Meet Michael Warren | Actor/Photographic Artist

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

Hi Michael, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Interview

1. I don’t think I chose an artistic or creative career. I believe it chose me. When I accepted a Ucla basketball scholarship, my intentions were to major in Sociology and become a social worker. My goal was to save families. Things didn’t work out in Sociology. I was a sophomore and knew I was going to have to choose a major my next year. I was walking on campus and the spirit of the Lord spoke to me. What I heard was photography. I had been into photography shooting endlessly of my friends ann the campus. There wasn’t anything artistic about my pictures. I was just documenting. I didn’t know if Ucla had a photography major but the thought made me go to the Fine Arts Department. When I walked through the door, I bumped into the Chairman of the Department of Television, Radio, and Motion Pictures, Dr. Arthur Friedman. He recognized me from basketball and asked why was I there. After explaining my reason, he suggested I become a Television, Radio, and Motion Pictures major and he would advise me. Dr. Friedman became my mentor and great friend. I thought I was going to go into production but Dr. Friedman influenced me to take the Acting route. Once I graduated, He became my first Acting Coach, and my photography continues. I started shooting portfolios for actors and actresses, and I got into shooting concerts. A photograph of The Jackson Five appeared in the LA Times and I was given a byline. At these concerts, I had the privilege of shooting the likes of Jimi Hendricks, Lisa Minnelli, The Chamber Bros, Quincy Jones and Roberta Flack. Fast forward and I’m coming out of a gym from working out. Once again, the Lord speaks saying, “Look up.” For the first time I began seeing clouds in a different matter. I saw them artistically.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My professional career in acting began with a role as a technical advisor on Jack Nicholson Directorial debut. I was an All American basketball player at Ucla. My coach was the greatest coach in any sport. His name was John Wooden. I played along side of the greatest college player ever and arguably the best to ever play professionally in Kareem Abdul Jabbar. I was drafted by an NBA team but couldn’t come to an agreement on what I should be paid. My contract came through the mail. The salary that I was offered I thought was very low and I boasted, “I’ll make more than that as an Actor. I was so naive. It took me many years before I made the $10,000 that the NBA teen offered me. My first job as an Actor came by way of working as a Technical Advisor on Jack Nicholson’s Directorial film debut, “Drive, He Said,” He gave me a part in his film as a basketball player. Typecasting? Absolutely. I did a credible job and because I did, I had to make a decision. Was I going to become a Producer or an Actor. I thought I could become a Producer quicker if I could make a name for myself as an Actor. After a number of years of auditioning, I landed a series regular role on the highly celebrated and honored Television series, “Hill Street Blues.” I owe my acting career to the Producer on Hill Street, Steven Bochco and childhood star turned Director, Jackie Cooper. The two of them were my guardian angels. After having a long career in the entertainment business, I had the aforementioned spiritual experience coming out of the gym and that led me into my present career as a photographic artist.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take them to two great college sporting events, a UCLA Basketball game and a UCLA Women’s Gymnastic meet. My friend would see some of the best athletes Los Angeles has to offer. At a college event, no one is profiling or trying to be seen rather than attending an event for the pure enjoyment of it. 6

My friend would have to try Phillips Barbecue Ribs on Crenshaw in Los Angeles. It is without a doubt some of the very best ribs to eat along with some excellent cole slaw, collard green, and red beans and rice. For dessert, oh yeah, my friend would swoon over the banana pudding, sweet potato pie, or red velvet cake. There is no question that my friend would rave about the food for days or weeks to come.

He would have to visit a number of Art Galleries at Bergamon Station, California African American Museum, and The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection at SoFi.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I must give thanks to God because without him directing me into my creative endeavors, I never would have tapped into the artistic side of my creativity. Then, so much encouragement came from my family. They were as surprised as I was when I began showing them my work.

Website: www.michaelwarrenphotofantasy.com

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Twitter: @gobruins44

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