Meet Rodney Hobbs | Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rodney Hobbs and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rodney, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I pursued an artistic career because it’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was 5 or 6 years old. I’ve always been fascinated by television, and have been watching favorite shows since then. In looking at being fulfilled in life, there’s no other pursuit that motivated me the way performing does. Because I always had this dream/desire, I didn’t want to live my life saying “woulda-shoulda-coulda,” so I decided to pursue it.

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.
My art is based on freedom of expression, and I think that’s what sets me apart from others. I’m willing to put myself in almost any situation that serves a story and entertains an audience (within my ethical and moral boundaries). Particularly, I have a knack for entertaining younger audiences. This started with my first professional acting job, when I joined the cast of a touring children’s theater company (Theatre IV in Richmond VA). From there, I met other actors who led me to my first talent agencies, which led to my work in local commercials, corporate training videos, and eventually to TV shows.

When I moved to Los Angeles, I had the guidance of some peers and a few books to learn how to navigate this larger market. It was not easy, primarily in making sure I had a steady income that could also fuel my acting pursuits (including taking headshots, acting classes, workshops, etc.). I had to make sure that I always had flexible work that would allow me the chance to pursue acting, just as I do today. (I’ve always worked part-time in the corporate sector in addition to performing.) I overcame challenges by always believing in myself and my abilities, and having faith that the jobs that I’m supposed to have will come to me. My faith constantly reminds me that “what God has for me, is for me…” and there’s NOTHING that can keep me from it.

So many other lessons I’ve learned along the way, one of which is to focus on my work–my performance, whether in an audition or on set or on stage. Not to think about the result of the performance, but to focus on the performance itself, which is what I have control over. Another lesson is to be grateful for every step of this journey, and to avoid comparing my journey to others.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love all the varied activities that are available to us in Los Angeles. My itinerary for a visitor would include the following:

–Hollywood & Highland, with a possible bus or van tour. Particularly the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus is a great way to see different parts of the city.

–Santa Monica Pier. to see the beach & ocean

–Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills

–The Grove and the Farmer’s Market

–Griffith Park Observatory, & the Hollywood sign

–A studio lot tour, like Warner Bros. or Paramount

–A TV show taping, like a sitcom or talk show.

–A game show taping. My personal favorite is The Price Is Right (which I’ve won on twice!)

–Restaurants to visit: Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles, Bludso’s BBQ, Din Tai Fung, Bea Bea’s, Another Broken Egg, Truxton’s

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First off, shoutout to my amazingly supportive wife Freda, who as my friend, saw me on stage and believed that I could pursue a professional acting career; and then as my wife, made me choose a time to move to Los Angeles (and willingly came along). From the moment she decided to partner up with me, she has supported me and been my biggest cheerleader. Plus she’s put up with being married to an actor and dealing with my unpredictable schedule for 21+ years.

Second, shoutout to my high school music teacher, Ruby Minter, who first encouraged me to perform before a larger audience in my high school show choir. Her pushing me is what helped me realize how much I loved entertaining other people.

And third, shoutout to my parents, Robert & Remell Hobbs, and the rest of my family, who never told me there was anything that I could not do.

Lastly, shoutout to all my friends & fans, who watch my TV & film appearances, and often let me know when they’ve seen me in something. Without an audience, my work is pretty meaningless. Their words of encouragement over the years is fuel that keeps me going.

Instagram: rjhobbs42

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodney-hobbs-8086181/

Twitter: @rodneyjhobbs

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rodneyjhobbs

Youtube: @rjhobbs

Other: TikTok: @rodneyjhobbs