Meet Raymond Karago | Actor, Producer, Writer, Entrepreneur

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

Hi Raymond, how do you think about risk?
It is essential. In order to succeed in anything, you have to be willing to take multiple risks. That includes risking failure, risking humiliation, risking starting over, risking being in unfavorable situations, an a lot more. You have to be willing to risk it all. I have taken many risks in my life, more than a few times those risks have not paid off and I have failed but in those moments I learned and moved forward, making the risks worth it in the end. It is not easy, and you may not like it at first, but in the end, risks do pay off.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an actor, producer and writer. I strive to create art that makes a difference. About a year ago I wrote, produced and acted in a film very near and dear to my heart, Kareem’s Oorah, about a Muslim-American who enlists in the U.S. Marines right after 9/11. This comes after my previous film, Stand uP! which I also starred in, wrote and produced and has appeared at film festivals such as The Burbank International Film Festival. Another film I produced last year, Gun Too Soon, has been screened in festivals all over the world from New York to Milan. I seek to have a brand as an international leading man and top producer. Currently, in my home country of Kenya, I have a TV Series, Salem, Streaming on Showmax, and I have an upcoming Netflix Series later this month called “Volume”, headed by the acclaimed Tosh Gitonga

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Hmm? Let’s see, LA has so many spots that it’s hard to choose from. I absolutely adore Firefly, a restaurant and a hidden little gem in Studio City. I am also very fond of Nobu which is located in Malibu, a restaurant which has some of the best food you’ll ever eat with an amazing view by of the Ocean. Samuel French, which is unfortunately closed now, is a historical landmark in Los Angeles especially for any aspiring actor, writer etc looking for plays to read or scripts to analyze. Lastly, I would also have to recommend a trip to Catalina Island, about an hour from Long Beach by Boat, that is honestly my favorite spot in America.

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 am happy to say that I have a lot of people to thank for helping me on my journey. Firstly, all glory goes to God. Without his guidance and mercy (most of which I did not deserve!), I would be nowhere. I must also have so much love and gratitude for my family, their constant love and support have fueled me in times where I thought I couldn’t carry on. My beloved auntie Njeri who unfortunately is no longer with us. My friends and mentors who have stood by me over the years and of course to my loving and amazing partner. I owe so much to all of them.

Website: https://karagoraymond.wixsite.com/the-cat-productions?Fbclid=paaaas6gxlgtzgiuwa0haxlycibobvlajkfhtdgchfuqawm8uey6irnmdlkrs

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raymond-karago-9b99b012a