Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominique Wilson.
Hi Dominique, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey has been anything but traditional, and honestly, that’s what makes it so special. I started out as a professional basketball player—playing overseas in countries like Belgium where I had the opportunity to win a championship. It was a time in my life that taught me a lot about discipline, resilience, and what it means to truly commit to something bigger than yourself.
Every time I came home to Atlanta, though, I kept hearing the same thing from friends, strangers, and even teammates: “You should act.” At first, I brushed it off. But after that championship season in Belgium, something in me shifted. I realized that just like sports, storytelling has the power to move people. So I finally took that leap and enrolled in my first acting class in Atlanta.
From there, doors started opening that I never expected. This year, I’ll be appearing in a film alongside Michael Jai White and Lisa Arrindell, which is such an honor. I’m also proud to share that a short film I starred in will be featured in the Atlanta Film Festival. It feels like everything I’ve done—on and off the court—has led me to this moment. I’m still growing, still learning, and still grinding, but I’m grateful every day for how far I’ve come.
Alright, 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?
Absolutely not—and I say that with a bit of a laugh because the road has been anything but smooth. When I officially retired from professional basketball and decided to fully pursue acting, the industry immediately went into a strike. The timing couldn’t have been worse, and it felt like the universe was testing how bad I really wanted this.
Then came the internal battles—feeling like I wasn’t “urban” enough (a word I honestly can’t stand) to fit certain casting molds, trying to navigate a space that often puts people in boxes based on stereotypes. I also had to weave through the maze of acting coaches—some who were more about ego and narcissism than actual mentorship—just to find the few who truly aligned with me and supported my growth.
And of course, there are the countless “no’s,” the silent rejections, and the long, dry seasons that test your faith. Mentally and financially, it’s been tough. But I will say this: thanks to my background in sports, my resilience is unmatched. Basketball taught me how to show up, grind it out, and stay ready even when the scoreboard isn’t in my favor. That same mindset has carried me through every challenging moment in this acting journey.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Right now, I’m fully immersed in building my career as an actor and creative. I specialize in telling grounded, emotionally resonant stories that reflect both power and vulnerability—and a lot of that comes from my past life as a professional athlete.
I’m still widely known for my basketball career, especially among those who followed my journey overseas, but that narrative is shifting. What sets me apart is that sports gave me a foundation of grit, resilience, and laser focus that I now bring into every audition, every scene, every rehearsal. I know what it means to train, to lose, to win, and to keep going no matter what.
I’m bold—I’m not afraid to try something new even if it means I fall flat on my face. That actually excites me. I believe every attempt sharpens me, every risk grows me. That mindset alone puts me in a different lane.
I’m especially proud of the fact that I didn’t let the “no’s” or setbacks stop me. I’ve written a pilot and a few shorts that I’ll be shooting this year—projects that reflect my voice, my perspective, and my commitment to making space for untold stories.
The journey is evolving, but I know without a doubt, people are about to know me not just as the former basketball player—but as the actor and creator who’s here to stay.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Oh, absolutely. I wouldn’t be where I am without the community around me—people who’ve poured into me, believed in me, and lifted me up when I needed it most.
Lisa Arrindell is someone I’ll always be grateful for. During a conversation on set, she told me something I’ll never forget: “Whatever performance you give is the performance that was meant to be shown.” That gave me so much freedom to trust myself and stop overthinking the outcome.
My friends and the acting community in Atlanta have also played such a major role. We’ve run lines together, taped last-minute auditions, and been there for each other in every high and low moment—sometimes with less than an hour’s notice, but always with love. That kind of support is rare and powerful.
Anna Maria Horsford has been a guiding light—her wisdom and experience navigating this industry as a Black woman have been deeply grounding for me. She’s offered the kind of perspective that can only come from someone who’s walked the walk.
And I have to shout out the entire team at Rob Mello Studio—especially Rob, Nhadine, and Emily. That space has become more than just training; it’s been a sanctuary for growth, truth, and craft.
Lastly, my family. Their support is something I never take for granted, because I know not everyone has that. They’ve believed in me through every transition—from basketball to acting—and continue to be my foundation.
It really does take a village, and I’m so thankful for mine.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://imdb.me/DominiqueWilson
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dominiquewilson_?igsh=MWttdWlyc3V2bzhvdw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/DominiqueWilson
Image Credits
Image credit is not needed. They are all selfies or taken by my phone.
