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

Clifton, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I knew I wanted to pursue acting/entertainment by the age of 12. It was something I truly loved. Growing up, I was always entertaining friends and family. At the age of 6, I got my first taste of being in front of a crowd for a church play. I highly enjoyed the experience and whenever there was an opportunity to perform, I was there. In middle school, I performed in all the school plays. These were the years that molded me into believing that this would be my future.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Growing up in the 80’s, two things captivated me, movies and professional wrestling. Larger than life action stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone brought over the top characters to life. Hulk Hogan preached about saying your prayers and eating your vitamins. As a child, theses characters were who I wanted to be, larger than life, loved by everyone, and always the victor.
At the age of 5, my life changed forever. I was introduced to Michael Jackson’s Thriller. That music video/film short made me feel something I hadn’t experienced…fear. Captivated at the spectacle of Michael Jackson, I wanted to watch, but, as soon as he turned into a zombie, I was left peeking through my fingers, petrified that the zombies would get me. It thrilled me like nothing else, and when it was over, I was still okay. They didn’t get me!
This started my lifelong love of the horror genre. In horror, I love the creativity involved, from storytelling to the practical effects. I love everything about it. As a young man, it became my biggest dream to be a part of a horror film.
Growing up, I began acting at the age of 6. It was a church play and I enjoyed the experience. Once I was in middle school, I was involved in all the school plays. This led into high school where I took acting classes and loved improv classes.
When I graduated from high school and set out into the real world, acting and entertainment fell to the side. I thought getting a regular job, paying bills, and starting a family was what I was supposed to do. I lived the next 15 years of my life by this standard but always struggled with my happiness. I always felt like I was selling myself short, knowing I never tapped into my real potential doing something I love.
In 2017, enough was enough, and I set out to fulfill my dreams. First, was professional wrestling. I started training under Ken Anderson at the Academy: School of Professional Wrestling. I pushed my mind and body to the test. I love learning and growing as an individual. I came up with my persona APEXX and hit the independent wrestling scene.
A couple years ago, while out of action due to a torn rotator cuff and broken shoulder bone, I decided to pursue acting. Since then, I have been involved in 8 films and have 4 more in the books for future film dates.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

From being a kid from a broken home, mom and dad were abusive alcoholics who gave up on raising me. I was a kid who moved from home to home growing up. I never learned how to love myself until later in life. I was a lost soul for many years. I made alot of bad decisions and paid the price. It wasn’t until I was in my 30’s when I started viewing myself different. I saw myself as a leader and someone with untapped potential who can do anything he wants to in life.
After I started wrestling, I broke my leg but continued going to training so I could visually learn. This helped me upon my return, like I never missed a beat. When I broke and tore my shoulder in 2022, the injury was pretty brutal and I was forced to sit at home. Not being able to sit idle I had to keep my created juices flowing, this was when I decided to pursue acting.

Have you ever had to pivot?

When I tore my rotator cuff and broke my shoulder bone. I knew this was going to be a long recovery. I knew I had to keep motivated and continue pushing forward. This was when I made the decision to focus on an acting career.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: i.am.apexx
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cliff.taylor.3958?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13834509/?ref_=ext_shr

Image Credits

HeavyMetal Haley