A Heart of Hollywood Magazine Exclusive Interview with one of Hollywood’s Top Rising Stars
By K. Busch
Charles D. Clark is an actor and producer, best known for his work on Empire (2015), Available Wife (2020) and, Charm City Kings (2020).
Mr. Clark is an American-born multi-award winning professional SAG-Aftra actor who is best-known for his “Bad Boy” role in the FOX hit show Empire as one of Shine’s main Goon Enforcers.
Mr. Clark has also played various Detective roles on hit true crime series that aired on TV One, ID Channel along with being in several upcoming big screen and indie films.
One of his latest appearances includes Will and Jada Pinkett Smith's newest movie Charm City Kings which is available to watch on HBO Max.
Mr. Clark also has an extensive resume and background that is projected to not only continue expanding but shows great potential of becoming one of the next biggest stars amongst Hollywood.
Outside of acting Mr. Clark is also a multi-award winning transformation speaker empowering lives worldwide through his powerful and life-changing testimony.
Stay tuned…Charles D. Clark is one of the newest and freshest faces in Hollywood who is known for always giving God the glory!
Heart of Hollywood had the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Clarks’ Fans and gathering some pressing questions as we provide this exclusive interview.
What made you decide to become an actor?
It was the moment with my Grandmother when she came to visit me in prison right before I was released. It was my first time seeing her since I was locked up. She had 3 brain tumors and dementia. My Aunt told me that my Grandma thought I was my Dad. Keep in mind my Dad died when I was 5. So the entire visit I had to act like my Dad. Imagine looking into the eyes of your grandma who is slowly dying and then become your dad who is already dead. After they left the correctional officer told me that what I did for my grandma was an Oscar moment and I should be an actor. Once I was released my first visit was at my grandma’s house. It was my first time there with her not being there physically. But spiritually she was. That’s when I knew it wasn’t me that sacrificed anything. My grandmother sacrificed her last moments to reveal my destiny. She gave me my first audition. RIP Lucille H. Clark.
John from Texas asks, what awards have you won? What advice do you have for others on becoming an award-winning actor?
I have won several national awards and local. Of course I’m aiming to win the worldwide such as the Oscar’s, Emmys. SAG-AFTRA and NAACP Image Awards. To be honest I never really focused on winning awards or being a celebrity etc. I just focus on the craft and dedicate my all to the arts. I mean yes the recognition is nice but shouldn’t be a first priority as an actor. Just do the work and focus on delivering that phenomenal cinematic moment in whatever TV or movie project you’re in. Last but not least always give God the glory!
At what age did you decide you wanted to pursue a career in acting?
As I stated before it was my Grandma that showed me my destiny as an actor. Before then it was never a thought. I landed my first role the year I got out of prison which was in November of 2009. So I have been doing this for almost 13 years and full time close to 5 years.
Do you have a favorite actor or actress?
I am a huge list but some of my top ones are Terrance Howard, Taraji P. Henson, Trai Byers, Xzibit, The Rock, Ice T, Michael B. Jordan, Tom Hanks, Jill Hennessey, Kevin Costner, Marlon Brando, Cart Grant, Idris Alba, Denzel Washington, Mahershala Ali, Leonardo DiCaprio, Gene Hackman, Samuel L. Jackson, and Daniel Day Lewis. And this is not even close to half. So, I really have no favorite, because I love all of them for specific reasons.
Katie from Tennessee asks, what have you produced? What made you want to pursue a career in producing?
I never had any intentions to produce. But my brother from another mother, the great George Dibble, who is a multi-award winning filmmaker and CEO/Founder of Elysium Productions brought me on board with his multi-award winning production while filming the upcoming movie Volkov Origin (Still currently filming). George saw how intrigued I was about other areas on the movie set besides being in front of the camera so he blessed me to be his producer for Elysium Productions. Also his wife Candice who is like my sister runs the entire production side of Elysium Productions so I learned from her as well.
Do you have a favorite movie?
Shawshank Redemption, Hustle & Flow, Black Panther, Forest Grump, The Negotiator, Untouchables, The Godfather and Friday to name a few. Again the list is too long.
Out of the roles you have played, which one was your favorite?
I love all of my roles because I cherish every opportunity to grow and become better at my craft. However, my role as one of Shine’s main goons, played by Xzibit, on the hit show EMPIRE is what launched my career.
Aaron from Vermont asks, What was it like working on Empire?
It was a dream come! To be around and work with so many great legends and new superstars was simply amazing. I gotta shout out the entire cast, production and especially my Empire family Sanaa Hamri and Stephen D’Amato.
Do you have a favorite hobby?
Cooking and listening to Neo Soul music. I’m also into poetry as well.
Would you ever consider dating a fan?
Never gave it a thought, LOL. Too focused on my craft and other God given priorities to think about dating.
What are your current goals or ambitions?
To become one of the greatest actors of all time and in the process to inspire people worldwide because of my powerful testimony. From being a fatherless child at the age of 5, getting into the street and gang life in my mid-teens as a Goon Enforcer and drug dealer, serving almost 8 years in prison, to becoming a multi-award winning actor/producer, transformation speaker, youth and a social justice advocate is a legacy being birthed on its own as I give God the glory.
What’s something that would be important for other aspiring actors to know?
Don’t become an actor for frame and fortune. Do it because it’s your God given passion. Expect a thousand No’s before a yes. Be consistent, train, train and train! And always give God the glory!
Did you take acting lessons/classes? How did you learn acting?
I have attended The Theater Lab School of Dramatic Arts, Master Class by Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey. Acting Workshop by Taye Diggs, Harvard Edx certified courses studying Shakespeare/Othello and currently Zoom courses at Julliard.
What’s something that you have rarely told anyone about yourself?
My first job was at 8 years old working on my grandparent’s farm and other local farmers.
What’s your biggest strength?
I’m very strategic and I am a multitasker, especially in the most challenging times.
What’s your biggest weakness?
I have a huge heart.
Do you have a favorite clothing brand or designer?
Not really as long as it’s appealing to me I’m good.
Do you have a favorite band or musician?
I love all Neo Soul, Gospel and some Hip-Hop. I love a little bit of Country and Pop Rock as well.
Describe the perfect day, how would the weather be and what would you be doing?
I’m a sky and water person. I like multi-color skies or gloomy blue/gray skies with water. So a nice beach and a sunset here and there.
Do you have a favorite quote?
Yes, mine’s, LOL. “Be a master of your purpose or a slave to someone else’s.”
Do you have any travel destinations that you would like to visit?
Anywhere in the UK, Miami and a couple of beaches in California.
What’s your favorite food or drink?
Being that I love to cook, especially for others, I love all foods and my favorite drink is water. When I do drink alcohol occasionally, a red wine or tequila with fruits is my go to.
What’s your favorite season? Why?
I love all seasons because they all serve a purpose and I appreciate Mother Nature. I’m just blessed to be alive.
Have you ever binge-watched a series? Which one?
I’ve binged watched a lot of series. My favorite ones are EMPIRE, of course, The Sopranos, House of Cards, Luke Cage and the Godfather of Harlem.
Do you have a favorite book or author?
Besides the Bible, I love reading any books that pertain to Greek Mythology and one specifically, “The Art of War”.
Additional information: How can others find you?
Original Acting Reel
About the Writer
K Busch is an entertainment writer for Heart of Hollywood Magazine, film critic for Hollywood Weekly Magazine and journal reviewer for The American Psychological Association.
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Image Credit: Charles Clark
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