Meet Tony Donn Rich | Performing Artist & DJ/MC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tony Donn Rich and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tony Donn, what’s your definition for success?
That’s a question I ask myself regularly. I initially interpreted success from the beliefs that modern day society imprinted on me. However, I’ve recently found that as long as I’m healthy physically and mentally, spiritually centered, in service to humanity, being an artist on my terms, and enjoying the relationships in my life with loved ones…then I’m incredibly successful and don’t need the other lavish accoutrements associated with success to feel complete. Sure, I can still appreciate designer clothing, exotic cars, etc. But I don’t base my happiness or belief of being successful dependent on whether or not I have those luxuries in my life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I believe we live in a world of ever-expanding good, so I want to remind everyone reading that everything is working out in your favor, and the best is yet to come no matter what! I hope that my life story encourages others to recognize they can do anything they set their mind to with faith, hard work, and consistency. I was born in a small town located in Virginia. However I was raised in Los Angeles, California. I’ve been surrounded by the performing arts my whole life since my father was a professional songwriter, music producer, and actor. Naturally, I showed interest in the performing arts from a young age. I began my training as an actor, dancer, and singer at summer camps with the Towne Street Theater company. I furthered my training at various performing arts workshops, group classes, and private lessons. Eventually, I left the normal middle school I was attending to study in the musical theater department at Millikan Middle School and Performing Arts Magnet in Sherman Oaks, CA. Finally, I auditioned and was accepted into the number one ranked public arts high school in the nation, the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. There, I received a college level curriculum in theater, and also performed in numerous musical theater productions, short films, and opera productions. Upon graduating cum laude from the esteemed program, I applied my knowledge and swiftly started working in the entertainment industry. I cannot say my audition journey has always been smooth and easy, but I’m constantly doing my best and growing with every experience. I’ve heard “no” way more than I’ve heard “yes”. I had a tough time accepting rejection at first, but now I understand me not getting a job could be due to a plethora of reasons besides my talent or appearance. I also firmly believe that nothing can get in the way of what is meant for me. The highs and lows of this entertainment industry are both temporary, so I can’t get wrapped up in either extreme too much. I just stay focused on having fun as best as I can.

I’ve been blessed to work on television shows, commercials, music videos, video games, theatrical productions, and more. In addition, I’m an award winning choreographer and have taught at numerous dance conventions, schools, and performing arts studios throughout the USA including the popular Millennium Dance Complex. Recently, I performed around the world for six years with Carnival Cruise Lines in their Broadway quality “Playlist Production” musicals. You can see my work as a choreographer and motion capture performer in the new video game NBA2K25 from 2kGames. Currently based in Los Angeles, I’m focused on growing in my craft and working consistently in the entertainment industry. I’m passionate about uplifting people and society’s vibration as a whole, so I gravitate to projects that are positive in essence and speak to my soul. You might see me DJ/MCing an event near you, as I love providing the perfect soundtrack and energy for events with VOX DJs. I’m very grateful for my dedicated team at the Movement Talent Agency, Crown North Talent Agency, and my insightful manager Bayley Ra. I’m not sure where I’d be without all their help, my amazing family & friends, and God’s guidance.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being based in Los Angeles means I am surrounded by delicious restaurants, fun entertainment, sightseeing opportunities, shopping, and more. I would certainly take my friend up to the Griffith Park Observatory to get a great view of the Hollywood sign along with a birds eye view of Los Angeles, and make sure we catch a showing inside the Planetarium. Regarding restaurants, one place we’d have to go is Sidewalk Grill in Los Feliz as they serve my favorite BBQ chicken salad. My favorite healthy snack is a fresh Açaí bowl, especially from Ritual Açaí in Atwater Village. Additionally, visiting Atwater’s farmer’s market on Sunday would be a must to enjoy the beautiful community, fresh produce, and fun finds. Another cool activity would be shopping around Melrose and the Grove or the Americana. Without a doubt, we’d also spend a few days dedicated to exploring different beaches along the coast and bring books, food, refreshments, and music. For entertainment I’d take them to the Pantages theater, the Ahmanson theater, the Hollywood Bowl, COSM, and an improv show at some point. Last but not least, I’d recommend visiting the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and doing the Warner Bros Studio Tour.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I think I’d need to write a book if I were to give a shoutout to every person who was instrumental in helping me thrive, because it truly has taken a village. I’ll briefly shoutout a few at the top of my list here. I have to shoutout God first for blessing me with life, positive energy, purpose, and an incredible support system throughout my entire life. My father Tony Lorrich instilled in me and my brother a passion for life, good manners, faith, and an appreciation for the arts…and most of all, he always put us first before anything. For that and so much more, I want to give a massive thank you to my amazing father who I love with my whole heart. Next, I want to thank my brother for always being my best friend and an amazing role model throughout my life. Furthermore, without my Godmother Deborah I’m not sure where I’d be. My Godmother has been an angel to me and my family in so many ways, and she deserves the world. As far as performing arts training is concerned, I would love to shoutout the amazing teachers at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, Towne Street Theater, Phillips Performing Arts, Millikan Middle School, and All About Kids LA. Lastly, I have developed significantly by reading consistently. Some of my favorite books recently are Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty, The Power of One by Ed Mylett, and Becoming Supernatural by Dr.Joe Dispenza.

Website: https://linktr.ee/Tonydonnrich

Instagram: @tonyiiirich

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonydonnrich/

Image Credits
Abigail Gorden, Jackie-Ross Lavender, Olivia Gastaldo, Trent Watherston