Meet Quasheem D Herring | Actor, Producer, Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Quasheem D Herring and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Quasheem D, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
So, when I think of the habits that have made me succeed, I feel there’s a lot. But I’m going to summarize it into five key habits.

1. Faith:
My faith is number one because me believing in God and me believing in Jesus Christ and me believing in that higher power has propelled me and has really helped me become great. And the reason why that is the number one habit is because it takes time for a habit to form. The habit I have with my faith is once I pray about it, I believe it’s going to come no matter how long it takes. And all I do is just say thank you for it before it comes.

2. Resilience:
One thing about resiliency I learned in the military—it’s being willing to do whatever you can until the result changes. What I mean by that is no matter how many times I get up and do this job or pursue this career, it does not change. Because until I see it in the way that I dreamed it or envisioned it, it will never change. I’m going to keep kicking the door, keep turning the knob, and I’m going to keep on pressing forward because there is no back.

3. Support:
Me giving support to people is a habit that has made me successful because with my great support, I get great support back. You will always reap what you sow. I strive to be overly supportive to get support back, whether it be the same amount of support, a smaller amount, or even no support. I support no matter what because I know that’s what I want—not just in return, but in life.

4. Loyalty:
I’m loyal in my relationship, friendships, jobs, and with the people I work with. Loyalty is such a big habit because in this industry, people will try to entice you with all kinds of things. But I always put loyalty first. The people that rocked with me from the beginning will always get priority over those who come later now that they see how good I am. My loyalty doesn’t come with a price tag—it comes with the work, actions, and words that back it up.

5. Discipline:
You have to be disciplined. My definition of discipline is: regardless if someone is watching or not, you continue to do it. Regardless if you have status or not, you continue to do it. Act like you’ve got the Lamborghini before you get the Lamborghini—treat your Honda like it’s the Lamborghini. Carry yourself as a star so when you become one, it’s already natural. Carry yourself as a husband so when you become one, you’re already prepared.

Discipline means sacrifice. Cutting things out of your life. Doing things that are uncomfortable. Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. And most of all, holding yourself accountable. If you didn’t do it today, double up tomorrow. Even if you don’t gain anything from being disciplined, you still strive to be the best at what you do. Whether it’s a short film or a feature film—big or small—you bring greatness.

Those are my key habits that have brought me the success I have today.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is I am an entertainer/one-stop shop/move-the-needle/confident discipline. What sets me apart from other people is this: they may bring a different look to me. They may have pretty eyes or long hair. But one thing that sets me apart from everybody is no one—and I repeat, no one—will outwork me, outstudy me, outprepare me, or outperform me.

What I mean by that is, you may have somebody that performs but didn’t study. You may have somebody that studied but can’t perform. You may have somebody that prepared but can’t execute. With me, you get all of those—because I’m not a one-trick pony. I strive to be balanced across the board and give my full excellence on every production I’m a part of.

How did I get to where I’m at today? I’m going to be honest—it wasn’t easy. It was very hard. I lost a lot of people—loved ones who passed away, relationships that ended, friends that turned into foes. This journey began in 2019, and here I am almost six years later. I remember times when I would sleep in my car for bookings or show up to set with just $20 in my pocket. I put 50,000 miles on a car in less than three months—that’s how hard I chased this dream.

So no, it wasn’t easy. But it was worth it. It showed me that if you really love something and you commit to it, it will manifest. I started as background, and not everyone makes it out of that space—but I climbed from the bottom of the call sheet to number one. That’s a dream come true, and I don’t take it lightly.

Prayer got me through. So did the mindset of never giving up. It’s easy to say that when life is good. But when giving up is the safe choice and you still don’t do it—that’s what separates the greats. I chose the dream over comfort and I want to pass that same message to my children: never yield—always merge. Whatever lane you find yourself in, you push the pedal and merge forward.

When it comes to lessons, I’ve learned a lot. Number one: don’t trust what people say—trust what they do. It’s simple, it’s cliché, but it’s truth. I only believe actions.

Another lesson: nothing is guaranteed. I once filmed something, thinking I’d be in it, and got cut out completely. That taught me to choose roles that matter—roles that, if removed, would change the movie.

And another key lesson: belief. You have to believe in your dream with every fiber of your being. Not just in words—but in action. If you want it bad enough, you’ll go through whatever it takes to reach it. And for me, this isn’t just a path—it’s “the”path. And that’s why I succeed.

What I want the world to know is— Quasheem D. Herring is like no other actor, director, or producer you’ve ever encountered. I’m a man from a strong two-parent home who served in the world’s greatest Air Force for eight years. I’ve lived beyond my years—and everything I do reflects that.

The way I promote is like no other. The way I perform is like no other. And the way I execute, deliver, and stay consistent is like no other.

When you put Quasheem on something, it wins. When you put Quasheem on it, it lasts. When you put Quasheem D. Herring on it, you’re going to get a mind-blowing, heart-thriving, body-warming, smile-friendly character, story, and performance. And you’ll never leave unsatisfied.

