RE N A I S S A N C E M A N
Born in Detriot, MI—what he proudly calls "the land of hard work and blue collar ethics"—only child Giani Clarkson discovered his gift for acting in Kindergarten: "I guess I always knew! (laughs) The first time when you are little and you play dress up in Kindergarten and you do a funny voice and make a bunch of people laugh, you kinda think to yourself, 'You know…I got something here!' (laughs). I learned how to control emotions and be a great story teller on stage early on. I feel that all good actors have that characteristic."
Dressed in a blue tuxedo with a red bowtie, Giani's first taste of fame came in first grade when he lip-synched Freddie Jackson's "Jam Tonight" for his school's "Putting on the Lyrics Competition." While lip-synching his heart out into his toy microphone—at one point even getting down on one knee—the crowd began to roar! Giani placed first, earning him a golden microphone trophy which sits on his parents' mantel to this day. Young Giani won again the next two years, leaving many parents less than pleased. It was soon decided that the competion would be replaced by a family showcase. This disappointed Giani because he loved winning the golden microphones, but The Clarkson Family put on mesmerizing shows regardless.
As a child, Giani also learned the importance of community service. Although Giani was an only child and was spoiled, he was never allowed to act like a brat: "My parents went out of their way to help me understand that I was blessed (not lucky...blessed!). My parents let me know at a very early age that I had been given more than most and because of that, my hands and heart should always be in a position to give back. It was demanded of me to serve my surrounding community growing up. My Mom worked at a community service agency and I spent most of my time there working as a volunteer during Halloween parties, Christmas gives, and anything else. My father worked at the Detroit Police Department when I was in high school. I worked in various communities with the Detroit Police Department. My Dad pointed out to me the challenges of low-income families and how my talents could be instrumental in helping them out. I tutored and worked alongside community leaders—I stayed busy! You had to stay busy to keep in the Clarkson household!"
3 + 3 About Gi! Favorite number? Gi #3 is his trademark. He didn't choose three--it chose him; he was born on 3/3 at 2:13 pm (divisible by three) in the area code 313. There are three people in his family, 3 was his both basketball and football number, and he was the 3 of the line for both organizations he pledged in undergrad.
If he weren't an actor, he'd be? He wanted to be a pastor as a kid, mostly because of his church upbringing. "I have not heard that phone call but I do know Jesus is on the main line! However the way my life is, anything is possible."
Member of? The Beta Phi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and the Chi Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity. He is "a proud product of a process" and knew that after he completed his process, he was ready for anything. (For the record, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated is a non-hazing organization.) "Since their inception, African-American Greek Letter Organizations have lead the fight for Civil Rights and have helped to empower the black community. They have given birth to amazing leaders by providing a training ground for college youth to learn responsibility. From inception to current date, African-American Greek Letter Organizations have been on the front-lines paving the way for new, bright, and young leaders."
Industry person he admires most? "I love Don Cheadle. He is the perfect mix of actor and activist. He goes out of his way to bring issues to popular culture and raises money for them. A true humantarian."
Favorite musical group and old school dance? Mint Condition and Tootsie Roll
Biggest supporters? "My Mom and Dad are amazing! They have been my biggest supporters. Usually there are horror stories about how children tell their parents that they want to be a actor, musician, or dancer and they are met with the response, 'Why don't you get a real job?' I only heard support from my parents and that always gave me the confidence to succeed! I love them both so much! I ADORE MY SON JULIAN! AND I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT KRIS NEVELS IS ONE AMAZING WOMAN! I LOVE THEM BOTH!"
“The revolution will not be televised, it will be staged; do you know your blocking?�
F E M A ' s 16 0 3
To u r D 3 G e e z y
The Barbershop Hour
6 P i e c e s o f A d vi c e f r o m G i a n i ' s H e a r t to Y o u r s "I firmly believe in personal responsibility! If you say you are going to do something, do it! "Community service is the fee you pay for living life. If you are blessed enough to live, you must pay the fee. If you don’t pay it, you are cheating life. I feel that community service with children is essential. If you don’t take the time to nurture young minds, you will see these faces turn into "the uneducated "or possibly "the imprisoned." It is everyone’s responsibility to do their part." "As an actor, you must create your own voice! You have to understand the industry and always be willing to work hard. I realized that there were not many leading male roles for a 5’7, "round," black guy! That being the case, I wrote a show! You have to think outside the box. You have to find ways for people to see your talent—you can't wait. You must be aggressive!" "Once you are given an opportunity, you have to do your best to make the most of it!" "Stop being the complainer and step out on faith!" "I have to trust my heart and head."