Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Dobson
Hi Robert, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Conceived in 1971 by two total opposites, dad quiet and unmoved, Mom, outgoing and approachable. I always joked with them that its a good thing I am a Libra so I can balance them. I was their first of 3. I survived long enough to graduate high school in 1989. My dad signed a waiver for me to go into the US Army at 16. I was enlisted 4 years, then decided I wanted be an Army Officer. I received my Commission through the University of North Carolina at Charlotte R.O.T.C Scholarship Program along with a Criminal Justice Degree in 1995. I started work as a correctional officer in Raleigh while working part-time security to survive. Raleigh Police Department would not hire me because they said I was hard enough so what else was I to do with a CJUS Degree. I decided that Corrections, although it made me harder, and not because of the prisoners locked up but the undisciplined, unreliable, uneducated, dishonest, correctional officers I had to work with made it that way, was not for me. Combined growing up with hard preachers, hard parents, hard teachers, then the US Army, and then seeing what I saw in state penitentiary, I left the NC National Guard and Reserves and decided to go into the Army full-time. This is finally what changed my life and made me finally fill like I was worthy of myself. I should have just went active duty right after high school but trying to prove that I could cut it in civilian life, proved my guidance counselor right, that I’d be better off in the Army. With a great granddad serving in WWII, then grandfather, and then my dad, it only made sense, but I was the 1st Commissioned Officer in my family and first Military Police. 21 years later I’m a disabled veteran and I start working for the Federal Government in DC. I needed something different. I wanted to use my talents in a different way. I was tired of the politics, bureaucracy, and office/cubicle/meetings/briefings/trainings/training/training….it never ever ends! I moved to LA to become a full-time actor. 3 days and my world was lighter but even more crazier. That was 2017, I did ride-share and executive protection so I can be on set as needed at any given time, not being controlled by the usual 9 to 5 saga I escaped back on the east coast. Then there was the unexpected. A world pandemic that brought people to their knees and shut down acting studios and sets and stages which meant no work and eventually even no ride-share. Not to mention gas prices went through the roof and by the time I made $50 I had to turn right around and put it back in gas and then if COVID was not enough, the Actors decided to go on a strike and yet my rent not doubled but tripled and I was worse off than when I left DC. After two failed attempts of renting a room with the worst types of people, I decided to move yet again to Las Vegas. I have been in Sin City since 2023 trying to upgrade the shame of hearing my dad tell me I am unsettled and unaccomplished in my head.
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?
I have made some moves in my life since moving to the West Coast to pursue an acting career. I mean I have been on TV and been in some really great notable films. I do have an agent and manager. I am optimistic that the new pilot season will bring me opportunities now that covid is being managed and the strike is over. I would like to think I still can make my mark in the entertainment industry. If anything an opportunity as a voice actor if not on the big screen, on a mic as the next James Earl Jones. If an athlete or singer can become an actor, surely an actor with skill and talent can become a successful one too lol! I do not have a million followers on instagram but I’m smart enough to know that talent can not be bought but followers can. No, I do not have only fans to help get by, I have a degree or two, a top security clearance I rely on to get me by when no one is booking me for acting work. There lies my value, my accomplishments, my self-worth, and my peace.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am most proud to be apart of a growing film called Triggered where I play the Marvel Super Hero Lucas Bishop and the only way to see it is to be invited to a premiere. We just celebrated being on the big screen in Time Square, NYC last month. The man that I owe this all to, the late James Steven Tingus and Marcus Hamm, who is the writer, creator, and producer. They are the reason I still strive to keep going in the acting entertainment industry. They brought Triggered to life and now I am seeing myself grown along with this amazing film. I am really looking forward to Triggered 3.0 where my character will be allowed to let go and shine even more than ever. This is where my dream unfolds and I can be that bad ass I always wanted to be as well as show my acting range.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My biggest advice is if you want to do something in life, go do it. I wish I had went into the Army full time right after high school and my benefits would be even greater than they are now. I wish I had moved to LA much sooner and skipped DC all together and I could be a name now but remember whatever your process, enjoy it along the way. Find people have your best interest at heart. Know the difference, between co-workers, associates, and true friends. Find ways to stay healthy and feel good about yourself. Take care of yourself first because if you are not 100, you can not help others to be 100. I am only here to inspire others and let them know that they can do whatever they want if they want to.
Contact Info:
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@blkice112
