Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Martavious Gayles. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Martavious , thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
Well, I took a risk being a professional Actor. I was always told. That it’s a real risk because there’s so many here in Hollywood. They barely make it. And at the time I was going for it. It was really hard. Because making it was based on who you know. And your talent, race and opportunity (right time right place) so you had so many factors. Also you needed to be SAG-AFTRA. Most networks required you to be Union. But regardless of all that. I knew I was born to do this. So I went for it. And I learned that, yes there’s a lot of actors. A ton even. But not all of them are actually talented. You’ll hear a ton of No’s before the yes’s. It’ll even get you to the point of discouragement. But I had to go even harder. And that’s when I got my first break. It was with Disney. And for awhile, it seems like getting booked on shows came easily. But as time goes. The industry Changes and you have to be willing to change with it. And each time I kept reinventing myself. You have to look at yourself as a brand and that’s what I did. Before I knew it. I was a working actor. I wasn’t afraid to put myself out here to the casting directors and agents. And now I’m living my life as an actor. Paying my bills and lifestyle from acting. Living on my own. With no roommates. And that’s saying a lot here in Los Angeles. So you can definitely beat the odds. I did and would definitely do it all over again. There were times when I had to sleep in my car. I was literally homeless going to auditions when I first started out. And I use to look at different places in Hollywood and say to myself. One day I’ll be able to afford it and live there. And when I started booking television jobs co star and guest starring roles. I went back to that street. That I always said I would move to, once I made it. And now I live there. I always knew I would.
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 American actor. I made my debut in the TV series “Eve” in 2004, where I played the role of an annoying Usher. I did many Co Star roles on various TV shows and movies during my starting period. My mother is from New York and after I graduated high school. I got started in Modeling. In 2004/2005, I landed Top 20. On American Idol. I made my second big appearance in 2010 with Disney’s Pair of Kings as the Palace Guard. I still was searching for bigger and better roles.
I appeared in Detective Story TV series and also in Detective Story Movie Premier in 2012. Also, How To Get Away With Murder. Shameless etc. I have been very passionate about acting throughout my life and have dedicated my entire time towards improving in acting. I later appeared in short movies like If I Could Tell You and Collage in 2015. I was also featured in a pandemic… My role was appreciated a lot and gave me huge exposure. I also appeared in Silent Cry Aloud as the Detective. Right now, I’m taking a medical break. I was recently diagnosed with congestive heart failure. So I’m taking it easy. But once things clear up. I will be returning to television.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
It’s harder for African American actors and actresses. The industry recycles the same actors. Then, some of them have a ratio with how many ambiguous or African Americans can be in a scene. What sets me apart from others. Is the love that I have for what I’m blessed to do. I’ve been told by a few casting directors that I have a natural ability. Acting is so natural to me. I’m very grateful and blessed,
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I would say that the most rewarding aspect of being an artist. Is that I do help people in some way. And I have built a decent platform for myself. So that way I can help others. I’m getting more in tune with my self and I’m on a journey for inner peace. I know that I didn’t sign up to be anyones role model. But it kinda comes with the territory. It doesn’t need your permission. I’ve always enjoyed helping people. Whether it’s make them laugh. Giving them a financial blessing. Just got to be careful. Because that can allow you to become easily used.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Martavius
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/martavious.gayles?igshid=ZjA0NjI3M2I=
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/100057798442240/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martavious-gayles-492371188
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/martaviouscg?s=21&t=ghcbXkJK5GUZHxpCaB2Tmw
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/TaviousG11
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/shop/martavious_gayles