We recently connected with Larry Rhem and have shared our conversation below.

Larry, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I’ve always been a fan of movies and television shows. As a kid, my mom used to take my brother and I to the video store on Fridays for movie night. It was always the highlight of my week. I enjoyed storytelling so much that in the fifth grade I started writing my own. I would write my classmates in my stories and share it with them. During that time I only looked at it as just something fun to do. I never thought of it as a career path until I attended college. I entered Clark Atlanta University with no clear direction. Business majors had too many math classes and even though I have a love for history, I had no interest in teaching it for the next thirty years (no shade intended lol).

At the point where things felt bleak at best, two things happened. I was granted the opportunity to be an extra in a film on campus and I attended a play that a friend of mine was performing in. That is when it became clear to me. I realized I wanted to be an actor. This was also the first time my mother told me “I can see that.”

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

I’m an actor, writer, and acting coach. Originally from Kinston, NC yet I have spent the majority of my life in Atlanta, Ga. I began acting at Clark Atlanta University in 2002 and became a professional in 2006. I have had the opportunity to work on many television and film productions such as Being Mary Jane, Devious Maids, Survivor’s Remorse, BMF, The Quad, Friend Request and others. I love performing and connecting with other creatives.

As an actor though, it can be difficult because unless you’re highly sought after, opportunities can be few and far between. It can become discouraging and if you allow it, it can create bitterness, jealousy, and envy. I didn’t want to get suffocated with this so I decided to create opportunities for myself. I had already began writing screenplays but didn’t totally understand structure of the craft. After attending a screenwriter’s workshop lead by my now writing mentor Crystal Ellzy, I became even more intrigued with it. I went back to school and received my MBA in Creative Writing in 2020.

Doing this gave me confidence as a writer and it also relieved me from the desperation of feeling like I had to book every audition. Now when I audition, I can be free and give an honest take on the material in front of me and not try to do what I think the casting director, director, or producer wants.

As a screenwriter, I can create the type of stories that inspired me as a kid and the type of stories that inspire me today. I have been able to write feature film projects that are going to be produced as well as other projects that are in development. I have been a script consultant for projects that have been produced and others that are currently in development.

Along with acting and writing, I have also been coaching actors for over fifteen years. I have recently stepped away from the acting studio that I was attached to in order continue my own personal development as an actor. However, I still do private coaching for actors.

There are many actors, writers, and coaches that are brilliant in their gifts. What makes me a little different is that no matter what medium I’m working in, I approach it from the perspectives of all my expertise professionally and my personal experiences. I refuse to look at challenges and believe that there is only one way to attack them. I look at all possibilities and decide which one will best help make you a better actor, which will make the more honest yet captivating choices for my character, or which will give the better narrative.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

My talent is enough. Believing this is a mistake that many artists make. It creates arrogance, makes you stubborn, and it puts a cap on your potential. I thought that. I’ve come across many actors that felt that they didn’t have to take classes or because they’ve been told that they’re good and have a great look by someone they think is reputable. This is why in acting (or in any industry) the people who are skilled go so much further than those who are talented.

For me, I didn’t feel like I didn’t need classes or development. What I did think was, all I have to is the bare minimum and God would take care of the rest. I found out it doesn’t work that way. If you want to reach your full potential you have to be consistently relentless in your work ethic. A good street fighter will never beat someone with no talent but is heavily trained and studied in the art of boxing.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Working with like-minded people who want you to win just as much as you want them to win. The experiences I have in the moment with my fellow cast members and the crew is the reward. Creating work that inspires and entertains people all over the world is the reward. Being able to provide for your family using the gifts God has given you is the reward. That’s the meal. Everything else (awards, accolades, interviews, appearances, etc.) is dessert.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Rhemy2.1
• Facebook: Larry Rhem
• Linkedin: Larry Rhem
• Twitter: Rhemy1
• Other: I can be emailed at [email protected] for collaborations. For bookings you can reach my manager Pam Walker at rbjmanagment.com or at 404-895-6772.