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?
To start, we would go to brunch at Roscoe’s chicken and waffles and then head to citadel outlets for shopping. I would take them to lunch downtown at yard house and then catch a movie at the paramont drive in theater. We could also go do some k1 go kart racing, check out some skating rinks, and have some amazing seafood at soul food shake in Inglewood. We then have to hit up the Hollywood walk of fame and if they are thrill seeking of course Disney land and California adventure. Sunday we must go to the laugh factory and enjoy chocolate Sunday’s, which is an incredible comedy experience, and then also must go to see the Hollywood sign. To call it all off make sure you check out Orange County and Anaheim and if it’s sports time gotta check out the Crypto Arena and the intuit dome.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So, one of the biggest shout-outs is, of course, God. But, when it comes to people, I really shout-out Denzel Washington. The reason being is I followed this man’s career to the tee. I know how many no’s he had when he first started. I know what got him his first role. I really watched his attack, his pursuit, and his relentlessness.

Next person, I have to say my wife, Vanessa Nicole Herring. My career was good before I met her, but after I made her my wife and got in a relationship with her, my career became great.

The next person would be my parents, especially my mother, because she got me into theater plays at church at a young age. Ironically, the one thing she pushed me into is what I ended up doing for real. It gave her a full-circle moment—she created this animal who’s relentless in becoming one of the greatest actors.

Another person I’d like to shout out is Maritalyn Frazier. If it wasn’t for her coming on my podcast as a guest and seeing something in me, she wouldn’t have reached out to Keema Mingo, one of her casting directors. Keema saw my face and said I had “that look.” I shaved my face, went on set for a movie called *24*, and being on set with Kevin Wilmott, Trai Byers, and MyKelty Williamson gave me that magnetic pull—I knew I wanted to do this for life.

I’d also like to thank the haters and doubters. They count as one person to me. Without them, I might not work as hard as I do. My job isn’t to prove them wrong—it’s to prove me right.

Now these last two are very near and dear to me. First, Dean Werner, an LA-based director, writer, and producer. I submitted to his horror film not knowing if I’d even get looked at. He told me there were over 1,000 auditions for that role—and mine stuck out even though I was somewhere in the 300s. That moment reminds me that I am great, I do belong, and I will be heard, seen, and never forgotten.

Second is Laquita Langhorn of Midsouth Films. She didn’t know me, but weeks before her film *My Man* was set to shoot, she still hadn’t cast the lead. Everyone submitted for supporting roles—but everyone was afraid of the lead role. Everyone but me. I had two weeks to prepare. I showed up and blew it out of the water. That film is still chart-topping on Tubi. That experience turned her into family, like a sister.

And finally, it would be a disservice not to name Omar Salgado, a New York producer with Dame Dash Studios. My first lead film *Black Money*, directed by Shakira Reese, was filmed during COVID and took two years to get picked up. I evolved that character, Ace, for 45 days. Omar told me that the reason Dame Dash Studios picked up the movie was because of my performance. He believed it. He received it. And he loved it. That was the start of me being a leading man, a top-tier villain, and one of the best in this industry. I will always leave an impression that can never be erased, duplicated, or forgotten.

And one other great person, especially in this year of 2025, I got to thank this wonderful angel, this wonderful gem, Juanita Stokes from Footage Films. She single-handedly changed my career. She has elevated me in ways that no one ever has.

When I met this woman, she didn’t know me. All she knew was I was hungry. There were a lot of people at the seminar where we met, but I told her, ‘I’m hungry and I’m ready.’ She told me to reach out to her on Instagram. People say that all the time, but I did it—and she replied. She told me to stay consistent. I did that—and I got a call. She told me to ask for what I want. I did—and I got it.

I reached out to her one day and said, ‘if you’re filming something tomorrow I’m ready.’ She gave me the connect to call, and I got the audition. I ended up booking the role. I will never forget that. To be a part of a studio like Footage Films, with the greats— Chris Stokes, Marques Houston, J-Boog, —and to say that I’m part of that film family, all because Juanita saw something in me… I’ll never forget it.

As someone who was already a fan of Footage Films, watching their movies religiously, now being able to say I’m in one—that’s a dream come true. And that’s all thanks to Juanita. She didn’t have to give me that chance. I know people reach out to her constantly. But she did.

A big shout-out also to her brother, Chris Stokes, for commending me on my performance and saying, ‘We’re going to do more projects together.’ And salute to Marques Houston, who is a true Stewart of the game. We both follow each other on various social media platforms to this day. I don’t see this as a one-time thing, but as the beginning of something greater.

To have this happen in 2025, knowing I’ve only been in LA for less than a year, is priceless. I thank God for her. I am humbly grateful and will never take it for granted. Shout-out to Footage Films, Juanita Stokes, Chris Stokes, Marques Houston, and the entire team—thank you for entrusting me. And for our upcoming movie, *The Follower*—I can’t wait for the world to see it.

Website: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm10882927?s=d0cc262d-0ae3-9d66-7eec-1c8458489bbc&site_preference=normal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quasheemdherring/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QD.Herring/

Youtube: https://youtu.be/xq3wry9fWGM

Image Credits
Midsouth films, Chris Stokes, Juanita Stokes, Footage Films