Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rick Palmer Jr. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Rick, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
This was never a career path or dream of mine, it was exposed to me. It’s almost like riding a bike for the 1st time and instantly having a rhythm which helps you keep your balance and before you know it you’re riding a bike… That’s how this went for me. I went to a model call, got selected, was scheduled for an upscale photo shoot and was told to walk a long runway in from of 12 agents. Long story short, I was selected but turned it down. Didn’t know any better!! From that point forward I decided to research, go to seminars and workshops while still getting offers to do runway, catalog, commercial, stage plays, etc……. As time went on I developed confidence and my own style. Looking back, I wish I knew about the industry sooner because the style and confidence i naturally had would’ve made the decision to take the deal that was being offered to me by the agent and have been future along in my career. However, I’m appreciative of my journey because I’ve learned not to take the 1st deal thrown at you if it doesn’t feel right, be confident in who I am as a person and not allow things or people to make me conform to how they feel I should be and operate in truth!! Acting and modeling is truth being displayed for others to enjoy. Some of it may a little emphasized but for the most part it’s TRUTH!! People can relate. They see themselves wearing what you’re modeling or see themselves in a character you’re playing. Some may even get offended and want to make it personal when they see you in person because they feel the TRUTH that we as talent display which is a GIFT. I never take what I have for granted and I’m not nearly as close to where I want to be in this industry.
I enjoy watching where I was and where I am because I can see the growth from the very 1st fashion show to the magazines or the 1st stage play to hit tv shows. The skills I’ve acquired from character study to method acting to meisner techniques to walking firm but gliding (in a sense) on runways to fun commercial shoots for editorials and more, it’s all been very beneficial to becoming a marketable talent.
But of course it’s not all peachy lol every success story has encountered challenges. Mine was procrastination, financial struggles, family life, marriage, near death experience, false promises, obstacles created by many and some by self. Many details to share for all of those but the one that sticks out most is procrastination!! I am my worst critic…..!! I know people say it all the time but I really am. Moved to Atlanta recently wish so many goals and aspirations but have only achieved a fraction of them! But that’s what motivates me, oddly to say, I’m motivated by know I procrastinate so I try my best not to or beat myself up in the gym because I know I have been procrastinating lol
All in all, I’ve had a lot of success in modeling and acting however I’m most fulfilled by helping people. Public speaking, mentoring and more!! Those in addition to acting have been the reason I’ve been successful.
Rick, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Rick D. Palmer Jr., also known as “The Real RPJ”, was born and raised in the west side of Baltimore, MD. On becoming an actor and model, Rick states that these career choices were “surreal”. Never once did he think a shy kid from the city projects would some day operate in a capacity that would have him performing in front of diverse people. Rick found his start in 2006 when he was selected by a talent scout to be a print and runway model with New York Model Search Agency, Inc. Since then, Rick has performed in several fashion shows, theater and film productions and even landed an opportunity to play the role of Secret Service Agent in the hit Netflix series “House of Cards” for four seasons. Shortly after, Rick joined the SAG-Aftra Guild and appeared in several films such as “Miss Virginia”, “Swagger”, “Charm City Kings” and multiple TV series including TV One “Criminals at Work”, BET “For My Man”, HBO “VEEP”, and national commercials such as Len Stoler Lexus and Guinness Brewery.
Given his many accomplishments and experience in the performing arts, Rick is well on his way to achieving the exposure and acclaim that his talents warrant. Rick also credits his success in performing arts to his faith and relationship with God and the motivation and support from family and friends.
“It is my purpose to Inspire, Positively Impact and Influence the world utilizing my God-given talents, abilities and platform” – Rick D. Palmer, Jr.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
A lot of my success came by way of productions taking place in my hometown, Baltimore, Maryland. However, it wasn’t enough. I needed and wanted to be seen on a bigger platform which provided more opportunities helpful for my growth and success which led me to travel buddy-weekly to Atlanta for moths at a time in 2019. Built relationships and found my way around the city while learning more about the who’s who and where’s where, if that makes sense lol I’ve devoted most of my time that year preparing myself to move from what I’m familiar with to achieve something greater. Someone once said, “ In order to become successful, you have to be willing to take a risk”. This was my risk!! I left my children and family to be in unfamiliar surroundings for the goal of making this gift God gave me worth something.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Absolutely….. my children! I love the looks on their faces when they see me on TV or come to a show to see me modeling on a runway or even coming to a premiere event and we all watching a project I was apart of.
That’s the greatest reward I could ever ask for.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Therealrpjofficial
- Facebook: Rick Palmer Jr
- Linkedin: Rick Palmer Jr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/1DrivenPalmer
Image Credits
Slingshot ATL J.Kaptures Photography