Today we’d like to introduce you to Canaan Dewey.
Hi Canaan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My acting journey began in the heart of New York City – from Hell’s Kitchen to Chelsea and the Village. It was in these neighborhoods where I immersed myself in acting classes, improv shows, and off-Broadway productions. The bustling streets of Manhattan were where I laid the foundation of my craft, and they hold a special place in my heart. One day, I aspire to return to New York City’s black box theaters – a personal goal I hold dear.
A cherished memory from those days is my participation in a vampire-themed show. I had the privilege to be part of two consecutive productions for this particular show, and the experience was exhilarating to say the least. It’s a recollection I’ll treasure forever.
Back then, my ambitions were centered around making it to ‘Saturday Night Live’ or urgently moving to L.A. for pilot season, with the hopes of propelling my acting career further. However, life had its own plans, and my trajectory shifted as I took on a full-time job. But now, as I find myself in Los Angeles, I’m reigniting my passion and pursuing my dream of becoming a working actor once again.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Pursuing a career in the creative or performing arts is seldom straightforward, especially if you don’t fit into mainstream or traditional molds. I’m not insinuating that the world is overtly prejudiced or biased, but there’s an underlying expectation in the industry about showcasing what most audiences would supposedly appreciate. Being part of a group that might be polarizing to the masses, I’ve often felt overlooked due to my deviation from certain well, stereotypes associated with my appearance.
One experience that remains etched in my memory is an encounter with an acting coach in Los Angeles. I visited her for what should’ve been a simple slate recording. Upon assessing me, she seemed puzzled and asked about my origin. I told her I hailed from East Orange, New Jersey, near Newark. She suggested I perhaps “sound a bit more urban” because of the immediate judgments made in this industry. While her words could be construed as prejudiced, considering her own typecasting, I interpreted her comments as a candid observation of the industry we’re in. After all, casting often revolves around visual impressions and relatability. Who would connect with me on screen? The vast majority or a niche audience?
She hinted that unless I aligned with specific stereotypes, like being “traditionally black” or “traditionally gay,” I’d need to hone my skills even further to stand out. While external factors play a role, I acknowledge the onus is on me to refine my craft. I’m wrapping up the fourth level of improv at Upright Citizens Brigade. To truly succeed in this field, I need to present something uniquely mine.
While every individual is unique, in the broader perspective of general audiences, I represent a minor demographic. This reality emphasizes the need for me to shine brighter, ensuring I stand out. My journey in the industry hasn’t been a cakewalk, but it’s because I’m different that I remain undeterred.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My journey as an Actor
Why do I say that? Even though I identify as an actor, there’s a lot more to my story. My goal has always been to create financial independence for myself while simultaneously pursuing a career as a working SAG-AFTRA actor.
In New York, I dove into background roles and off-off-Broadway shows. This kept me busy, but eventually, I took a hiatus from acting. The next chapter of my journey led me to Los Angeles where I resumed my acting career, albeit in a different capacity. My roles have ranged from background appearances to minor speaking parts. Some might recall my role in an independent film titled “The Education of a Negro” or my appearance in the short film “Chirp, Buzz and Other Sensations”.
I had my break into the union around 2019 when I was offered a part in a Netflix show. This was a turning point, even though the segment didn’t air. Before the pandemic hit, my acting career was gaining momentum, and I even won an award for best-supporting actor.
Unfortunately, the pandemic brought new challenges. I’ve auditioned countless times, and there’ve been instances where my audition concepts appeared on-screen, albeit portrayed by someone else. These experiences, however, have made me resilient. Currently, I’m without an agent or manager, but I keep pushing forward, seeking new opportunities, and sharing my story in interviews like this one.
My acting journey began in elementary school and church plays, with a memorable performance where I lip-synched to Luther Vandross’ “A House is Not a Home” dressed in a white suit and fake mustache. In college, I enrolled in Acting 101, which was the catalyst for everything that followed.
Beyond Acting
Outside of acting, I’ve nurtured other passions. I’m especially proud of my clothing line, “Canaanwear,” which has become a creative outlet for me. Inspired by cultures, nature, and the world around me, it brings me joy to wear and share my designs.
Reading has been another enduring passion. In fact, I’ve authored several books over the years, some of which are photography-centric while others are geared towards actors. My upcoming book, “Monologue Mastery,” is a reflection of my newfound appreciation for monologues, which I’ve developed thanks to my improv classes.
Defining My Style
My distinctive style and aesthetic set me apart. I lean towards androgyny, believing clothes shouldn’t be confined by gender. Sometimes, I don outfits like kilts, challenging societal norms and gender stereotypes. To me, life is about pushing boundaries and expressing oneself without inhibition. My style icon, the 101-year-old Iris Apfel, embodies this philosophy. Her unapologetic and vibrant style is a testament to living one’s truth, irrespective of societal judgments.
In conclusion, whether it’s on the stage, in my writings, or through my clothing line, my journey has been about creativity, resilience, and challenging norms. Life is brief, and it’s imperative to live it in color, to be bold, and to always have fun.
How do you think about happiness?
To be candid, my greatest joy stems from the life my husband and I have crafted together. We’re both a bit quirky, bonded initially by our shared love for the unconventional and playful. Activities that might befit a school trip, like visiting museums, theme parks, cultural events, and festivals, have remained our shared joy. We adore zoos, aquariums, and as unabashed Disney enthusiasts with annual passes, there’s always some membership we’re taking advantage of.
What sets this relationship apart for me is the genuine freedom he grants me to be unapologetically me. In past relationships, I’ve often felt pressure to conform, to mute my quirks and passions, or to adopt a certain demeanor. Previous partners would, directly or indirectly, express their disapproval if I didn’t fit their mold, resorting sometimes to gaslighting, passive aggression, or outright control.
However, with my husband, there’s a profound sense of liberation. I’m empowered to pursue my desires, hobbies, and passions, no matter how offbeat, without a hint of judgment. We’ve fostered an environment where our primary concern is our shared happiness. Questions of wealth, status, or power fade in the face of this simple metric. I’ve experienced relationships that offered more material access, but without the liberty to truly be oneself, it becomes a gilded cage.
The key to my happiness has been the ability to live authentically and to have the space to do so. Growing up, I often felt marginalized, resorting to self-imposed isolation to stay true to myself. But now, I can be genuine not just with my husband, but learn to extend that authenticity around others. It’s in this space of genuine self-expression that I’ve discovered my true happiness.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.canaandewey.com
