From Kat: The most wonderful thing about being the new agent at DGRW is inheriting a roster of talented, kind, and enormously inspiring actors. Marcus Anderson Jr. is one of these new people in my life that keeps me smiling from ear to ear.
Marcus was one of the first names I learned at DGRW, so it seemed appropriate he should be the first of my new friends to be featured on The Obvious Path. His recurring role as Lil’ Guap on Power Book II: Ghost was the first we had back on set as television shows braved the pandemic. Before working his deal, I watched his performance from last season. Then, a recurring role on Lucifer and his series regular in the ABC pilot, Presence. And down the rabbit hole I went. I was sold. Marcus is out-of-this-world good. And that’s just his acting. Every interaction I have with Marcus lifts my day. You won’t find a more joyful, grounded, or kind person.
And, like most of our features, throughout his huge success- it hasn’t always been a straight line. He was raised as a nomadic military dependent, studied theatre while walking on to (or, I should stay ‘sprinting’ on to) the track and field team in college, and building his career on both coasts. His lessons range from building a full life outside of the business, using the camera as a vessel, and all of the things that keep him motivated. There isn’t much we couldn’t learn from Marcus, so we’ll let him take it from here.
Marcus Anderson Jr. Kind. Incredibly talented. A fan of Texas, but not from Texas. The first ever DGRW client to be on The Obvious Path!! Can you tell I’m excited?! Marcus, would you introduce yourself to our readers with some “human facts”?
I’m honored to be first from the DGRW roster to be on T.O.P! I wish this blog existed when I first started out, it’s really insightful. Love what you and Peter have going here. Alright—I’m an actor from Sunderland, MD and I pursued my dream of acting in film and television shortly after graduating college.
You received your Bachelor's of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies from the University of Oklahoma and moved to LA to pursue acting. What made you get into the industry? Have you found any difference between being a New York actor and an LA actor?
I’ve always wanted to act since I was a kid, around 10 years old. Growing up during the 90’s was dope. It was a great time for all these great shows, music, and just pop culture in general. I remember seeing B-roll footage of Even Stevens-- or something on the Disney Channel-- and I saw how movies were made for the first time. I thought it was the dopest shit I’ve ever seen.
I attended this open call/scouting event when I was in the sixth grade after begging my dad and that was my first time getting up on stage and delivering a performance. I really sucked though. It was cool because I was able to get my first taste of the business. I ended up up getting a callback from this talent manager, but because we moved around a lot from being in the military, I wasn’t able to follow through with it. In high school, I played sports and it was the same situation in college. It was tough being a student-athlete and a theatre major at the same time because both extracurriculars had conflicting schedules. So I knew that my time to give acting a real shot would be after college.
You've had an incredible career thus far including a series reg for an ABC pilot called Presence, numerous guest stars, and currently recurring on Power Book II: Ghost. What’s your favorite part about acting on camera? Can you talk to us about shooting during a pandemic?
My favorite part about acting on camera is being a vessel. Time seems stands still when you’re shooting a scene. The atmosphere in the room changes. Everyone’s locked in focused, ready to go and at the top of their game. It’s a blessing every time I get to be on set.
Being out of state in Maryland was definitely tough logistically, having to self quarantine two weeks before my shoot dates. Other than that, it wasn’t too bad at all. When we were shooting GHOST we had to get tested at least twice a day on set. The whole production is trying to run as efficiently as possible so I knew that I had to be on my A-game. Having to put on your face mask immediately after each take definitely sucked, but it just felt like another day on set.
Looking back when you first entered the business, how would you have defined success? Has that definition changed at all since?
A great question. It’s crazy because success is relative and I had a very superficial idea of success when I first started out. I admit that much of it was my young naivete. I thought success was all about finally arriving to your destination. A Will Smith, marquee name career—boom. That’s how I used to define success. Now I define success based on this mission to become the best version of myself—not just in acting, but in all aspects of life. When I’m feeling good spiritually, mentally, and physically I position myself to be in perfect alignment so that when opportunities present themselves, and I’m prepared for them, I set myself up for success.
The Great Kendrick Lamar once said, “You know careers take off, just gotta be patient.” One of my favorite albums, by the way. If you know, you know. Learning that careers are built over was huge for me. I just focus on the doing the best work I can and being patient. Success will come and it’s always on time.
If you could give a piece of advice to students graduating in hopes of a career in acting, what would that be?
Live a full life. Travel. Date. Discover other passions because it will keep you well rounded and not desperate. If you think you need therapy, go for it. Be constantly prepared to perform under duress. Auditions come in unannounced so just be ready to rise to the occasion when they do. If you’re not a good saver, start now because this business is riddled with rainy days. That’s my two cents and some change.
What’s the change in our business you hope to see coming out of this time of a racial reckoning and a global pandemic?
I could say a lot here but I’ll try to keep this short. I’m really looking forward to watching all the dystopian and utopian content that will be hitting the air waves. I predict a wave of content about artificial intelligence.
I want to see more Black heroical figures. I also want to see content that explores aspects of Black history that haven’t been covered before. I think this country has long way to go as far as true racial reconciliation, so studying our past I think would be pretty cool to explore.
We’ve used the metaphor of a mountain to be analogous to our career accomplishments, dreams, and changes. We feel a lot of our reader’s “climb” is on pause. Has your mountain ever changed? Is it changing now? What’s keeping you moving?
My mountain hasn’t changed, but I’ve had to adjust my route. If I every find myself in a lull or “on pause” I recalibrate and focus on what I can control and do my best from there. I used to worry about things I can’t control and that would just drive me crazy. I’m also borderline psycho-competitive and I think that plays a big part of my ambition. A lot of my motivation comes from my family, who support me constantly. My mom, dad and brother are my rocks. My faith is also my rock, I’m big believer in God. Much love to God. Success motivates me period. I’m constantly trying to level up and secure the bag.
RAPID FIRE:
Favorite Quaran-TV: YouTube algorithm binge
Quaran-reads: Backstage.com articles.
Exercise routine (if you are into that): I lift weights at least 4 times a week. I go out for a run around the track at least once a week too. I foam roll then stretch at night before my shower.
Favorite food: Carne asada lunch special at any Mexican spot. Mmm
Favorite character you’ve portrayed: Lil’ Guap
First memory performing: Second grade talent show. Guitar solo. Terrifying but I killed it.
Thing you have missed most since March?: Being able to socialize normally and movie theaters.
Most meaningful “no” you’ve ever received: Lol I can’t even choose one!!
Religious, Spiritual, or Nah: HABBAKKUK 2:3
I feel most at peace when _________: on Friday evenings. Beer in hand. Steak on the grill. UFC
Social Media Feelings: Love/hate relationship. Damnit I love it
Social Media Handles: @marcusanderson
Anything you’d like to promote?: Catch me on Power Book II: Ghost every Sunday at 9pm/EST on Starz get the app!!