Keith Allen Hayes

Hollywood’s Legacy Chaser

Interview by Lissha Sadler of Hardcore Grind

Keith Allen Hayes was born and raised in Atlanta, GA, the third oldest of nine. He is an author and an actor appearing in Oscar-winning movies such as “The Blind Side “with Sandra Bullock and “The Lost Valentine “with the legendary Betty White. Keith has also appeared in 26 Feature Films, multiple television appearances, videos, Interviews, Plays, and magazines since June 2001. Mr. Hayes has also written, Produced, and Directed his own projects. Very passionate about his craft Keith Allen Hayes is leaving a powerful mark and legacy in Hollywood with every step he takes.

Lissha Sadler: A black man who writes is powerful. What does that power mean to you?

Keith Hayes: The power means influence. The ability to reach and transform people, whether it’s the way they think or move in life.

LS: What intrigues you the most about writing and storytelling? How does your creativity flow?

KH: What intrigues me the most about writing and storytelling is the journey and adventure I go on for myself. Conjuring up what I have in my mind, the things I express and speak about, the ability to consummate it and put it in words. So someone else can read them over and over again. That is what fascinates me the most. My book will be here long after I’m gone. You know, it’s a weird thing because I pull inspiration from everywhere. It’s more so of an atmosphere thing for me than the feeling. When I did my first book, I was so excited about it. During the height of the pandemic, I was at home while we were on heavy lockdown. I had all these ideas and thought this would be the perfect time to write a book. But before everything shut down, inspiration would come from looking at other people, my adventures, and travels.

LS: Do you ever get discouraged, and why? If so, what keeps you going?

KH: Absolutely, I get discouraged because I’m human, but the trick is not to let that be the end all be all. Greatness is not just a word. It’s a behavior, a lifestyle, and something you have to continue working on. I often get discouraged, especially as a man, because I expect to see the progression and is not there. Some people don’t understand how it works because anything you worked for doesn’t happen overnight. You got to keep pushing that, and the only way you will see the results is to continue pushing for progress. I define progress as the continuation of always moving forward, no matter what.

LS: What other writers have influenced you the most and why?

KH: Langston Hughes because I was taught about him at a young age and reading the stories he wrote. Also, Mya Angelou both impacted me because they reflected on me as an African American. And there are a few others out there, but they had the most significant impact on me.

LS: Your latest book, “Your Time Is Coming,” Can you tell us what inspired this book?

KH: This book is a combination of my experiences. So I don’t want people to read it like a blueprint to fix their lives. However, reading it with an open mind and understanding can help and inspire them. I’m not saying this is the blueprint.

I would like for it to inspire and push people in the direction of finding themselves and what they want to do in life. It’s not one of those kinds of books. It’s a combination of all my experiences, failures, highs, and lows, but I hope for people to read, they can draw from it. Whatever that could be, go for it.

LS: You also have a children’s book. Can you tell us what inspired you to write that book?

KH: My children’s book titled “If I Were President” was written when President Barak Obama was in office. It was a changing of the guards because we never saw an African American man representing the highest form of government. African American kids can now see if they put their mind to it, becoming president can now be added as one of their aspirations and dreams. I have two kids myself, and I want to encourage them to know they can go father in life than what I saw growing up. I felt that I had to do something for the kids, not just mine, but just for all of our youth.

LS: How have you grown since the start of the pandemic?

KH: I have learned how to be more patient with life situations, people, and circumstances. It’s so easy to get frustrated, definitely, with all of the things going on around us. Then just when we thought things were getting better, we were hit with Omicron. I’m still social, but it requires me to be more organized with my movements. I can’t be closed off and afraid to go outside. So it taught me patience, how to move better in my career and life.

LS: If you could change anything about the literary industry, what would it be?

KH: There aren’t that many African American publishers around. So if I had the power, I would have more African American Publishers. It took me a year to find a Black- Owned publisher, which amazed me because I thought there would be more.

LS: What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

KH: I would tell them that though you have aspirations to write a book, it is not easy, especially getting the first one done. I encourage aspiring writers not to do that. The other piece of advice would be when you are faced with writer’s block, don’t use that as an excuse to give up. Writer’s block can be fear-based for first-time authors, and it could hinder you from continuing. And when you catch that wave again, make sure that you have something near to record or write those thoughts. You can even take some notes on your phone, writing down those ideas and then transferring them to the book you are currently working on. You can even use that as a springboard to help you start your story.

LS: You are a very accomplished author and actor, now adding the titles of Screenwriter, Director, and Producer. What made you step into the film industry?

KH: I always knew that I wanted to be—growing up watching movies and TV shows, I didn’t know how to go about it. Once I got serious about it and wanted to learn how I started getting with people, that showed me how to break into it. And as they say, “The rest is history.” I just expanded from that, and when I got into it and saw how everything worked, I thought, “You know what, I can do this.” So that lit the flame for me to branch out into writing, producing, and directing my own projects.

LS: What are some of the challenges you have faced during this journey?

KH: You know, it’s been a rewarding journey. And yet, the flip side is that it has been a challenging one as well. I had to get all the no’s before the yes’s occurred, and everything started lining up. With the people I know in the industry, I’ve been so blessed that casting directors reach out to my agent or me most of the time when a project comes up. I rarely have to do an audition. I’m grateful that They love my work, so when those opportunities come, if I feel the project is suitable for me after I research and read the script, then I’m on board. However, I don’t jump on everything. That lifestyle is good, but it comes with a price and sacrifice. Your dedication has to be like no other because this is not a fly-by-night career. You have to dedicate yourself to this dream.

LS: If you could change anything about the film industry, what would it be?

KH: Thats a tough one because even as it is now, there is a gamut of things, especially the way the industry is now. Suppose an actor is doing good work time and time again on projects. They need to be compensated properly for that, whether male or female. I’m going to be honest with you that the pay will be the one thing I would change, especially for African American actors and actresses.

LS: What is a phrase or mantra you live by? Why?

KH: “Love, Health, and Wealth” is essential to having a good life. There is no way to get happiness without love, and I mean healthy love, whether it’s towards your family, kids, significant other, friends, even enemies. You can’t love or live life properly because you’re not healthy in your mind, body, or soul. You can’t. You’re not physically or mentally capable of healing and being the best level of self you can be because you’re in the wrong mind frame, which hinders you from being physically healthy and happy. You need a healthy mind, body, and soul to be your healthiest or happiest.

LS: Moving forward in your career, what can we expect from you next?

KH: Well, as I stated earlier, I’m working on my third book, so be on the lookout for that I have no projected release date as of right now. I’m in talks for a couple of new film projects and a few new screenwriting projects this year. I’m also getting back on the stage doing some comedy, doing a couple of sets this year. Thats just a few of the things I have coming up.

Stay connected with Keith Allen Hayes:

Facebook: KeithAllenHayes Instagram:the_talent_kah Twitter:Keithallenhayes