We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alan Franks Jr.. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alan below.

Alan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

I knew I wanted to act since I was a kid. Growing up, I was the movie man. I would watch action movies with my father, rom-coms with my mother, and many other genres on my own time. With so many stories being told in tv/movies, I was fascinated with how their storytelling would make me feel. The first time a movie made me cry, I remember laughing and saying “Yeah, I want to make people feel this “. Unfortunately as a kid, I suffered from a speech impediment which made me feel that my acting dream would only be a dream. Luckily, I was able overcome that obstacle from speech therapy, chorus and my drumline captain role in my high school band. I started to gain my confidence and learned who I was a person. By the time I attended North Carolina Central University, I performed on many fields and stages as assistant and head drum major. I also experienced my first acting role in NCCU’s Theatre: Dreamgirls where I got a chance to sing, dance, and act. From that play, I knew acting and performing was my passion and purpose. I wouldn’t be the man and actor I am today if I didn’t experience all that I’ve been through so I believe my career is right on time!

Alan, 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?

I was originally born and raised in Stone Mountain, Georgia. I’m also a Spring 2021 graduate from North Carolina Central University with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication-Broadcast Media. I am an actor, dancer, choreographer, singer, video editor, and so much moreI first stepped into performing arts at the age of 5 when I started playing drums after my father. My drum skills led me to march in high school and college band where I performed on many fields and stages. Coming from a marching band background, most of my life has taught me discipline, performance, integrity, consistency, collaboration and patience. I would characterize my essence as quirky, awkward, fun but charming gentlemen. I have an energetic and positive attitude which will come in handy on movie/tv sets. I’m also polite, humble and understanding. I am most proud of me pursing my acting career. I’ve made it this far in my acting career based off of not only trusting and listening to my myself but God as well. I want my future fans and co-stars to understand how much you can truly shine and inspire others when you’re living in your purpose.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Chadwick Boseman is a huge inspiration for my acting career. Chadwick was known for playing famous roles including Jackie Robinson, James Brown, Thurgood Marshall, and Black Panther’s T’challa: King of Wakanda.  He has always been that cool and calm actor who was true to his art and work. Its not only his presence onscreen but also his presence offscreen that is an inspiration. He kept his personal life to himself and his charity work with cancer patients before his death gave the world a whole new meaning. Chadwick passed away on August 28th, 2020 from Colon Cancer for which he had 4 years while he was starring in some of his greatest films of all time. He allowed me to notice the greatness that was inside of myself based off of his powerful influence on and off the screen. His quote “The struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose” added more fuel to my fire to go after what I want in life which is to act. Throughout my career, I will remain humble, never lose myself, continue to give back, and be the best I can be just like Chadwick.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

As an actor, there were a few concepts I had to unlearn in order to learn how to give a truthful performance. I had to unlearn being an adult and how to be a child again. I’ve been substitute teaching for two years now and I absolutely love it as a side hustle. Even though as adults, we’re the ones teaching the students; they’re teaching us as well. Kids are not afraid to cry or to be authentic. Kids are the true meaning of living beings. They are very creative and have a huge imagination. As some of us grow up, we tend to forget these qualities; not knowing that these very same qualities is what makes us special and different. All of our dreams, passions and desires comes from our inner child. As an actor, when we have to tap into our inner child. Our inner child helps us truly live free and live in the moment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://agfranksjr.wordpress.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/franksforreal/
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/alan-franks-7b6903185
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@alanfranksjr.404/featured
• Other: Gospel Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ygsrYQG744

Image Credits
Vanie Poyey