Today we’d like to introduce you to Darryl Barnes.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Born in raised in Petersburg, Virginia on August 06, 1982. Raised by a single mother who did her best to keep me on straight path while growing up. My heart was football , but GOD had other plans. I attended HBCU Benedict College in Columbia, SC. Walked on the football team and received a partial scholarship broke a school record for longest touchdown pass ninety-seven yards. Then the program started heading down hill and I decided to call it quits because I was uncertain for my future. Went back to Petersburg, Virginia and got into a life of crime , which lead to me being on the run and committing more crimes in Maryland. Eventually I was caught charges were dropped in Virginia and I had to serve four years at Roxbury Correctional Facility in Hagerstown , Maryland. Once released I had to do five years of probation. During those five years I was able to get myself back into College and study psychology. While pursuing college , I had an opportunity to work with youth in Baltimore City teaching an evidence base curriculum called Becoming a responsible teen. From there my passion led me to an opportunity to work with individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues. Which led me to start my own business in housing. I created a housing program called Project Finish. Helping individuals with various crisis., with prorated rooms for living and counseling services. Successfully this program was ran for for four years. I just get such a rush to seeing individuals bounce back after a major setback. At the same time I was pursuing my acting career. I wanted to pursue my acting career more , so I eventually packed up everything and put the business to an halt and moved to Atlanta, Georgia. Since living on the south side of Atlanta , I’ve been pursuing acting which is hard work , I’m definitely not a stranger to hard work , but I’ve been blessed to be in many rooms with well established actors such as Eddie Murphy , Don Cheadle, Tyler Perry, Regina Hall and a host of others. As I continue to grow in this industry I’ve learned that preparation and networking is vital which has lead me to a lot of success and opportunities. I’ve been featured in the new Scream Seven , Tyler Perry’s The Oval , DTF ST Louis, and Judgement Day with Will Ferrell which all comes out in 2026. I’m grateful to be living in a city of greatness , where it’s all about what you pour into your dream. The love and southern hospitality has been tremendous. I look forward to helping the city in any fashion I can while I continue to thrive and strive for greatness. God has been good to me , and I shall always praise his name.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road , a lot of up hill battles , curves , and detours while being on my journey. People don’t talk about the things off the camera. Like your mental health , working a part-time job, living out hotels. Can’t complete auditions because you don’t have WiFi. Taking care of your body and health while staying ready for your moment. Then you have to worry about what you’re doing if you’re not getting booked. I’ve been blessed to stay booked busy. I love acting , I just love being in the vicinity of acting , whether I’m doing stand-in or background no role is too small. One thing I’ve learned about this industry is that , if you don’t believe in yourself no one else will. But I have a determine soul that won’t give up , so giving up is not an option for me. I consider myself a project , and I won’t stop until it’s complete.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an actor , who has been seen in movies and television shows. I’ve been featured in movies like Fight Night with Don Cheadle, Cobra Kai with Ralph Macchio. Just being able to be in these rooms with these legendary actors is so humbling at times I have to pinch myself to see if that moment is real. But it’s been a ride that I’ve enjoyed and I’m looking forward to more. I’m hungry and won’t take no for answer, I will find a way to become better and professional at what I do. That’s what separates me from the rest of the others.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I see a lot of work for actors and directors. More people are coming forward with their stories and more material is coming everyday now. We have a lot of interesting stories of people lives that’s are being acknowledged these days. It’s so much content to create now. I think the biggest shift for me was to stay positive and understand what my values were as an individual and what I bring to society. The hardest part I’ve learned so far is that your past doesn’t define you. I could have gave up years ago , but I didn’t I was determined to do something with my life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Surpemebeing1
