Charles D. Clark

Interview by The Heat Seekers

Actor on the Rise

Charles D. Clark is an American-born multi-award winning professional SAG-Aftra actor known for his “Bad Boy” role in the FOX hit show Empire as one of Shine’s main Goon Enforcers. Charles 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 . His latest appearance was in Will and Jada Pinkett Smith new movie “ Charm City Kings “ which is on HBO Max and Elysium Productions “ Volkov Origin. Charles has an extensive resume that is destined to continue to expand into being the next star in Hollywood . Outside of acting Charles is also a multi-award winning transformation speaker empowering lives worldwide through his powerful and life-changing testimony. Stay tuned…Charles D. Clark is the newest face in Hollywood known for always giving God the glory!

The Heat Seekers: Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Charles D. Clark: I was born in VA but moved to North Carolina at a young age. I come from a God loving family and worked on farms, livestock so definitely I’m a true country boy. My dad died when I was 5 which was devastating. Although my mom tried all she could to raise me I ended up eventually hanging in the streets becoming a gang banger and a goon enforcer that ultimately landed me in prison for almost 8 years. But because how great God is He gave me a second chance at life and today I’m proud of the man I became.

THS: How long have you been acting?

CDC: I’ve been acting for 13 years. I landed my first role the same year I was released from prison in 2009. I was acting on and off until I got on EMPIRE and that’s when I quit my job as a behavioral specialist and suicide counselor to pursue acting full time.

THS: What made you decide to be serious about the film industry?

CDC: I never had no idea to becoming a professional SAG-AFTRA actor. I didn’t become one to be famous or a celebrity. It was an experience I had with my late grandmother Lucille Clark. She came to visit me in prison during my last year there. She had several brain tumors and dementia so her memory of course was affected to the point she thought I was my dad which he was her oldest child. So for 2 and half hours I had to ACT like my dad for the sake of her condition which was emotional and after my grandmother left with my Aunt and Uncle who brought her up there the correctional officer told me that whatever I decide to do when I get out of prison I should be an actor because what I did for the sake of my grandmother was an Oscar performance. This moment didn’t hit me until I was released and I visit my grandmother’s house for the first time being very free and her not being there because she died a couple of months after she visited me.

THS: Which people or books have had the most influence on your career and why?

CDC: There are so many people I could name and it would take pages lol. I will name some of the ones that really inspired and influenced me in my career in a dynamic way. They are Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard, ICE T, Sidney Poiter, Cicely Tyson, Michael B. Jordan, Marhersla Ali, Xzibit, Chris Evans, Will Smith, Tom Hanks, Jonathan Majors, Robert Downey Jr., Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Gemma McIlhenny, Solomon Clarke, George and Candice Dibble.

Again, this is not even a third but some of my top picks. I will say Taraji and Terrence were my biggest in regards when I first got deep into acting especially with Hustle & Flow along with there testimonies before becoming 2 icons. In addition working with them and learning from them on EMPIRE will forever be dear to my heart. Also my adopted Uncle, Uncle ICE T influence affected me in a different way because we came from the streets deeply. So following him and absorbing his journey helped me alot as well. Uncle ICE T is another icon and hip hop legend as well as Xzibit who I definitely was blessed by. Playing one of his main goons on EMPIRE for 2 seasons definitely elevated my acting career and the wisdom he poured into me was amazing. His testimony as well blessed me because he came from the streets as well like Uncle ICE and look at him now.

THS: In your opinion, what would you say is the #1 key to success?

CDC: I will say it’s 3 words that is together number 1. Faith, consistency and working hard.

THS: Talk about the biggest failure you’ve had. What did you learn from it?

CDC: I really had no biggest failures. I thought i failed when I went to prison but it was a testimony that had to be told. I thought every time I was told no or when I didn’t get a role was a failure but it wasn’t. It was stepping stones to my big YES. The biggest failure for me would be if I give up and that’s something I will not do because I love my circle to much and most importantly I love God the most and He gets the glory.

THS: What advice can you give other individuals who want to follow in your footsteps?

CDC: That goes back to what the keys of success. Faith, consistency and working hard. In addition always put God first and give Him the glory. You can’t reach your supreme level of purpose without doing so. Also don’t put power into haters and negativity. Put it in your supporters/fans and positive energy. Let people hate while you elevate.

THS: What does a typical day in your week look like?

CDC: It’s never typical lol in no way. That’s why in this business you can’t get ready, you have to stay ready. I will say amongst my crazy schedule I stay working out, spending time with my daughter and those I love, study my craft and always give God His time.

THS: What keeps you going when things get tough in the business?

CDC: God and my circle.

THS: You are known for your work in the TV Series, “Empire”. How has your role helped you as an actor?

CDC: EMPIRE will always be a prime time and a historical hit show for ever so being a part of that legacy will always bless my career. In addition I learned so much from so many icons at once who was a part of this phenomenal series. Taraji P. Hen son, Terrence Howard, Forest Whitaker, Xzibit, Phylicia Rashad, Taye Diggs and so many others.

THS: Your “Volkov Origins” family just won a Telly Award. Tell us what this award means to you.

CDC: It means the world to me because the journey we have been on especially the OG’s since day 1 as our boss man and my great brother George calls us, is definitely our biggest accomplishment thus far. I love my entire Volkov and Elysium Productions family and when we win, we win together. It’s still seems like a dream, however God made it come true as we give Him the glory!

THS: What is a non-acting related thing or experience that has helped you become a better actor?

CDC: My testimony as a whole because life experiences can elevate your skillset as an actor indirectly as well as directly.

THS: What projects are you currently working on? (That you can talk about).

CDC: There are 3 I can’t talk about but when I can you will be one of the first to know.

HS: If you could work with any actor or actress, who would it be and why?

CDC: List is too long lol. I would definitely want to work with Taraji and Terrence again because of my connection with them in regards of inspiring me since I entered the world of acting. But the previous list of people I named as my influencer are my top picks to work with.