Today we’d like to introduce you to Lester Greene.
Lester, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started rapping after I saw someone get assaulted in the street. I think that experience unlocked something inside of me. I felt like I had a voice that I needed to share with the whole world. After producing and releasing four albums (The Greene Room, No Bush, Straight Dicks, The Greenhouse Effect, and Cocktails with Tori Fixx), I decided it was time to do something else. Music was no longer fulfilling my desires. My friend Henry then encouraged me to give acting a chance, so I began doing background work. Of course, that didn’t last long because I realized that I wanted to use my voice – the same voice that I used for my music. Before I knew it, I was auditioning and booking student films and short films. As I gained more confidence, those smaller bookings turned into bigger bookings for feature films (Never, Rarely Sometimes, Always with Eliza Hittman), national commercials (Crown Royal, Chase Bank, Rogaine, AAO, Citizen) and national television shows. I am now completely fulfilled being an actor. I found my true voice.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As an actor, we deal with so much rejection. I remember booking my first commercial for ESPN, and I thought to myself that I would just keep booking more commercials. When I didn’t book a Direct TV commercial that I had received a callback for, I cried. I even remember the actor who booked the job. You never forget those heartbreaking moments, but I try to stay positive. I always look for the silver lining in everything.
Lester Greene – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am an actor/producer/author. I have booked speaking roles on national television shows like Power, Gotham, 50 Central and Jon Glaser Loves Gear. I have starred in and produced two short films that aired on CBS: Driving Force and Raw Footage. I would say that I’m most proud of publishing my own book: “Act Like You Love Yourself.” It’s my gift to the world. It’s my way of saying that you are special and that you can do anything that you put your mind to. I’ve always believed in myself, and I’m willing to go that extra mile to achieve my goals.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is following your dreams and not settling for anything less. It takes a strong individual to chase his/her dreams. Once you know what you want to do, then you should spend the rest of your life going after it. Don’t get caught up in chasing money or fame. Follow your heart. Everything else will fall in line.
I recently moved from NYC to Atlanta, leaving my bus driving job of 11 years. It’s a little scary trying something new, but I’ve heard great things about Atlanta. There are more television shows being cast out here, and I find networking with people is so much easier. I get the sense that people want to help you. My goal is to meet and book a Tyler Perry production, and in the process book more television roles. I believe this all possible because I have a strong team. I have a wonderful manager in Ben Padua, wonderful agents in Kimberly Taylor, Ann Wright and Ramona Pitera, and two great publicists in Tribel Nickerson, not to mention my right-hand assistant Richard Malvey.
Pricing
- Act Like You Love Yourself book (Buy) – $9.92
- Raw Footage movie (Rent) – $0.99
- Why Do You Smell Like the Ocean movie (Rent) – $1.99
- The Widowers movie (Rent) – $3.99)
- Wallabout movie (Rent) – $4.99
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lestergreene.com
Image Credit:
Kent Meister, Andrene Rozier
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