Today we’d like to introduce you to Darrell A. Robinson.
Darrell, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
At the age of nine, my father put me in little league football where it taught me the importance of leadership, teamwork and discipline. Being an active child, I would frequently display my athletic abilities among my family and friends. Throughout my teenage years, I continued playing football and basketball and enjoyed the excitement from the fans which drove me to become an all-around better performer. While I continued playing basketball in high school, I was recruited after my 10-grade year on a full-ride scholarship to attend a private school to play basketball. After graduating high school, I attended a University where I also played basketball and begun lifting weights on a regular basis.
Throughout the years, I enjoyed putting on a show for people whether on the basketball court or football field. My talent, I felt was meant to be displayed and the traits I’ve learned as a young man was my key to bring it to fruition as an adult. As the years went by, I became more involved with health and fitness whereas I would find myself in the gym 5 to 6 days a week for hours. It became apart of who I was, it became a lifestyle. I eventually started training others that had the desire to change their lifestyles as well. I worked my 9 to 5 and worked out daily but I always felt that my purpose was greater in life. To display my talents on a worldwide platform which I would frequently imagine myself on the big screen performing in some way shape or form one day.
In 2014, I thought about becoming an actor. I thought it was the perfect platform to display my talents and do what I’ve done all my life so I made a decision to pursue my dream and become an actor. I walked out on faith, quit my job and a week later flew out to Los Angeles, California. I sold my Mercedes Benz which I just purchased six months prior to flying out to L.A to have more of a financial cushion. My outlook was do whatever it takes! My arrival in L.A was a dream come true but I knew I’d have a long road ahead of me. I woke up early every morning determined to achieve my goals. I networked like it was no tomorrow. I submitted to every role that I thought was a great fit for me and begun meeting other actors that showed me the ins and outs of the Industry many whom I’m still friends with today. After a few months in L.A working small gigs little did I know things were about to change.
I received a call back from a casting producer for a popular t.v show called “Hack My Life”. They told me that I have booked a lead role for the show and I just broke down. The sacrifices I made and hard work was finally paying off. I was excited because that show made my television debut! After the show aired and seeing myself on t.v I was motivated more than ever. I continued booking small roles and traveling all over Los Angeles by bus and train to get to set. This was costly in addition to living expenses and I eventually lost my place and became homeless. Not discouraged yet determined I refused to call it quits. A friend of mine I met while in L.A not being able to drive let me to borrow his car where I slept in for weeks in a particular park parking lot. I’d become acquainted with other homeless men and woman all while trying to keep my faith and stay strong. It was definitely a humbling experience.
Eventually, I made the decision to return home and continue my pursuit as an actor in Atlanta, GA. With some acting experience under my belt, I understood what it took to become a working and successful actor in the Entertainment Industry and failing was not an option. Since my return, I’ve worked non stop making a name for myself and have officially considered myself an actor. Now with an agency, I’ve appeared in numerous movies and t.v shows from Black Panther, Fast 8 and HBO’s Confirmation starting Kerry Washington and have worked with Terry Perry directly behind the scenes and in front of the camera. I have also become ATL’s Hottest Actor award winner two years in a row which was my greatest accomplishment. Taking a look back to a man that had a dream and made it his reality should say one thing. Dreams do come true!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth road at all. As someone who played organized sports since the age of 10 as a star athlete, I did have dreams of one day playing for the NBA or NFL. It was difficult accepting the fact that it all came to an end. In 2008 I lost my father I lost my hero. The man who taught me everything and always was my greatest strength and supporter. After his death, I fell into a great state of depression unfortunately turning to alcohol to ease the pain. During this time of grief, I felt that my life was turning into a downward spiral and I just wasn’t motivated to do anything. Becoming homeless while in Los Angeles was a major eye-opener. Sleeping in a car day in and day out was tough. During the day, I would drive around Beverly Hills to admire the mansions but come nightfall, the park was where I slept.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I specialize in health and fitness where my mission goal is to provide meal plans, workout regimens and to show proper lifting techniques to those individuals who desire to become the best they can be. I also assist up and coming actors and entertainers as I provide them with the necessary tools and knowledge to become successful in the Entertainment Industry.
People know me as someone who never gave up on his dreams whether that was pursuing becoming an actor, having a passion for health and fitness or in life in general. What I’m most proud of is the fact that people allow my story to motivate and inspire them to never give up on their dreams either.
What sets me apart from most is that I’m willing to put forth maximum effort and do whatever it takes to achieve my goals.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe that anything that I’ve accomplished was by luck. It was a lot of hard work, sacrifice and determination. Although some obstacles may have knocked my back, they never knocked me down. My life experiences made me mentally and physically tough and the man that I am today.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: darrellrobinsonofficial
- Facebook: darrellrobinsonofficial
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