Hollywood, “I’ve Always Felt As If I Belonged Here” – Rayan Lawrence

The chances of becoming a notable actor are extremely small, and it is effortlessly easy to get lost in the pool of Hollywood. Some actors manage to stay relevant and above water. Actor and producer Rayan Lawrence has done both. Lawrence has featured in a few heavy hitters such as Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, PIMP, Magnum PI, FBI, and executive producer 50 Cent’s Detroit-based series Black Mafia Family. Maintaining his relevance in an overpopulated industry has not been easy, but Lawrence has learned that staying in the game is the only way to become a master player.

Jackson
When you think of Hollywood, what comes to mind?

Lawrence
When I think of Hollywood, I think of the glitz and the glamor. Sunshine, palm trees, and star
power. With star power, you think of names like Denzel, Brad Pitt, and Angelina Jolie. You know
those people that rock red carpets. Halle Berry. Those are names you attach to it.

Jackson
There’s this thing called the imposter syndrome. Do you feel as if you’re supposed to be
there surrounded by the energy of those big names, or do you feel out of place?

Lawrence
I feel like I’m supposed to be here. Since I started acting, I’ve always felt that because of my humbleness. Also, when I’m working with stars or when I see stars, I’m very reserved. Because I feel like I’m supposed to be at the table too. It’s not cockiness. It’s, “I respect you, so I hope that you can respect me too.”

Jackson
How was the BMF experience? To witness that lifestyle.

Lawrence
I loved it! Being brought up and knowing the story of BMF. Watching all the documentaries and
just listening to what Big Meech and Terry were able to accomplish. On paper, you’re like, man, this is a dope story and being a part of that is amazing. The role that I’m playing, K-9 you can’t find anything on the internet about him. His real name is Dogg. He was the one that was kind of groomed. Being able to play that character is just amazing. Playing a real-life
character.

Jackson
Since you’ve been in the industry, what has been your greatest self-discovery?

Lawrence
I would say being able to keep my composure around this level of talent. Staying grounded,
staying humble. Going back to what I said earlier. I’m never intimidated to work with big names.

Jackson
You chose this field but do you ever doubt or second guess yourself?

Lawrence
I’ve never doubted. My very first audition was ESPN, and I booked it. After that
I’m like, this is happening. There are ups and downs in business, but I never doubted. I’m a hard worker, and my work ethic is really strong.

Jackson
Do you think there’s a secret to success? If so, what is success to you?

Lawrence
That’s a good question. I think it’s open to how much work you put into trying to be successful. Success for me would be achieving what you need to achieve in the short-term to get to the long-term. So the secret is, well, not a secret – but just the effort you put into your career.

Jackson
Share with me a few plans you have for yourself as an actor and producer?

Lawrence
The next step as an actor is to be a series regular on a show. I want to become a household name. I want to do one or two movies a year like Denzel. The reason I say that is because I want to focus. I want to give my all to the project because it takes a lot to prepare for a role. As a producer, I want to produce some really good movies. I want to produce movies that I’m in and movies I’m not in.