Today we’d like to introduce you to Fernando Marrero.
I got to where I’m at today by hardwork, sacrifice, failure, commitment, etc… I was this young kid that came from Philly to LA with nothing but sheer grit & determination in 2002. Here I am, 20 years later & NEVER in a million lifetimes would you think I’d be where I’m at.
I’m not where I wanna be…. yet, but sooo far from where I used to be. My life is definitely a TESTIMONY to ALL who have struggled & suffered. It’s NEVER TOO LATE…
I’ve learned to stay true to myself & ALWAYS keep GOD as THE FOCAL POINT of my life.
Inspired by his first trip to the Cannes Film Festival in 2018, Actor and Stuntman Fernando Marrero returned to Los Angeles with an even greater appreciation for his craft and a renewed commitment to the pursuit of his dreams while adding to his repertoire with Producer credits to his name as well, associated with several independent projects. As an Actor & Stuntman, With an episode of the ABC Family comedy Grown-ish, an episode of the highly acclaimed NBC prime time Hit Comedy Superstore, an episode of an NBC hit comedy sitcom reboot slated to debut in January 2023, an appearance in Sandy Wexler, a film produced by Adam Sandler and Happy Madison Productions and numerous short films added to his credits already in the short span of time he’s been in showbiz from 2017 onward, his trajectory for success is on a steady upward ascent, just an opportunity away from a major breakthrough.
His success in France back in 2018 FORTIFIED his passion beyond measure.
“Appearing on the global stage at the 71st Festival de Cannes, the world’s most prestigious film festival, was a phenomenal experience,” comments Actor Fernando Marrero, who attended the Festival for the premiere of Black Lightning: Tobias’s Revenge at the Cannes Short Film Corner. “I am eternally grateful to Choice Skinner for casting me in this project and for the subsequent international exposure, that has since opened my eyes to the possibilities in Hollywood and beyond.”
A long way from his native Philadelphia and humble beginnings, Fernando Marrero, retired military veteran, retired MMA Fighter/BJJ competitor, & retired professional wrestler; embraced the beau chaos that is Cannes, capitalizing on his Festival experience. From the Short Film Corner premiere of Black Lightning: Tobias’s Revenge, a fan film inspired by DC Comics, in which he starred and performed stunts and appearances on the official Cannes Film Festival le tapis rouge (red carpet) during la montée des marches to supporting independent inclusion efforts as the white carpet host at the 2018 Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase, Marrero walked confidently towards his destiny.
Registered in the Marché du Film as an actor and a producer, Fernando engaged with casting directors including Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd, international sales agents and distributors as well as fellow actors, directors and producers from around the world. As CEO of Seed Creation LLC, networking, relationship building and global expansion are integral to the company’s success and will prove valuable in the future. In the interim, Fernando, fueled by passion and inspired by his Cannes Film Festival experience, is in Los Angeles putting in work. He has honed his craft at Choice Skinner’s Breaking Through Acting Workshop & Zak Barnett Studios.
He was casted in several AWARD WINNING independent shorts, most notably “Welcome To The Sting” by Director Christopher Sheffield, “The S.I.N.S” by Director Lovie Ray Johnson Jr, & a fan film inspired by MARVEL Comics, “TRIGGERED – A Cinematic Superhero Fan Film” by Directors Marcus Nel Jamal Hamm & Mario Ricardo Rodriguez.
He’s tackling auditions, in anticipation of the moment when preparation meets opportunity.
Fernando Marrero is represented by WORK! Talent and CMA Entertainment. To learn more about his journey follow @team_pba on the social media platform Instagram as well as other links provided in this publication.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It’s never been a smooth road. Nothing was ever easy nor given freely/easily. I had to scratch, claw, & fight for everything I’ve ever accomplished. From homelessness, injuries, poverty, etc… The struggle was always real. On top of that, I was a young single father of two young sons who are adults now. I had to provide for them as well as guide them & prepare them for life as young men.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
From the streets of Philly, PA. Ex-military turned MMA fighter turned pro wrestler turned Hollywood Actor & stuntman.
I’m a retired professional wrestler. I was trained at Knokx Pro Wrestling Academy by 2015 WWE Hall of Fame Inductee Solofa Fatu Jr. aka Rikishi, Reno Anoai aka The Count of California or The Black Pearl (of the famed Anoai Family/Samoan Dynasty), & WWE/International Wrestling Legend David Heath aka The Vampire Warrior or Gangrel.
I’m a retired Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighter & practitioner and I hold a Black Belt under Professor Ricardo Wilke (Black Belt under Renato Magno – Rigan Machado Lineage – Street Sports). Fernando & Ricardo trained for many years with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Icon Xande Ribeiro (that’s where they met) while representing The Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu Association. Fernando has won numerous BJJ championships during his tournament competition days.
I’m a retired Professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Fighter out of The World Famous Black House MMA Gym Headquarters in Los Angeles, CA. He holds a professional win-loss record of 10 wins-2 losses & was a 2 time World Champion for Gladiator Challenge.
I’m most proud of FATHERHOOD. Fatherhood is an ESSENTIAL component to our society. As a Black Man, as a Man Of Color, I/WE have been targeted, marginalized, & disenfranchised since the inception of this nation. Though conditions have altered positively (depending on perspective) however, we as a demographic have not reached our destination.
It’s always been difficult envisaging it. I personally grew up w/ out a father & knew what I wanted & didn’t want when/if I ever had children. I knew without a shadow of doubt that I needed/wanted to disrupt & break the never-ending cycle of trauma & dysfunction in my bloodline, being an example not just for my progeny but being a beacon of hope & possibility for “US”.
I take great pride in being a father & have ALWAYS felt that part of my PURPOSE in this realm of existence was/is to be a PATRIARCH. PATRIARCHY is a PRIVILEGE & an OBLIGATION that can EFFECT POSITIVE IMPACTFUL CHANGE.
There are numerous dynamics that set me apart from everything & everyone else. From my unique look to my countenance, my energy, my genuine authenticity to who I am & how I show love, represent, & go hard for the “UNDERDOG”. I love people & I love my culture.
The biggest flex is: I show up as me, the REAL me, & PEOPLE FEEL that shit!!!
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
People don’t know that I can speak in a weird cartoony voice. Lol.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thefernandomarrero.com
- Instagram: @team_pba
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fernando.smith.37
- Twitter: @TeamPBA4EVER
- Other: http://imdb.me/fernandomarrero
Image Credits
Choice Skinner, Nick Gallo, Shaunice Brantley, Matt Ishizuka, Marcus Hamm
