Today we’d like to introduce you to Calvin Ross.
So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have been in Atlanta for just over four years now. I’m half black and half Asian. I’m a filmmaker, martial artist, and actor. Martial arts is where it all started for me. At the age of five, my father showed me Bruce Lee’s “Enter the Dragon” and I have been hooked on the philosophy and techniques of martial arts since then. I earned my 1st Degree black belt at the age of eight, and have trained in other styles, such as Capoeira, boxing, and numerous martial arts weapons.
My start with the craft of filmmaking began shortly after my father brought my twin brother, Kevin, and I a small DSLR in high school; we go by the name The Blasian Twins. We began shooting short action films using our martial arts skills and haven’t stopped since. Together, we were able to have our films screened at different festivals in the country and earn a few awards. I moved to Atlanta to pursue more opportunities in the film industry after I graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in telecommunication and film.
Since I have been in the city, I’ve met the woman of my dreams in real life and we got married; her name is Sharmaine Tate-Ross. I have been cast to work on shows such as The CW’s “Black Lightning”, OWN’s “Ambitions”, as well as continuing the creation of independent works behind and in front of the camera.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As for every artist pursuing their passions, it has not been the smoothest road. One struggle along the way was losing my mother to breast cancer right before I was about to graduate. I had promised her that I would retire her from work by pursuing my passion, and now, I will not be able to see that come to fruition. Naturally, it took a toll on our family, but we were able to continue moving forward, as she would have wanted us to. I do my best to make her proud and continue to go after my dreams because no matter what, she has only been supportive in my pursuits.
One struggle is keeping the equilibrium and balance in the period of time where there are “dry-spells” along the journey. I believe that it’s the moments that are most testing are the most rewarding. Opportunity and doors may be closed for a temporary while, but it’s all about staying persistence to reaching the goals. The highs on the roller coaster ride have been amazing and exhilarating, but the lows along the way have been crucial in my growth.
I thank God for giving me such an amazing partner in life to keep me sane and focused on the straight and narrow. I give all the glory to Him for giving me the grace to press-on and keep going, and for showing me what true faith means.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m a filmmaker that specializes in action filmmaking. I used my martial arts skills to translate them into on-camera action fight scenes. It sets me apart because there aren’t many African Americans that can perform martial arts on-screen with a high level of skill. There are the greats like Jim Kelly, Wesley Snipes, and Michael Jai White who have inspired to a career in entertainment since I was a kid. I’m working hard to achieve a dream that I had since childhood, and that’s to be an action movie star.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment of my career so far has been being cast on a major hit TV show, “Black Lightning” as Lady Eve’s (played by Jill Scott) bodyguard. It means so much to me because I didn’t have a manager or a talent agent to help me get the role to work be on season 1 & 2. On top of that, I got to work on the show with my twin brother. We were able to get the opportunity by being at the right place at the right time with the right people. I call it, divine alignment. I give all the praise to God because I know for a fact that it was Him that could only make it happen. I look forward to what is in store in the near future. Season 3 of the show is currently filming.
Contact Info:
- Email: calvinmross@gmail.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/calvinmross
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theblasiantwins
Image Credit:
Sharmaine Tate, Daniel Roth
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