Spotlighting: Charles Clark 

For this month of August 2017; our ‘Interview Spotlight’ is shining on Actor, Charles Clark who I had the great opportunity of interviewing for our magazine.

Who Is Charles Clark: Charles Clark is an American actor known for his roles in Empire (2015), For My Man (2015) and 53206: Milwaukee (2017). Charles Clark is also a man whose actions and ambitions are fueled by spiritual purpose, a man of faith and redemption who talks and tweets POSITIVITY on the regular.

Here is my ‘Spotlight Interview’ with Charles Clark.

Trainer Z: Before we venture into the life and times of you ‘the person’ and you ‘the actor’, please inform us and the world of any events and/or projects you have coming up that we should be on the lookout for?

  • Charles Clark: I’m back on ‘Empire Season 4’ as one of Shine’s main goons, and I will be on ‘Investigation Discovery’ new tv show “Spotless” along with two upcoming big screen films to name a few.

Trainer Z: What are some personal accomplishments you are most proud of?

  • Charles Clark: Jumping out on faith after quitting a decent paying job to pursue my dreams as an actor full time, and becoming a great daddy to my beautiful daughter Cynne’ Clark.

Trainer Z: Our magazine is all about POSITIVITY. I notice on twitter that you consistently tweet positive messages. Enlighten us as to what compels you to do so?

  • Charles Clark: My testimony and a desire to bring people closer to God. One of my sole purposes is to restore the unity and faith amongst lost souls according to God’s plan. Whether it’s in my regular life or in the entertainment industry.

Trainer Z: You have freely revealed that you have made some regrettable mistakes in the past and that you have even been incarcerated. Why do you make it a focal point to inform people of this?

  • Charles Clark: Well truthfully; I had to experience this specific tribulation for a detailed mission to empower and transform lives of those who lack the interest to change which will eventually lead them to a dead end. I love to see people win, and when you I look at my testimony from being a street enforcer, drug dealer, gang banger and ex-felon to the new me now because of God, naturally people would want to know the what, when and how’s.

Trainer Z: What are some professional career accomplishments you are most proud of?

  • Charles Clark: Winning multiple awards as a motivational/transformational speaker, becoming SAG eligible which I will be officially a SAG actor very soon, and being a part of the hit tv show ” Empire “.

Trainer Z: What attracted you to begin a career as an actor?

  • Charles Clark: I knew I wanted to be an actor in prison. A couple of months before I was released, my grandmother came to visit me with my aunt and uncle, little did I know; she was sick with a brain tumor/dementia and my aunt told me that my grandma thought I was my dad who died in 1986. Then my aunt said, I need for you to “act” like your dad for the entire visit because if grandma thinks otherwise it will put a strain on her and the tumor. I acted like I was my dad for nearly 2 hours which was one of the most painful and emotional experiences ever but because of my acting skills, she never saw my hurt and pain.

Trainer Z: What was your first on-screen role as an actor?

  • Charles Clark: I had a small speaking role as “CJ” in an independent film called “Premise of Duality” by Brian Nesbit of New Wave Productions who is a phenomenal writer, director, producer, and actor. He truly believed in me and he gave me my introduction into the world of acting.

Trainer Z: Why do you feel that acting is the ideal profession for you?

  • Charles Clark: Acting is my destiny and God-given gift. It allows me to channel into different characters and scenarios, not just to entertain but to also change people’s lives through a very diverse platform.

Trainer Z: If not an actor, what do you think would be the ideal profession for you?

  • Charles Clark: Probably a minister or something along the lines of advocating in the social justice arena.

Trainer Z: What kind of acting roles do you prefer?

  • Charles Clark: I love diversity and challenges, so it would be roles that can show sides of me that the audience would have never thought existed. I’m known for a lot of detective or bad boy roles but stay tuned because I’m currently putting on shoes for more dynamic roles as we speak.

Trainer Z: What was your most challenging acting role and why?

  • Charles Clark: I would say all of my detective roles like on TV One and the ID Channel because, in real life, I was the bad guy and criminal in my past life before I changed. Now on tv, I’m playing the opposite which is various law enforcement roles catching the bad guys. The transition of that within itself is very interesting.

Trainer Z: Are you aspiring to become a famous actor?

  • Charles Clark: Well a lot of people are saying I’m definitely headed that way. However, I don’t think being famous is nearly as important as just being remembered as an awesome human being who touched lives and was a very skilled actor.

Trainer Z: How do you think you would handle the perks and the downfalls that come with being famous?

  • Charles Clark: This is why I put God first before any and everything while giving Him the Glory. That way He can handle it for me.

Trainer Z: What’s your all time favorite movie?

  • Charles Clark: John Q.

Trainer Z: What are your Top 5 favorite movies?

  • Charles Clark: John Q, Hustle & Flow, Driving Miss Daisy, Face Off, and Hidden Figures.

Trainer Z: Who are your Top 5 actors?

  • Charles Clark: Terrence Howard, Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, Tom Hanks, and Colin Ferrell.

Trainer Z: Who are your Top 5 actresses?

  • Charles Clark: Taraji P. Henson, Viola Davis, Angela Bassett, Julia Roberts, and Sandra Bullock.

Trainer Z: Focusing on your career aspirations. 10 years from now, where do you see yourself?

  • Charles Clark: Being an A-List actor and filmmaker, along with being a very positive and powerful entertainment public figure.

Trainer Z: If you could change just one thing about the acting industry, what would it be?

  • Charles Clark: The separation and lack of positivity within the industry. Lack of unity and not putting God into your journey will eventually lead to a road of destruction that money or fame can’t stop.

Trainer Z: What words of advice can you give to aspiring actors?

  • Charles Clark: Before focusing on being a movie star, first focus on being a great actor. Love God and your fans. Remain humble and be consistent while staying relevant to your craft.

Trainer Z: Now let’s talk fitness. I saw a photo of you on Twitter where you look like you have been putting in some workout time. At what age or stage of your life did fitness become a part of your lifestyle?

  • Charles Clark: Honestly, I have always been active from playing baseball, football and martial arts but I really got into weightlifting when I was in prison and it just stuck with me. Plus now, being a professional actor is an inspiration for me to try to look my best or specifically for the role I’m encountering. Most importantly, I want to live a long life not just for me but my daughter.

Trainer Z: There you have it; he is Charles Clark. Thank you, Charles, for taking the time to share with us and most importantly, you have enlightened us. We look forward to your upcoming projects and to also ‘Spotlighting’ you again in the near future. Before you exit the stage, how can businesses, organizations, and people connect with you?