Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhett George.
Rhett, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Well, let’s just start with the name – Rhett George. My parents got my first name from the movie classic Gone with the wind. The lead character’s name was Rhett Butler. I guess my parents somehow knew that I would be in Entertainment and wanted to bless me with a great stage name. Yes, I was teased as a kid for such a unique name and I hated it then, but I have learned to embrace it now. Having two first names is always cool.
My mother was a Christian singer in the Caribbean with her two sisters. She taught me how to sing at age three. From there, I caught the bug of performing whether be singing or dancing or using my imagination to put on one-person plays. For most of my pre-teen years, I grew up and only child, so I was in a lot of extracurricular activities to keep me busy. I started taking piano lessons at age six. I would tell my younger self now to sit at the piano and put in the hours of practice. I am a songwriter and I really wish I could play my own songs. But I guess its never too late to learn. I danced and competed in nationwide dance competitions in the disciplines of Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Acrobatic and Hip Hop. But I knew at a very young age that I did not want to be one dimensional. I wanted to dive into everything… a triple threat… an entertainer that does it all.
Fast forward some years to my real first professional job at the amusement park Paramount Canada’s Wonderland, where I was a singer and dancer in the summer stage show. I then moved accidentally into musical theatre. I say that because I had never seen a musical prior and somehow, I ended up in the production of Rent, which led to other musicals such as Broadway, Aida, Wicked, Sweet Charity and The Little Mermaid to name a few. After living in New York and calling it home, I decided to take another risk and try out Los Angeles.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think everyone and can relate to having struggles in every situation. If everything were smooth in life, the victory to overcome would not be so rewarding. I have definitely had some wonderful opportunities and blessings with jobs. But in between that were a lot of No’s and Maybes. You have to be able to be strong and keep going no matter what. There have been plenty of jobs where I audition and did not get. Even when I thought I should have because of industry politics. You think to yourself ok this is it my dreams are coming through just as I imagined and then they don’t quite turn out that way. It makes you want to just give up. So sometimes its struggle to stay on the train and keep going!
I had already built a career of some sort in New York but I wanted to try something different. I wanted something more. I had been behind the camera plenty of times, But I knew Los Angeles was the place to be to expand on that. When I first got to LA, I had definitely had a great flow and momentum and some cool opportunities. But I feel its a different pace. So when things slow down they really slow down and it can put you in a place. Dare I even say lonely one. So the struggle is to find a way to work hard to snap out of the place. Motivate yourself and keep active and not get discouraged.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am an Actor. Singer, Songwriter and Dancer- Been in numerous Broadway Shows, commercial and TV appearances. I also have two self-written music albums available on iTunes and all other platforms. Along with a recent single called ” Butterfly ” that was featured on SYTYCD on NBC performed by the season 14 winner. You can watch the music video of the same name on YouTube directed by Silicon Valley star Amanda Crew. I am also known for my comedic attributes. I had a web series called The Audition where I play a deranged Dance Teacher who owns a theatre school. I have always been known to have a natural comedic energy and skill about me. I had the privilege of being in the 2017 cast of the yearly CBS diversity comedy showcase.
I am most proud of my diversity to adapt and be successful in most areas of entertainment. What sets me apart is my well-roundedness. Nowadays, to be successful and make money lol. You have to dabble in everything. Whether be Acting, Dancing, Singing, Business Ventures, etc. Not many people achieve that. But my inspirations would be stars such as Jaime Foxx, Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Timberlake, and past artists such as Sammie Davis Junior, Michael Jackson and Fred Astaire.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My parents have always supported me. They both have great careers, and I am sure they wanted me to do something along the lines of them. They had challenged me to think about choices as any parent would because they want the best for me. But they have NEVER discouraged me from doing what I wanted to do. I would say my friends that always encouraged me with kind words. I call them my second family. Especially when you move away from home and you are on your own. Sometimes you just need that text or voicemail message to remind you that you do have want it takes to achieve whatever you desire.
I have to give credit to past teachers mentors that brought out my gift and uniqueness to be open and explore yourself as an artist. Even movie stars or Singers that I have never met play a major role as idols and inspiration, so you can go out and be the best you can be.
Contact Info:
- Address: 11104 Weddington Street # 11
North Hollywood CA 91601 - Website: Rhettgeorge.com
- Phone: 917 609 2298
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram/iamrhettgeorge
- Twitter: Rhettgeorge
Image Credit:
Greg Crowder
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