Today we’d like to introduce you to Warren Marks.
Warren, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My story starts in the hard knock streets of Cleveland Ohio (76th Union St. to be exact). I grew up never really leaving too far from the stoop (I refer to stoop kid because I love cartoons and heard that reference all throughout most of my favorite 90’s cartoons). Reason being, because I had a good sense of the dangers that were within close proximity of my home. I was raised with my younger brother in a single family home by my Mother. I was an exuberant kid with lots of personality and a smile to match, which played a great defense mechanism around my actual thoughts & feelings of self-doubt & insecurities. For a very long time, I thought a mediocre life between the confines of my own front & back yard would be the farthest I could go. But then something happened. As I got a little older and more mature, I started to venture off into the world. I began working for a living to attain things I wanted in life and eventually ended up with a very extensive corporate background (retail, warehouse, sales, promotions, leasing, real estate, etc.). I also was accepted into one of the most prestigious Colleges known (The Ohio State University) and received my bachelors in the arts and science. With a school enrolling more than 45’000 students, I remember quite a few of my friends and family asking why I wanted to go to such a large school and not something slightly larger, like the community schools around me. Well…. I took the leap because I enjoyed the challenge of breaking down and learning huge areas.
Also because if I was going to do something, then I should go big or go home. During this phase in my life, I began to notice the right side of my brain take over (which is the creative side). I was always ok with my left side being in control because the left brain made sure things got done in a logical sense. But I wasn’t happy and I couldn’t understand why for quite some time. I began to pay more attention to things that I did in my spare time outside of work. I was creating content like “Bae Chronicles” (a tv series created on Snapchat, that viewers really enjoyed). I started to travel more within the states & started to express myself a little more after college and working in corporate America for a few more years. I was still very self-conscious & insecure (which the smile protected). But then something happened. I snapped… yes the “Thanos snap” (refers to an action comic and film, as you can see I’m still a big kid at heart) happened and all that I was insecure about, all that I was self-conscious about, didn’t necessarily go away, but the constant pressure of all of that worry and doubt all along was making the perfect diamond (see what I did there…gems, diamonds, lol sorry, I’m enjoying this interview). That’s when I decided to take all that I currently was and leap once again. With my logic side (which could get things done) and my creative side (the side that actually made me happy) and go for what would no longer be work, but my wondrous life of an actor.
Has it been a smooth road?
I don’t think the road to anything prosperous and worthwhile would be smooth. If it were, would it really be worth it? Would you cherish and hold true value to it? I guess I can only speak for myself and say no. Being a black male already has its challenges within that road. Moving all the way on the other side of the states is another story. Growing up in Cleveland and just Ohio in general, I never had a problem making friends. Even more, I really enjoyed the genuine connections and bonds that I made with those friends. It was very difficult packing whatever I could in my car and leaving everything I ever knew. There were a lot of sleepless nights. A lot of staring up at the ceiling. A lot of tears that shed. They say “you really don’t know what you have until it’s gone”. I never knew the power of having a true support system until it was no longer there. And this isn’t to say that I can’t make a phone call. But there’s just something about being in close corders with your loved ones and being able to feel them when you vent. Along with the rollercoaster of ups and downs that the show business industry brings, and the expensive rates of anything and everything in California it has been quite a bumpy road. But I’ve managed to strike out my first year and don’t plan on stopping here. I’m here for the long run and as you already know, I enjoy a good challenge.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I moved to California to pursue acting. Even though I have only been here for a years time, I am very proud of what I’ve already accomplished. I’ve had a lead/Supporting role in two Indie feature films, a co-star role on a major network and currently working on some very exciting short films. This industry can make you go insane if you let it. But the key is just taking it one day at a time. Whats helped me is understanding that things come in due time. What is meant for you won’t pass you by. Just continue to be yourself in all that you do and stay consistent, even if it’s something small. This has helped me a lot. I’m still getting my feet wet with learning all the pockets of California, but nonetheless enjoying every moment of it with extreme dedication and focus.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
You saw the kid come out a little bit earlier with all the references about cartoons and comics, but this question is bringing out the dog in me as it tugs on my heartstrings a bit. What I like best about my city is that it breeds absolute bosses, CEO’s, go-getters, etc. just ask about Cleveland. Some might tell you that it’s a savage place. But anyone who comes out of Cleveland is just hands down a unique being and capable of doing anything and everything to their heart’s content. There’s just something about Cleveland. We’re loyal (just go to a Cleveland Browns game at the dawg pound) we’re fierce, we have great fashion. And above all else, when things get tough, we persevere above all. I love Cleveland. What I like least about it is that we don’t get the proper recognition it deserves. But that will come in due time. That’s a promise.
Contact Info:
- Website: imdb.me/WarrenMarks
- Instagram: @warrenmarks_
Image Credit:
@jonesnphoto, @reymarkable_p
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