Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn Ray Cartel.
Hi Shawn Ray, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I moved to Atlanta GA from Canton, OH after going back and forth for a year pursuing my career in the entertainment industry in 2017. I started doing a lot of background work and rubbing elbows with the right people. I made it my business to be around the people who were making moves in my career but also outside of it, we all need a plan B. Throughout the years I’ve met wonderful individuals and build good work and business relationships with them all. It definitely has been a rough road, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’m truly blessed to have been able to do what I love and still work a 9-5 while working on opening a salon suite in Ohio.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges for my move was leaving my 7 year old daughter. It was hard due to the fact I was so use to having her so much, it was difficult for her as well. When I move it also was close to Covid timeframe, so a lot of studios start shutting down and casting was shutting down as well. So I had to get a job working retail to keep up with the bills and rent, I couldn’t travel either so there was no seeing my daughter. It was a rough time for me mentally. I ask God for grace in that time period, I was also in the process of moving so I ended having to store my stuff in a storage unit and stay in a hotel. That time period for me made me put a lot of things in perspective. It was almost like when I lived in Pittsburgh PA it was homeless for a little while. Yes I knew I wasn’t homeless but the mental state made me reflect and prepared to begin again.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an actor, model, and a father. I’ve been in the industry for decades, it started when I was in the Arts Academy in high school. As a child I was in various plays, talent shows, and the drama club. I’m super proud of the accomplishments and achievements in my career but most of all my daughter. She is the fuel behind my drive and my reason for being. I was also truly excited when I got the role of Panda Man in the Marvel film Guardians of the Galaxy vol 3, it was challenging wearing all the make up and a fat suit but it was truly incredible. I’ve also won three awards for my talent and been nominated for a golden globe for my Make-up and guardians of the Galaxy.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories is going to see a play of Romeo and Juliet as a 7 year old. I loved the era it took place and I was just in all at the acting. Then I went backstage and learned all about the behind the scenes and it opened me up to another world. A place where I could react some of my favorite scenes and use my imagination. This feeling is stuck with me forever. I love the nervousness but yet. Challenge of being an actor it has took me places. I never thought I’d be and introduce me to people I never thought I’d meet. Plus I love getting those phone calls from Family back in Ohio saying “we’re so proud of you. We can’t believe you’re really doing it. You said you were gonna do it and you’re doing it. So at the end of the day through my whole journey, I realize that it’s really all about GROWTH ,just continue to grow and learn.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnraycartel?igsh=cGY1aDBmam54cXBz&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm9796426/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
Image Credits
Ben Lehman
StarChild MGMT
