Rising Stars: Meet Rashad Todd

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rashad Todd.

Rashad, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
First, I want to thank you for this opportunity to share my story with you and your audience. I remember when I was 8 years old, I gathered a group of other kids, wrote out a play, and produced it during recess directly in front of a batting cage. I think it so funny now how I charged the other students for their “student bucks” to come see my show. I will say I directed and produced an incredible show. At the end, I closed the show out with a solo rap performance. I also remember my mom and grandmother, taking me on auditions for commercials in middle school. Although I did not stick to acting fully throughout high school, I enjoyed watching theater shows produced from the drama class. After graduating high school, I signed up for background work with Central Castings as I was studying for my degree in business.

During my senior year of college, I had to get real with myself and realize that the quick-acting gigs were not going to fully pay my bills, therefore, I put acting on hold and focused on my 9 to 5 job. A few years into my job, I realized I was not being fulfilled causing me depression. I knew that I was a creative in every way from fashion to storytelling.

As I was working my 9 to 5, I put myself back into acting. After a couple of years of my break from acting, I went on my first audition, and immediately booked the lead role for a pilot series. I knew that was my sign from God and the Universe telling me that entertaining is my passion and calling. I feel the joy and natural high every time I am on set. After filming for the pilot, I took acting very seriously and knew there was no stopping me.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As I stated, I thought there was no stopping me after I booked my lead role and the show got picked up from a couple of networks such as Lifetime and Bounce TV. I was feeling proud of myself and started auditioning heavily. However, all the auditioning was taking away from my day job. I remember I got the call telling me that I am being laid off. I was okay at first because I knew I had this acting opportunity. I guess all good things do come to an end, however I did not think the end would be so soon for me because the production company canceled the deal. So now I have no show and no job. God knows the true struggle it was for me and all the things I had lost in that time, which was basically everything. Although I always kept a home of my own, it was a challenge financially to support my acting career and traveling to auditions. I had my business degree to lean back on, so I picked up a new 9 to 5 to fund my bills and support my dreams. I stayed as consistent as possible to my dreams by receiving acting training and going on auditions. However, the inconsistency of the industry and inconsistency of booking roles did give me self-doubt because things were not happing as fast as I had envisioned. I started to ask myself, is this still the right path for me?

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I will say all the hard work and struggles did pay off for me. After a couple of years of remaining consistent, I’ve booked multiple projects. I starred in commercials such as STAR Beer. I have played lead roles in television and film productions produced by Emmy award winners. Last year, I’ve written, directed and was the show manager for a theatrical play and short film. I have walked in fashion shows and have done print modeling for STAR Beer & Musicology Fashion Show. Throughout my career, I have worked with some great photographers such as Ruben Delact, Jamaal Murray, Mark Hill and more. I have received some of the best training from celebrity coaches and worked with some incredible talents. Currently, I have an upcoming project that finished wrapping at the end of 2022 and will be coming to a major network soon. Be sure to stay tuned for this project that I am eager to share.

I feel I am most proud of my drive and strength to make it out of the lowest points of my life while maintaining an outgoing personality.

I feel what sets me apart from others as an actor is that I am fearless when it comes to playing different roles. I do not believe there is a role I would turn down because I really enjoy the art of storytelling. I feel every role has a story to tell and I choose to bring light to every character. Also, if there is any ego left in me, I leave it at the door and remain professional and pleasant to all cast and crew members.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I would say that I am a shy guy at times which is weird because I love to perform center stage in front of audiences. I can be very social at times and the life of the party; however, I am still very shy. I guess the stage and in front of the camera is my comfort zone. Although as shy and reserved I may come off, if you run into me, I am very open to speaking and having a conversation.

I also just want to inspire the readers, to continue to go after your passions in life. No matter what field you are in, there are always going to be ups and downs. So why not face the challenges going after something you truly are passionate about? Continue to stay strong, stay motivated, praise yourself, and remember to give yourself a break at times.

Once again, thank you for the opportunity and thanks for reading my story!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rashadtodd.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rashadtodd_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rashad.todd.9/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rashadtodd
• Other: www.tiktok.com/@rashadtodd_

Image Credits
Jamaal Murray Mark Hill Ruben Delact Maury Phillips Yachi Sherry