Conversations with Malcolm Bowen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Malcolm Bowen.

Hi Malcolm, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
For some reason, I just knew that I wanted to be an actor. As a kid, I was always into artistic or creative outlets. My parents didn’t restrict me from much media. I was a pretty active child. My mom told me that even after I had surgery that would have made any other child sit down, it apparently didn’t phase me.

As a family, we would watch movies from just about all the popular genres at the time. I believe it was that which sparked my interest in acting.

I was about 10 years old. And from there, I would experience one let-down after another as my mom and I would try to get me seen by talent scouts and all. Some seemed promising, but others were predatory. There was also a school play that I would audition for and book a role in, only to be forced to give it up because my employer refused to be flexible with my work schedule. After that, I kind of pushed acting to the side to focus on my schooling.

Despite this setback, my desire for acting grew and it ushered me into other areas such as modeling and even dancing when I entered college. Initially, I thought it was strange that after not actively pursuing acting for a number of years that it would still be a desire of mine. But it was and this led me to believe I should keep going after it.

I can honestly say that I have never felt so strongly or passionately about a career as I have about acting. Pursuing your dreams is hard. Period. Sadly, many people don’t even try or get the chance to.

For me, I think It was that strong desire to be a successful actor and illustrate to everyone back in my hometown that you can really achieve the dreams you have in life if you persist. I want to be a beacon or conduit of that.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Even the greats have said it! The life of an actor is not an easy one. The road has definitely not been smooth. But when I get the text, call, or email telling me I have been booked, it makes it all worth it.

That being said, most of my struggles along the way have involved or almost centered around finances, self-esteem, and self-confidence.

When you are not completely secure financially, it can definitely impact your self-esteem and self-confidence and really create an undesired obstacle when pursuing this career. All of it is connected. It plays into the psyche so much that at times I may not have realized it.

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 am an actor that specializes in commercials, TV/Film, and voiceover. I’m not known for anything major yet, but I have gotten to work with and around some amazingly talented actors and celebrities.

I am probably most proud of seeing my fellow actor friends get parts and knowing I was a part of that process. It brings me joy when I can see the people I care about experiencing bookings as well.

One thing for sure is my tenacity. I’m very determined to be successful here. I believe I am a very likable person who is easily approachable, easy to work with, and easy to know.

Also, I can be very resourceful and crafty. I love challenges and teaching myself new skills. From being self-taught in photography as well as learning how to shoot and edit videos, my goal is to have my own production company.

So maybe we end by discussing what matters most to you and why?
Telling a story that resonates with people and is relatable. These are the kinds of stories that we need today.

Especially as a young, black actor in Hollywood. This is an interesting time and many people are watching Hollywood to see how it reflects the world we currently live in.

That’s why I think representation is more important now than ever. If we want people to feel confident, to feel empowered, they need examples that allow them to see themselves in that light.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.malcolmbowen.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actormbowen
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/actormbowen
• Other: https://pico.link/actormbowen

Image Credits
Malcolm Bowen