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Actor, Director, and Producer Keith Arthur Bolden will be playing the role of Detective Sergeant Clay in the upcoming summer Blockbuster "The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It." The movie opens June 4th starring Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as The Warrens. As a film/tv actor Keith can be seen in the hit Netflix series, The Haunting of Hill House as Sheriff Beckley, Her Only Choice (BET), American Soul (BET), Mile 22 (Peter Berg (dir.), The Bobby Brown Story (BET), Behind the Movement (TVOne), Underground (WGN), Being Mary Jane (BET), Nashville (CMT), Greenleaf (OWN), and more! Keith also spends time mentoring children and young artist through his fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi.
Q. What inspired you to become an actor?
I believe that acting has been on my radar my entire life...unbeknownst to me. I didn't really realize I had been chasing it, however subtle, my entire life. But it wasn't until I attended Fresno State that I realized it. My first year at the school was also the school's first year of their black theatre program and it was there that I saw a place for me as an actor. I met in my professor, someone unapologetically black, brilliant and passionate and to see how those things came together to make theatre was awe-inspiring.
Q. Out of all the projects you've been a part of, which one was your most favorite? And why?
I love all of my projects but my favorite ones are the ones that involve my students. I am a professor of theatre at Spelman College and to see the students discover themselves in the art and how to tell a story effectively, is the most rewarding of all of my endeavors...every time. But If I had to choose, my favorite so far is the THE CONJURING. All of my scenes were with two oscar nominated actors and we had great moments, but it was the director, Michael Chaves, that gave me the gift of believing in me and my ability to deliver in this role. He was an amazing collaborator and made coming to work on this project such a joy.
Q. Can you tell us about your upcoming role in "The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It"?
I play Detective Sgt Clay. All of these films need a skeptic right...well that is my character. But more than that, he is a homocide detective that cares deeply about the victims of the cases he investigates. He is an empath, but also very logical. With Det. Clay one plus one equals two and there is little room for interpretation.
Q. Have you ever encountered any roadblocks in your journey to success? If so, how did you overcome them?
I have had roadblocks, some self imposed, but most just the nature of the business. Maturity and time has helped me deal with most of them, but overall it is my support system. My wife and children keep me grounded and give me purpose. My wife is a brilliant actor and director in her own right and we help one another with out travels throughout the hills and valleys and this business. It truly is a blessing to have a partner who understands and can guide you through pitfalls you may not be able to see or celebrate victories you may think too small to pay attention to.
Q. What do you like to do in your spare time?
Spare time? whats that...
Q. How do you manage the work-life balance?
I don't know if there is much of a balance. but what I can say is that I do not sleep an awful lot. I may operate on 4-6 hours a day or less. To be where I want to be, I may be sleeping too much actually.
Q. What does success mean to you?
Success to me is seeing the successes around me. Not just my own personal successes but looking at my friends and people around me and seeing theirs. I truly am excited for people, talented people when they win. It may not compensate me financially, but my compensation comes from the joy of others realizing their full potential.
Q. What advice can you give to aspiring actors who would like to make an impact in the entertainment industry?
Train, train, train...get into a good class, university or conservatory and learn yourself, learn the craft and what it takes to not only elevate yourself but elevate the story telling. I am excited to see what you come up with. The world is waiting for your stories.
Interview by: Lee Whetstone, Editor-in-Chief
Publicist: Amirakal Marketing