’d like to introduce you to Shomari Love.
Shomari, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am from a place where most dreams are common. The obstacles presented to my people can either shatter dreams in an instant or drain life out of you day by day until all that is left is the fleeting thought of what could have been. If the story is told by someone else, you will probably hear that seldom we succeed, but this is mine.
I grew up in Queens, NY for majority of my life. My mother and grandmother sacrificed to provide great education and opportunities for me. In high school, I received a Congressional Nomination and appointment for the US Air Force Academy. Rather than attending, I went on study at Seton Hall University. After taking my LSAT, I started working in corporate America, eventually landing a great job in the Ad Tech space. Despite all the benefits of this job I still felt that I was wasting talent. I realized as I was watching a tv show that I could be an actor and I was willing to risk a great job and become one no matter what.
I started taking some classes part-time and seeking small roles in various projects. Seeking for me was traveling 12+ hours to Atlanta to be a background actor on TV productions. I must have lost count of the sleepless nights, the amount of times I was told I was crazy or that I would never make it. Down to my last many times, it was select family and friends that helped lift me up. It was the journey to become a Man of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated that helped prepare me for challenges I would meet.
Perseverance is a unique motivator, fueled by doubt, pain, struggle, and sacrifice. I was determined to learn as much as I could about this business and become a professional actor. Initially, I represented myself and was able to appear at least four times on TV with a speaking role. In addition to a few commercial gigs.
My first lifechanging experience was filming on the set of Black Panther. As one of the drummers in the film, we had the opportunity to learn, work, meet many new people and truly enjoy ourselves. It felt like I had already accomplished my goal but at the same time, intensified my desire to grow. This paired with my ability to persevere eventually led me to land my first agent, Dorecia Carr. She believed in me and somehow heard the echoes of closed doors that fired miles away. I landed my first network TV role as a co-star on Black Lightning. As my resume continued to grow so did my team. It’s a great feeling knowing that you have people behind you that believe in you and will continue to fight with you through the process. Because the beauty in growth is that story has always truly just begun.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not to expound and for the sake of time, without obstacles/challenges along the way this journey would not be the journey it is. I have embraced them all and will continue to do so.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I aspire to continue to express my art and help those I can as I climb.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
No one does anything alone. Those that help without asking for anything in return really deserve credit. Ruth Carter, Marcus, Dwayne, Lem, Josh, Shamorie, John, Uriah, Jameik, Jelani, Kahron, Marc John, Nicole, Shaunte, Matt, Jeff, Brian, Justin, Elaine, my family, my manager Steve, my agents Dorecia, Michele, and Lisa.
Above all God. Thank You.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shomari.me
- Email: mgmt@shomari.me
- Instagram: instagram.com/shomarilove
- Twitter: twitter.com/theshomarilove
- Other: IMDb.me/Shomari
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