Today we’d like to introduce you to Leon Washington
Hi Leon, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
It’s kind of ironic how my Acting career started. I was driving and I heard this commercial on the radio for 21st Century Entertainment stating if you ever thought about being in TV and Films, call this number or maybe email them and I did. I ended up doing an audition with Kim Perez and she saw some potential in me. I began taking classes throughout the city whenever my work schedule allowed. I also began to attend Industry Talks, Mixers, Workshops, Screenings, and any other event I could that would put me in contact with other Actors, Directors, Writers, Producers, Agents, and Casting Directors. After meeting and bumping into some of the same people at various events, I began to develop a network of like minded people with some of the same goals.
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?
I must say that the road hasn’t been smooth, but as the old saying states, “Nothing worth having comes easy”. It has definitely been challenging. Sometimes the days are long, sometimes you don’t feel like going to class, you don’t want to skip your exercise routine or leave the comfort of your home, but you do it anyway because your passion and desire for more won’t allow you to miss out on an opportunity to learn or meet someone that can possibly push your career forward. I always end up saying that I was glad I attended the class, workshop, or event afterwards.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As an Actor, I specialize in playing the roles of Detective, Police Officer, Bodyguard, Security, and Lawyer, recently been casted as a Doctor and a Gang Leader (which were both fun roles to play. I am known for playing the role of Michael Brown in the film For Love or Money written by Sherrie Storey and Directed by Jonathan Armour (Open Gate Studios), the role of Ford Thompson in Mardi Gras Reunion, the role of Detective 2 in the TV series Fatal Attraction: Season 14, Episode 26 titled Scratching the Surface, also the role of the Father in that series in Season 15, Episode 30 titled Disastrous Dreaming, the role of Elder Edgar in the Stage Play: First Ladies (The Genesis), the role of John Johnson in the Stage Play: The Invitation, the role of C.N.A./Orderly in the film Losing Eric and number of credits. On May 24th, I will be in my 3rd Stage Play titled Secrets We Keep by Michelle Colbert. Upcoming projects include Three The Hardway directed by Mike Williams, a web series titled Just Like Us produced by April Morrison Productions, and Cyberbullying produced by TLB Productions.
To answer the question, what am I most proud of, I must say that it’s the fact that I said I wanted to do something and I went out and made it happen. Also, it feels great to have my parents witness my work and be proud! I think that’s something we all want and desire!
What sets me apart from others is the fact that I don’t mind sharing information to help others succeed. I want us all to win and be successful. I know that everything isn’t for me, but what is for me, will be mine!
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
It is very difficult to pick a favorite childhood memory, but I can mention a few that I believe helped make me the man I am today. One would be when I played recreational basketball as a kid and my mom and 2 sisters were in the bleachers and every time I got a pass from the guard, I just caught it and shot it and it was magical how they all went in. Another memory is the time my father and I raced from our home in the Treme area to a nearby convenience store. I think he let me win, but it’s still a fond memory. Lastly, I remember my aunt bringing one of my cousins and I to the movie theater to see Boyz in the Hood. I don’t recall if it was my first time at the movie theater, but the movies in the early 90s definitely inspired me to want to become an Actor.
