Classically trained actor Marcus Murphy is a talent to watch. With ten years of experience the Washington, D.C. native most recently could be found playing Rashad Robinson in The Souls of Black Pebbles by Anthony Green. He also entertained audiences as Paul in the Off-Broadway production, Until the Flood by Dael Orlandersmith, D.J in Kenosis in Wonderland by Kenya Crawford, and Sleek Art Buyer in What Would Picasso Do by Andrew Brooks.
Marcus received his B.A. in Political Science from The University of District of Columbia. While pursuing his degree he filmed various features and short films ranging from different characters and music videos. After graduation, Marcus sought out award-winning playwright and acting coach Kelsey Collie to further his studies in script analysis, character development, scene study, and voice.
Wanting to give back to his community, Marcus started teaching young children the fundamentals of acting. His grounding in technique and the new skills he has gained has prepared him for a new and exciting chapter in his professional life.
For as long as memory serves, Marcus Murphy has been a storyteller. He has spent the last nine years exploring how stories are told through performing. Like most performers, Marcus had to wear many hats to productions come to life. He has written, acted, directed, produced, and assisted the crew to get the job done. When it comes to acting, stage, and film, Marcus has done it all.
Marcus also holds a Paralegal certification from The University of District of Columbia and has been working with students in his free time for the last four years. Marcus prides himself on the transformations of his students while studying acting with him. His plans are to continue to teach publicly and privately while he pursues another postgraduate degree in legal Law.
OurBlk Men Magazine got an exclusive interview with Marcus Murphy.
What inspired you to become an actor?
Marcus: What inspired me to transition into acting is after booking my first national print ad in Washington, D.C. for the Department of Health focusing on educating the effects of synthetic marijuana known as K2. The print ad was featured in Times Square, New York, District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia on bus stops and trains.
I thought the opportunity would allow me more modeling jobs but when I took my first acting course with Award-winning Playwright, Kelsey Collie, and booked my first film. I knew acting was the path I wanted to focus my career on and bring characters to life.
What are some of the most memorable moments in your career so far?
Marcus: The memorable moments in my career are having my print ad for K2 featured in Time Square for my first project, being recognized as a fan favorite in the horror movie Black Eyed Children: Let Me in by Justin Snyder and Serene Tohmy, being recognized by my peers as People’s Choice Nominee for DMV 35 and under created by The Media Prince and having the opportunity to do my first Off-Broadway play in Dael Orlandersmith play Until the Flood, directed by Julie Janson.
What are you currently working on?
Marcus: I am currently working on a scripted reality series called The Realness Behind the Crown created by King Liam. My character in the series is a pastor with his own story but relatable to every man flaw and all.
I just completed two amazing projects What Would Picasso Do? Written by Kenny Best, Andrew Brooks, and Ron Kelly set to release on Amazon Prime, December 3, 2021.
And, American Gone Viral written and directed by Selton Shaw. The film is currently on the film festival circuit. I am in pre-production for a new film I am starring in and executive producing called Greed and Loyalty by DeWayne Etheridge.
What would you like to see more of from black actors in our current climate?
Marcus: I would love to see more original content from black actors in our current climate. It is cool to play the stereotype of characters that are gangsters from time to time. However, it is important to have suitable content uplifting the current generation and the ones behind us. We are more than the streets so having black men and women in roles that are empowering and commanding.
What is a quote that you live by?
Marcus: The quote I live by is “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.
Who are some actors that inspire you and why?
Marcus: I am inspired by Old Hollywood actors such as Sidney Poitier who came into America as an immigrant and felled immensely as an actor before being the first black man to win an Oscar. He is an example of what perseverance and hard work are. It is amazing to have someone in that position that has paved the doors for myself as an African American talent.
Ossie Davis inspired me in films but primarily on the activism he did outside of entertainment. He has shown me that having an entertainment career is beneficial but using your platform for the community is just as better.
What impact do you want to make in the world through your talent?
Marcus: The impact I would like to make in the world through my talent is showing individuals you can achieve anything you put your mind to. I know that sounds cliché, but it is so true because prior to entertainment I was living in poverty and once homeless. I knew my current situations were not my future so working hard and allowing the right mentors in my life has guided me in the right direction. Although I have overcome my situations it is important for me to allow my light to shine and be an inspiration for those who need it.
What advice would you have for aspiring actors?
Marcus: My advice to aspiring actors is to enjoy your journey and do not allow what others are doing to impact your journey. I have been in the industry for ten years and I too, am still an inspiring actor. It is important to create content that makes you happy and collaborate with other creatives. More importantly, trust God in all your decisions and the rest will follow.
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