Today we’d like to introduce you to Devin McGee.
Hi Devin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My acting journey began in elementary school, where I played a motorcycle gang member in the school’s production of the musical “Leader of the Pack.” I vividly remember being absolutely terrified on that stage but also completely mesmerized by the applause and energy coming from the audience. In middle school, I discovered my passion for drumming. My father was a drummer and when I was young, he used to bring me to his band’s shows where I would sit behind his drum set in awe of the excitement, energy and applause coming from the crowd. In high school and college I played drums in several bands; performing in clubs and reveling in that same excitement.
Ironically, it was playing drums that steered my course back into the world of acting. After college, while in Wilmington, NC, I was asked to play a featured background role, as a drummer, on the popular teen drama series ONE TREE HILL. It was my first time on a real television set and I immediately fell in love with the excitement and creative energy; I felt like I had finally found my tribe. I signed up for acting classes and dove head-first into the art of storytelling.
A few years later, I booked a day player part on the same show! I was ecstatic because I used to drive by Screen Gems Studios (where the show filmed) almost every single day and I would tell myself that one day I would be working as an actor on those very sound stages. As fate would have it, what was supposed to be only a small, one-episode co-star ended up turning into a recurring guest star over the course of two more seasons, a testament and reminder that there are “no small parts” and your luck really can change at any moment in this business as long as you work hard, keep the faith and are prepared for when your number is called. I went on to book a number of other film and television roles throughout the Southeast before moving to Los Angeles in 2018, where I continue to work as a musician and actor.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have many ups and downs throughout my acting career. I have also seen many friends who have experienced a run of success only to be followed by a lengthy dry spell. Los Angeles is an extremely competitive market and in many regards, I felt like I was starting all over again when I moved here from North Carolina. Finding new representation, getting to know new casting offices, and the sheer financial struggle that comes with juggling a “survival job” while maintaining flexibility to be available for auditions and bookings. I think the one thing that has kept me sane during those rough patches is my ongoing acting class. I LOVE my acting coach, Marjorie Ballantine! She is tough but she has made me a much better actor, stressing the importance of the craft’s history, script analysis, and human behavior, all while holding her students to a higher standard.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I started my acting career with a lot of “bad guy” roles, including the role of Xavier on ONE TREE HILL, where I was a stalker and murderer. Although I still play a few shady characters, including a recent role on THE ROOKIE where my character was a gun-wielding pharmacist selling illegal firearms, I’ve also had the opportunity to explore other characters, like a reformed inmate on THE VAMPIRE DIARIES and the goofy golf cart attendant in the absurd golf comedy, BIRDIES. Over the course of my career, I’m still most proud of my time on ONE TREE HILL because I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many fans (from all of the world) who have become family, thanks to the show’s conventions. It’s very humbling that even years after the show has ended, the stories still resonate with so many people.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
First of all, I’m vegan and have been for most of my life, so one of my favorite things about living in Los Angeles is the wide variety of vegan options and restaurants. Being an avid surfer, I love all of the great surf breaks in and around LA as well. I also enjoy being in nature, whether it’s hiking, biking, surfing, skateboarding, or snowboarding. The only downside is that the traffic sometimes delays my adventuring, and I do wish the water temperature were a little warmer so that I could surf a few more days without a wet suit. Oh, and I’m also not a huge fan of having to move my car for street cleaning.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @devinmcgee
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2406530
Image Credits
Photo #1: Michael Tackett © The CW, LLC All Rights Reserved
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