Meet Cecil Clay | Actor & Brand Ambassador

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

Hi Cecil, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m originally from Saint Louis, MO. Being raised in the Show Me State, I’m keener to focusing on what’s in front of me. There can be a lot of smoke and mirrors surrounding any aspect of Corporate America. I believe an awareness of who or what is being offered to me has helped me to circumvent unfortunate situations. I was also raised to be in survivor mode. That’s needed out here in Los Angeles where the competition is heavy and the cost of living is substantially different than it is back home. I don’t allow myself too much time to harp on problems. Having defied the odds on more than one occasion, I’m ready to step into my thriving season.

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.
When I first arrived to Los Angeles, my eyes and mouth were wide open. I was in awe at the fact that I had actually did it; moved. Initially starting off, I knew absolutely nothing about the industry. There wasn’t a starting point of any reference. I didn’t have any connections, but what I did have was a curious nature. Youtube was a huge lifesaver for finding a place to start. I began asking questions and eventually started working as a background actor on projects. Within the first few months, I had auditioned and booked a role in a feature film. It never saw the light of day. Considering my level of acting at the time THANK GOD! Despite the many ‘no’s’, most of which I never actually heard directly, I kept showing up. There were plenty of times where I was discouraged and felt like I was reaching dead-ends, but I didn’t allow those moments to end my story. I’ve worked hard enough to be booked on major commercials with well established brands. Most recently, I starred in a film that is currently streaming on HULU called ‘All I Want for Christmas’. If I could give any advice to actors out there, it would be to show up as your authentic self. You will miss more opportunities if you show up as who you think they want you to be.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Los Angeles has too much to offer at times. I mean you have the beach, amusement parks, hiking trails with waterfalls, underground speakeasies, various pop-up events, comic con, E3, Catalina Island, etc. We would definitely hit up a few of my favorite restaurants with beautiful views like Yamashiro Hollywood, Mama’s Shelter, and Geoffrey’s Malibu. There are some spots in Leimert Park like Pepper’s who serve some of the best Jamaican food. I love a good hookah bar also and Byblos never disappoints! The music is always on point, and the venue is overall beautiful with inside and outside seating options. The only other hookah spot I can say gives an exclusive vibe is YamaShisha. A trip down to Laguna or Newport beach provides the much needed reset. I don’t know of too many cities that have interactive rooms, but I love de-stressing with RAGE rooms. There are also a few different activity based organizations who offer group activities for like-minded individuals. My favorite excursion that I’ve experienced has to be Escondido Falls.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Honestly, I wouldn’t be where I am mentally if it wasn’t for the help of my non-profit organization The 100 Black Men of Los Angeles. I’ve found a stronger sense of community, support, value, and philanthropy through the time and effort that’s been asked of me. I began working with the RISE after school program with the Lawndale School District earlier this year. The program focuses on emotional and social development by using a series of interactive conversations that allow the students a space to have a voice. Through our efforts and diligent actions, we’ve went from servicing 3 schools to 8. My president and mentor, Kirk Williams, has been instrumental in my success overall. He’s inspired me to be a part of something greater than myself. Our relationship developed and progressed in a way that I wasn’t expecting upon my induction. Kirk is an amazing leader and friend. There are other gentlemen within my organization who have also played an integral role in my matriculation into this world that’s in stark contrast to the world that I have known.

Another person I would love to recognize is Casting Director Phaedra Harris. She has been extremely involved in my success as an actor and artist. What I love most about her is that she doesn’t mind letting you know that she sees you in every way. The good, the bad, and the no-so-hidden. She helped me get my first acting gig on television and helped introduce me to how a professional major studio set is with respect to experience veterans. Phaedra’s one-of-a-kind approach to audition techniques has allowed me the grace to bring my complete self to the work; no matter how naked I feel.

Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank everyone from STL for their support and words of encouragement! My family keeps pushing me to excel past my imaginary limitations. They’ve acted as the hammer I needed to break glass ceilings and reach new levels. My family: Wright, Clay, Brown, & Richards. I also want to thank my peers from the St. Louis Public School District who have shown me the importance of bond and connection with others, especially my Soldan family. I can’t end this without also thanking citizens of my neighborhood, 6400 Wellston, who were instrumental in my outlook on life and taught me it’s not about the cards that you’re dealt, but it’s how you play your hand that determines your win.

Instagram: instagram.com/cecilceezall