We were lucky to catch up with Marcus Murphy recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Marcus , thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

The first time I knew that I wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally was during my freshman year of college when I booked my first national print ad. It was the year 2012 when I was living in Hiram, Ohio attending Hiram College. I was sitting in my dorm room and researching modeling jobs that I felt I could contribute to with my look as an African American man. I stumbled upon a casting call from The Department of Health initially highlighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic, but after I was cast for the job the focus was for K2 known as synthetic marijuana. Initially, I was not hired as the lead model for the campaign, but with my professionalism and showing up early allowed me to be the face for campaign. The print ad was shown in New York City Time Square and on various metro buses throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. I knew after the print ad I wanted to pursue a entertainment career for the rest of my life.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

I have been in the entertainment industry for 10 years. My first introduction to the entertainment industry was a national print ad sponsored by the District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health, bringing awareness of synthetic marijuana known as K2. I was the lead model and due to the print ad it opened the doors for acting. I started out doing background work to have an understanding for being a talent on sets. After a while, my acting coach, award-winning playwright Kelsey Collie and I trained extensively and within a few months, I booked my first job for DCTV for a short film called Through the Eyes of The Children, where I portrayed the lead actor as a drug abusive husband.

What has allowed me to standout in my craft is my work ethic and willingness to learn from the people around me. In order for me to grow not only as an artist but a human is being open minded from the individuals around me providing great knowledge.

One of the proudest moments from my career was being able to do my first Off-Broadway production Until The Flood by Dael Orlandersmith and directed by Julie Janson. The experience was amazing and challenged me to new heights I could ever imagine. In addition, I just completed the trailer for an upcoming movie called Beyond The Surface created by Jamal Valentine and Directed by Darryl Jones. I just completed the short film The Diary of A Change Man by Marlon Reid and Directed by KaZarr Coleman. Lastly, I had an amazing opportunity to shoot a movie scene with the legendary SpliffStar from Flipmode Squad for the upcoming comedy The Liquor Store Run.

The entertainment industry is not easy and it is an ongoing journey. At this moment I am proud of where I am in my career by believing in myself, staying positive during the times when I did not want to, and my support system keeping me grounded.

The lessons I have learned during my career is building and maintaining great relationships with the people you meet. Be authentic in all you do and remember what is for you, is for you.

What I want the world to know about my brand is I am an artist who takes pride in the arts.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an actor is being able to connect to the world with your artistry. It is important for me as an actor to choose my roles wisely that are encouraging, empowering, and effortlessly. The reality is someone is always watching and it is my responsibility as an artist to present myself in the best light as possible. In addition, creating content that motivates up and coming creatives as well.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I will always love the entertainment industry and the many facets it allows creatives to express their talents in acting, dancing, modeling, singing, etc. My overall goal for my creative journey is being in a position someday to own a production studio that allows creatives to occupy the space for there content, In addition, attending Emory Law School to obtain a law degree in entertainment law. I want to be well-rounded in my craft not only as a talent but as a business person too.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Hollywooddevon
• Facebook: MarcusDevon
• Linkedin: Marcus Murphy
• Twitter: Supermanmarc
• Other: TikTok: marcusmurphy19

Image Credits
1. Featured Photo and the first additional photo is by photographer AC. The photographer Instagram is: acsworld1 2, The second additional photo was taken on set as a Behind The Scene Shot. 3. The k2 zombie photo on the bus was taken by Octane Public Relations 4. The fourth additional photo through photo 6 was taken by dereklamarvisuals 5. Beyond the Surface Movie Poster is by Darryl Jones 6. The entertainment conference poster is by James Songbird 7. The Diary of A Changed Man Poster is by Marlon Reid 8. The photo with the Director and cast was taken on set by Brandon Cooper