Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcus DeSean Jackson.
Marcus, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born in raised in Detroit, Michigan. I first started acting at Cass Technical High School (notable alumni; Diana Ross, Big Sean, David Allan Grier) as a stage actor. I started doing supporting roles in my junior year (Sergeant Brown in Carmen Jones) and received my first lead role as a senior (George in “Mice and Men”). Afterwards, I received a theatre scholarship while attending the HBCU Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN. While there, I was fortunate enough to help tell stories are solidifying black culture and compete regionally and nationally. In the midst of it, I received a nomination for the Irene Ryan award, which is awarded to the top collegiate actors in the United States.
Upon leaving college, I did plenty of community theatre in Nashville. I joined the Destiny Theatre Experience company, which afforded me my first taste of the professional world in entertainment; as a traveled, the states telling stories. As my name became more popular in the city, I decided to play my hand in TV & Film and signed with a SAG-franchised agent in Nashville. I was blessed to book my very first SAG audition (for a US army infomercial) and grated my eligibility to join the union. After booking plenty of work in Nashville, I was looking for a challenge. So I decided to join a bigger market by moving to Atlanta. Since then, I have booked many commercials and lead in a plethora of rich indie films. Today my next goal is to work my way into episodic television and eventually make my way to Hollywood, California.
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?
I think when you’re pursuing your dream or purpose, you will always be faced with resistance. For me personally some of that resistance was self-inflicted. Earlier on, I never would imagine that I would be an actor. I struggled with self-confidence, wondering if I was good or worthy enough of what I would called a blessed journey. Other than that, when you first make a bit of money from entertainment, one can be a bit naive, and feel like you’ve made it; until you have a drought season (or two) and you realize that this is a business and you have to be very wise and mature on every decision you make. One last struggle I faced was staying the course and balancing your dream with reality. Having to sacrifice spending time with loved ones, up and leaving a state to go to a new one isn’t easy, but remember to take the time to invest in your relationships is very important. Every entertainer would probably agree that this career is a tightrope walk and you have to be careful with you decide to do.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I’m a thespian. I really love developing characters and bringing them to life for the world to see. Being an actor is a big responsibility, and though it’s fun, it shouldn’t be taken lightly. We are gifted with the ability to influence the human mind and emotion through the art of storytelling. We must make our messages clear and rationale for the greater good. The thing that sets me apart is just the environment I allowed to shape me. Having a religious background gives me the conviction that my Creator designed me to do what I am doing. As well as attending a Historically Black College and University has impacted me to tell rich stories of strong black communities (which is really special during this time), which will impact the culture, the future, and the world.
What were you like growing up?
I have always been an ambitious person, being raised by a single parent in Detroit, Michigan. I wanted to make it out and take care of my mother, so my mindset was a bit more mature at an early age. I had a good sense of staying out of trouble and doing the tasks necessary to get me to better places. I am my mother’s only child so I spent a lot of time on my own; therefore, I was a bit introverted. However, from being alone helped my discover my talent for art and being able to use my imagination. Those things afford me to have a rich, dynamic persona in entertainment (which is the beautiful oxymoronic thing about life). I also had an athletic background playing basketball and running track, which gives me a winner’s mindset in the acting world. I am competitive and always finding ways to be a champion.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: marcusdesean
- Twitter: marcusdesean
Image Credit:
Christian Webb, Rod Wright, LaTanya Atwell-Cooney
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