Meet Shun Freeman-Lauren | Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shun Freeman-Lauren and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shun, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued an artistic career because I always enjoy discovering a part of me that is hidden under the layers of who I am in everyday life. Being able to express a different level of yourself without judgement has always been an exciting part of my journey as an actor.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Performing arts has been apart of my life since I was six years old. My mom would sing all the time around the house when I was little or on the bus rides to her job with me when she was a substitute teacher. I just remember emulating her in the sense of being able to sing whatever I heard her do with her voice. I was always writing scripts for my cousins to perform when we were young and watching a lot of television thanks to my mom! I was born in Dallas, Texas but later moved to Port Huron, Michigan when I was six years old with my dad and grandmother. I started performing in talent shows and theater productions when I was around eight years old. Music was always my first love but right around thirteen years old is when I really started loving acting. My grandmother invested a lot of time and money into me attending acting and modeling school monthly and sometimes going to auditions too. I have to say I was blessed to have a childhood where I was afforded the opportunity of stability but I definitely spent alot of time practicing singing and rehearsing in my room as a kid and teenager. I loved performing a lot. As I went onto high school, I was very involved in many theater productions and awarded as well for my acting. All of these opportunities have brought me to where I am as a professional actor now in films on Amazon and upcoming series being released. The journey to becoming a professional actor has definitely not been easy. There are so many challenges that an actor faces when developing a career in the entertainment business. One of the biggest lessons I have learned in this business is humility, preparation and faith. When I think about all of the auditions I have done since I was twelve years old and for every NO there was an opened door that prepared for an opportunity with a YES. This business is full of rejection and you have to at some point create a thick skin to make it in this business. Now that is definitely easier said than done but it must be done. It is up to you to put in the work for your dreams. No one is ever going to hand you anything without a price, which is why having control over my career is very important. Yes, I am represented by a wonderful talent agency but I definitely continue to find my own opportunities as well to grow and learn as an actor. I have wonderful acting coaches and mentors as well as friends who are in the business that I ask questions and constructive criticism that will help along the way. Auditions are a big part of this business so brace yourself! What I would like the world to know about me is that my life as an actor simply started with faith in myself and believing that God would align my dedication and talent with the universe to allow me to take part in the gift of acting. I have never wanted to be a famous actor but a successful actor who understands the craft and respects the craft. Yes, I am a black man and even that has come with its own challenges in this business with the roles that are available to me and others like myself but creating characters not with just one particular background is so important to my community. Creating your own content is something we also must not take for granted. At the end of the day, I am simply an actor that loves creating and making art for others to see themselves and give them permission to find their purpose.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Houston, Texas has been great to me in helping me gain my footing in my acting career. Though, I have moved to Dallas, Texas one of my favorite places to go is Discovery Green Park. I definitely love the space and the music concerts such as Music In the Park.

I would probably take them to my favorite restaurants like Pappadeaux or this area Dallas called Trinity Groves Area that has the best cake called The Cake Bar. Since Covid-19, there really has not been too much you can just go out and do anymore but if I could I would also take my best friend to some of the art museums and of course theater productions here in Dallas too!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my mother and grandmother. These are two very strong women both have instilled in me faith, determination and perseverance in this challenging and sometimes exciting career as an actor. I also would like to thank my wonderful family and friends who continue to support me constantly and always encourage me to be myself.

Website: imdb.me/shunlauren
Instagram: sdc2013
Linkedin: Shun Lauren
Twitter: @shunlauren1
Facebook: Shun Lauren
Other: pbtalent.com Pastorini-Bosby Talent Agency Website.

Image Credits
Jerico Broken Boy Peter! Series Relapse