Taking Off with Kheon Clarke

Kheon Clarke has a personality as dynamic as his acting catalog. Having used his talent to transcend genres and networks, the Jamaican-Canadian actor is giving his all and staying grounded on his journey to the top.

Griffin
Kheon, you come from humble beginnings. How has your foundation molded the man we see today?

Kheon
We lived in a shack in my hometown back in Jamaica. We moved to Canada and lived in the hood. Yes, Canada has hoods, too. I was not the typical kid. I was the geeky kid, and my peers looked at me weird. I was into theater and reading! My parents were great. In our culture, there is no fluff! I learned to be blunt but loving. As I grew up, I had no desire to be like what I saw in my environment. I always knew there was more. Because I was able to rise above it all, I care about kids being able to see themselves as capable of doing anything! I hope to help fuel the separation between what you see on TV and reality. I am a human being, just like everyone else. I was just blessed enough to have the opportunity to do something that not a lot of people get to do.

Griffin
Tell me more about your concern about reality versus TV?

Kheon
I really want to help shift the perspective of what the world thinks. I care about the perception and understanding of black people as a whole. Typically, when cast, we are automatically the ¨bad guy¨, and people can’t separate what they see on television from our reality. I am hoping my roles can show we aren’t what we portray! I really care about showing the youth that just because the world views us as something, we are not obligated to subscribe to that.

Griffin
So, if your environment did not influence you, who was your biggest influence?

Kheon
I really wouldn’t say that one person or circumstance wholly influenced me. There are many people. My parents for sure! I would also say Dave Chappelle because I really admire the fearlessness that he represents. I may not agree with everything he says, but I respect his approach. I love that he tells his truth regardless of how everyone else feels and no matter if others agree. I can add Dwayne ¨The Rock¨ Johnson, Denzel, and Will Smith to that list. Their craft aside, I appreciate the ¨take the lead mentality¨ that each of those men displays.

Griffin
Were you always confident in your ability?

Kheon
Honestly, no. I had trouble speaking about myself. Now, I carry fearlessness with me at all times. I mean, what is the worst someone is going to say? No? I’ve embraced a ¨Never give up, never say die ” mindset. I was once afraid of everything – taking risks, putting myself out there. I had to shift, and now I am here talking to you.

Griffin
On a lighter note, what is your favorite movie genre?

Kheon
I love to laugh and make people laugh. So comedy would be my number one choice. BUT, I do appreciate a real deep drama.

Griffin
Top 3 movies of all time?

Kheon
That’s tough. Okay, here goes:
Interstellar
Above The Rim
Hercules

Griffin
What can we find you doing in Vancouver if you aren’t working?

Kheon
When the weather is nice, I bike on the seawall along Vancouver Beach. I have picked up playing pickup basketball games with my friends, or I am in the gym.

Griffin
Tell me more about the project you are currently working on?

Kheon
If you like planes and medical dramas, you´ll love this show! Skymed is Top Gun meets Grey´s Anatomy. There’s a very diverse cast! Representation is a theme. It is a sexy show. There are hookups, drama, and relationships, but that’s all I’m giving you. You will have to tune in! The show will air in July via Paramount+.