FEATURE
Exclusive Akeem Mair Interview with Muzique Magazine
Exclusive Akeem Mair Interview with Muzique Magazine
How did you come by your stage name?
I just used my birth name as my stage name. I felt like God has given that name to me for a reason so why change it. I saw how my favorite artist Tupac Shakur also kept his real name for his stage name too so I’m like okay I’m keeping it.
Plus I want to build up my family’s last name up the same way Floyd Mayweather did for his. Floyd said, “I was given the Mayweather last name, and then took it to another level.” So I want to take the “Mair” last name to another level! And he did that by becoming a legendary boxer, so I want to do it by becoming a legendary actor!
When did you discover your love for your craft and what made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in it?
I never attended to pursue acting as my career and lifelong dream. It was Micheal Douglas who wanted to be like in this movie called, “The Game,” that stole my heart. I wanted to be a Financial Banker just like him. I wanted to drive a black 2000 BMW 740, to wear the custom-made suits to work every day, I even started carrying a calculator so that I can feel like I am part of the stock exchange crew.
I have a personal maid at home living in my huge mansion. But one day while working at Ralph’s grocery store, a loyal customer changed my whole life! I was working at Ralph’s as a cashier when I spotted a loyal customer of mines who was very sad. So I put on a smile and showed off my positive personality that my customers loved so much. I said, “hi it’s really good to see you again, I hope you found everything ok?”
She said thank you but I could barely hear her. I said to her, “usually I see you smiling but whatever you’re going through I know God will rescue you!” “ He’ll never give you more than you can handle!” She paused and then I said, “have a bless day, I hope to see you again soon!!” She finally looked up at me with tears in her eyes and replies, “Are you an actor?” I said, “No. Why do you ask?” She said, “Because you have this big positive energy.
You move people by it. You lifted my spirits after I just lost my home in a foreclosure today.” Her words cut deep within me. After my shift, I rushed home and wondered, What would my life look like if I was a successful Actor? I thought about how I could help millions of people with my big personality the same way I helped her. It was that night I knew I wanted to become an actor. I searched how to get started in acting and it lead me to Central Casting. And as they say, the rest is history!
To what or whom do you accredit your sense of style?
My credit goes to two people for the style sense that I have, Tupac and my Aunt Tammy. From Pac I learned about the Karl Kani clothing label, I picked up my taste in Versace shirts and suits, the different styles of jewelry he rocks from his hands to Cuban link chains around his neck. From Aunt, she got me into Jordan’s and athletics wear to a richer style like Gucci.
On your current project, how did you come up with the concept?
My current project is a TV commercial I did with my brother Wesley about the real conversations we need to have regarding Covid-19. The concerns of the vaccine’s safety in our bodies and why my brother should consider doing research about it and maybe take the vaccine down the road. It was a huge commercial success by Ad Council that’s still airing on TV right now and hope you get to catch it.
What are some of your greatest challenges, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic?
My greatest challenge is figuring out how to do as much as I can within 24 hours. We all need sleep but I have this habit of staying up as late as I can to finish my objectives but at a cost of being well-rested. Our brains have a million things we want to do and the challenge is staying focus on what is most important. Then once you know what it is, the next challenge is having the will to do it.
Some days are extremely hard where you find yourself being lazy because you want to relax after a long workday but that will only put you behind. when it comes to work ethic, being organized is my key ingredient. I know exactly where I am right now and what I need to get to the next level.
I have a journal that I track myself daily with. I wish I would have done that younger but hey 3 years ago was my life-changing habit and it’s worked wonders for me. My list of daily goals keeps me from stress and worry. I know what needs to be done right now and what I could do later. See I use to keep so much in my head that I will forget if I don’t write it down.
Are you the best at what you do in your opinion?
I love the confidence that comes from this question. But honestly, I’d say not yet because I still got so much growing to do. I stay humble at all times and do not consider myself great so that my ego will stay in check. I used to think like I’m the best but then get cocky and say, “I don’t need to take any acting classes. Just put me in the room with the big casting directors and I’ll blow them away!”
The problem, you won’t be able to get seen without any credits to your name or any training under your belt. So your career stalls and that’s when most actors just give up and say Hollywood is hard. But Hollywood is not hard, it’s your thinking and pride that’s building roadblocks between you and your dreams. That’s the honest truth.
What are your plans for the near future?
My plans are very simple, win an Oscar and become the biggest superstar actor the world has ever seen. From there it’s just going to take a lot of hard work and faith to reach the top. But I am built for this. For right now I have a few projects I have lined up, a feature film and a web series. My goal is to do my very best with each one of them and we’ll see where that takes us. I plan to sign up for more acting classes and reach the masterclasses in each school. That’s what I’m focused on at the moment.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank, any shout-outs?
Yes, I would like to shout out Jesus first and foremost, without you in my life I am nothing. My immediate family; my mom Queen Douglas, my brother Wesley Mair, and sister Chelsea Carroll! I do this for you guys!! Especially my siblings, being the oldest I know you guys look up to me and I want to make you proud. My grandma Earlene Dye and my uncle Nick Dye! You guys hear practicing over and over and have always encouraged me to go after my dreams! My best friends Rudy Beccera, Jowon Smith, and Lamar Toler!
Having you guys in my life and always encouraging me is priceless! You guys are like real brothers to me! To my coaches Mike Pointer, Mike Dolphy, Terry Berland, David Rountree, Toby Lawless, Lesly Kahn, Geoffrey Blake, Judy Kain, Stacy Edwards, James Ciccone, Scott Sedita, Tony Rago, Christy Dooley, Micheal Antonacci to name a few. To some of my favorite casting directors Brigid McBride, Chrissy Fiorilli, Ross Lacy, Alyson Horn, Dan Bell, Valerie Pitman, Cast Partners, and many more.
How can fans find you?
https://m.imdb.com/name/nm5866599/
https://cni.lacasting.com/talent/profile/832319
https://www.instagram.com/akeemmair/?hl=en
https://m.facebook.com/Akeem.Mair.Actor/
https://www.backstage.com/u/Akeemmair/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/akeemmair
https://mobile.twitter.com/akeemmair?lang=en
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCGAuUsAQW4ykQ3qBNIFcxzw
https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/Akeemmair
https://talent.castingfrontier.com/akeem-mair
https://www.pinterest.com/akeemmair/
What suggestions do you have for other artists like yourself?
Find something you love to do because it’s your passion. Don’t do it for the money or you’ll lose every time. Acting or whatever you do has to be something you love. Because let me tell you, I’ve poured thousands of dollars, hours, blood, sweat, and tears into this dream.
You’re going to feel like you want to quit some days and you’re going to go broke trying to make it. But in the end, it was all worth it. To chase something you’ve always dreamed about is priceless. You got one life, so live it doing something you love!! If it’s acting, go all in it like your life depends on it!
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