Bronsonn Taylor was recently interviewed by Famo Celebrity Magazine and below is the Q&A session we had with him.
Introduction – Can you tell us a bit about your yourself?
One of the hardest things for me to do is talk about myself. I guess the most interesting things about me is that I’m a devoted father to my twin 15yr olds (son/daughter). I’m a retired Army First Sergeant. I’m a combat veteran with multiple tours to Iraq and Afghanistan as well as contingency operations in SE Asia as part of Joint Special Operations Command and 1st Special Forces Group. I’m a panel member and Cyber Intelligence expert for my alma mater. Motivational speaker for inner city youth and volunteer at the children’s hospital cancer ward as part of my “The iINSPIRE Project.”
Personal Background – Can you share a little experience about your Upbringing and Early Life?
My upbringing was really rough. My father worked several jobs and my mother was a nursing home caretaker. When I was 11 my father left and my mother moved us around. We lived with family in Louisiana and then permanently settled in Texas. I had no idea what “hood life” was before my parents separated but I was given a crash course. In order to help my mother make ends meet I would go door to door with a lawnmower and gas can, charging $5 to cut grass and $10 if I had to weed eat and rake leaves. I also worked for food at a local burger stand and donut shop by cleaning up discarded cigarettes and trash from the parking lot.
Career and Achievements – What do you consider the Highlights of your Career so far?
It’s been 5 years since I began this journey and I’ve booked nearly 70 roles commercial, television, film, theater). Some network, some independent. By far the highlight of my acting career is being cast in Spilled Paint tv series. It was my very first audition and I was so nervous I declined it. After receiving strong encouragement from director / lead actor Brandon Gibson I submitted my audition and was subsequently cast. Receiving that c-mail congratulating me on booking the role was the confirmation I needed that I was good enough to make it in this industry and inspired me to keep pursuing my dreams.
Challenges and Growth – What are some of the Challenges you’ve faced in your Career, and how did you Overcome them?
One of the most challenging obstacles for me to overcome was being rejected. There’s a lot of time spent searching for roles, submitting, rehearsing, auditioning and waiting. I put my all into every audition so I fully expect to receive a callback but it rarely happens. In the beginning I would obsess and become depressed when I didn’t book a role. After a while I realized this wasn’t personal, it’s business. I’m blessed to be doing what I love so I shifted my mindset and now I’m having fun.
Passions and Hobbies – What are your Interests and Hobbies outside of your Career?
I’m very passionate about physical fitness. I was a heavyweight bodybuilding competitor in the National Physique Committee for 10 years. Although I no longer compete I really love the sport. I also love working with children and those who are less fortunate. I believe everyone deserves an opportunity to be successful.
Milestones and Future Goals – What are some of the Milestones you hope to Achieve in the coming years?
I have specific milestones I would like to achieve. I just need an opportunity.
1.) cast as a lead or supporting lead in a military film / tv series
2.) cast as a lead or supporting lead in a period piece like Glory or Lawman Bass Reeves.
3.) cast as a lead or supporting lead as a voice actor for an animated film or tv series
Life Lessons – What is the most Valuable Lesson you’ve learned in your Life or Career?
Most valuable lessons I’ve learned is treat everyone with respect regardless of race religion sexual orientation or social economic status. Tomorrow isn’t promised so find reasons to Smile Laugh and Love.
Advice for Aspiring Artists – What advice would you give to Young Artists looking to make a Mark in the Industry?
1.) Find your niche – there’s nothing wrong with being typecast
2.) Check your ego – this industry is full of egotistical people. Don’t be the person with all the talent in the world but unable to find work because you’re difficult to work with.
3.) Commit – give it your all regardless if it’s a $20 budget or a $200 million dollar budget. Do everything you can to help promote your projects.
4.) Train – be a student of your craft. Learn everything you can
Rapid-Fire Round:
*Favorite book or movie name?
Movie – Dead Presidents & Money Talks
*One word to describe yourself?
Goofy
*If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be?
Shaka Zulu
*Favorite travel destination?
Aruba
In the Last, what are your Social Media Platform Links?
IG: @Bronsonn_Taylor
FB: @bronsonntaylor
