We had the good fortune of connecting with Marvin Young and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Marvin, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Taking risk has played a huge role in my life! I firmly believe that without risk, your not living your life to it’s fullest potential. Becoming an actor was a huge risk for me, especially since I’m a person who likes to control the narrative of any situation I’m involved in. Acting is all about risk taking and choices, depending on the choice really determines the character your creating. So I’ve grown to become comfortable with risk, it’s my new normal.
Please tell us more about your career. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I believe my acting career started way before I actually knew what to call it. It’s true what they say about the craft, you literally do it everyday! Growing up in a small town really helped prepare me in a lot of ways, because I learned how to pretend! We didn’t have a lot and nor did we go many places, so a lot of the time I lived in my head.
Day dreaming was my thing, I figured if I saw it in my mind first then eventually it’ll come to life. Little did I know I was working my spiritual faith at an early age, so needless to say God was always showing himself to be faithful even when I didn’t recognize it. I was raised in the church, where I also displayed my musical talents as a drummer. That’s where my art really started to take shape! Music and acting are one in the same to me, I always thought art dealt with drawing, (which I’m terrible at), but as I became more invested into my craft I quickly realized that art was so many different things. It’s self expression of one’s self and you should never shy away from that, because it’s who you are! The moment I understood this the more comfortable I became with the uncomfortable.
I believe it’s what sets me about from most people. I’m proud that now I can stand in front of the world and be myself, and not be concerned with what someone else may think of me. That confidence alone can take you as for as you want to go in life, it’s nothing more powerful than someone believing in themselves. I’m extremely excited about what the future holds! No where near where I want to be, but I love the direction. Being an actor in Houston can be challenging at times, but just like with anything else you have to put the work in. No one is handing you anything in this business, you really get out what you put into it. I’ve said this before “relationships are everything” no one will know what you do unless you tell them. Don’t be an undercover artist! You never know where your next job is coming from, or who may be the person to give it.
My two main goals in this life is to be impactful and leave a legacy. I want to be known as someone who took what he had and made something out of it. I didn’t grow up with money and all the luxuries some may have experienced, which makes my achievements that much greater. With all the odds against me, through God I prevailed! So I’m applying that energy to everything I put my hands on. I’m the oldest of five siblings so being an example for the them has always been my biggest why! So my story is simply this, trust god, be yourself, and follow through with your dreams because the next generation depends on it!
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well I’ve been living in Houston for the last 10 years, and it seems like I still haven’t seen everything this city has to offer. I love it here because there’s so much to be involved in on any given day. If I have friends coming into town, the first thing we have to do is eat! There’s plenty of places that come to mind when I get hungry! I’m a huge seafood guy, maybe its because I’m from Louisiana, but anytime I can have good seafood I’m a happy camper! L.A. Fisherman and Lotus Seafood are my spots. There’s also tons of hangout spots as well! Whether you’re looking to let your hair down or just looking for spot to kick it, Houston has you covered. I love the music scene, places like the Alley Kat has always been my number one spot to go to! Lastly, bringing them to the museum district would be a must. Great art statues and museums in that area, things with rich heritage and artistic value. Just a few things that come to mind if I waned to have a good time!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I honestly would not be this for along in my career without God and my acting coach Renee Rivon! She’s the person that introduced me to the craft, and equipped me with the necessary tools needed to do the job. I’m forever grateful for her! Also, I have to give a shout out to the talented actors, directors, producers, and writers that took a chance on me. Those that recommended me to other projects, and those that felt I would be a great fit for their production….I appreciate you! You’re nothing without relationships, and I’m grateful for the ones I’ve made throughout my journey.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iam_marvinyoung/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marvin.j.young.9
Image Credits
Calvin Pennick Jr/Calvinpennickjrphotography.com