We recently connected with Marcus Cox and have shared our conversation below.

Marcus, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Wow! The journey started when I was in the first grade. Our class was preparing for the Christmas play and I was cast as Mickey Mouse and I had maybe two lines. There was a girl who was cast as The Cookie and she got sick the day before the performance. Now, The Cookie had a bunch of lines and was really important to the “plot” of this play. So, my teacher, “Mrs. Boyd” was trying to teach the part to another little girl but I knew all the lines and her song. So Mrs Boyd gave the part to me. Later I found out she had not given the part to me in the first place because she had the costume from the year before and I was too tall for it. Ha! But, that was the beginning for me. I have loved being onstage and being apart of this profession ever since. It is where I feel the most at home. Of course, I didn’t know it then. All while I was in school I was determined to be a doctor. Then, wile in high school Biology I just realized that the idea of working in a box like a hospital was not for me. Too regimented, too stiff, too boring. I am happy with my decision. Though this life has not always been easy. I certainly would have more money if I were a doctor today!

Marcus, 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 have been working as a professional actor since graduating from The University of Memphis in 2003. I have been blessed to work with touring companies performing across the country. I have done more plays and musicals onstage than I care to count, and I have made a handful of movies. One, my uncle loves to kid me about… It was not very good, but he watches it all the time! I think he thinks I make money off of it? I don’t. But I am proud to know I’m out there somewhere.

When I first started performing, I would do any work I could get cast in. I thought that was what you were supposed to do. As I have gotten older, I find that I gravitate to work that I find meaningful. I think of myself more as a kind of Grio (storyteller). I find it a duty to share the stories of those who may otherwise be pushed into the margins of history and present day. A patron at the theater I work said to me once, “you only do plays that make me cry!” She’s not wrong. But It is not my intention. The work I do now is usually hard to take in at times. But it is important work and I am proud to do it!

I have also started directing pieces for young actors. This is where I get to have fun! I love working with their young creative minds! It is interesting to see how they process their ability to tell stories and learn how to create a supportive environment for others. I am honored to be a small part of their creative lives.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

After graduating from college, I was married and living in Atlanta. I had every intention of living and performing and eventually being able to sustain myself and my family with the art. I worked the jobs actors work in between gigs, restaurants, catering, etc, and would keep my ears open for auditions and such. Little gig after little gig, I always thought the next would be my “blow-up.” The big one to take me to the next level. I allowed myself to get distracted by the bling, or the thought of what this life was supposed to be. The whole time I thought I was focused and “on my grind” I was the furthest from that. I allowed myself to get distracted and worst yet, discouraged.

So, when the work wasn’t coming, I just plowed my head in the sand and focused on being good at the jobs I had. I was now also supporting a new baby and my wife had been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and was getting to a point where she could no longer work. For me, I did not allow myself to grieve or get angry. I just worked. How I was brought up, there was no time for or even a word for self-care. I still struggle with the concept. I just worked and I allowed it to become what was important to me. Things stayed that way for me until I moved back home to Memphis. I was working one of those jobs and was really good it it too. But being home and surrounded by the artists and creatives this town produces really revived my passion and love for the arts. I quit my job and vowed never to do that to myself again! Seven years and counting, it was the best move I ever made.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I wish I had learned when I was younger how to leverage the things I did well to earn revenue while I was in between gigs. Again, I was raised to get Jesus and a job. That you were not worth your salt if you didn’t have steady income coming in. So I took the 9 to 5 jobs or the jobs that I thought would work with an actor’s schedule. Of course, the money was good enough, but it took the time I should have been using to create. Young folk now have figured out how to create and earn. It is something I am envious of.

Image Credits
Images from Bill Simmers, Playhouse on the Square; Carla McDonald, Theatre Memphis; Hattiloo Theatre, SylverLight Photography; Marcus Cox