The Forgotten.

Okay, so this has been on my chest for awhile.

You ever feel forgotten? I mean like really forgotten. Not like a "Oh my friend forgot to call me for that movie night", or a "He forgot where our first kiss was.", I mean , FORGOTTEN.

I want to speak for myself here, and myself only. However, I'm sure that a few of my buddies feel this as well.

I've been acting for more than 20 years. Let me say that again, I've been acting for TWENTY YEARS. It's crazy when I think about it. I feel blessed and can't express my thanks to God enough for the amazing career He has given me. That being said, lately I have had some....feelings. I've run into a couple of young guys recently that have, for lack of a better term, disrespected my career. These guys usually root their argument with the statement that I am a "has-been". Usually I brush that kinda thing off. But lately, it has hit home a bit.

I remember the good ol' days. New York. Limo to and from set everyday. Fan Mail. Being escorted by security everywhere. I DID that. At the age of FOUR. That kind of life is nothing new to me, that is for sure. Now, I'm not saying this with a bragging nature, I just want you to know, I've had that. So to hear these people all of a sudden tell me how washed up I am, hurts. And at the same time, it's highly confusing. In basically EVERY profession, the apprentice recognizes and respects the teacher. Sadly, this way of life has begun it's decline in the world of acting. Especially where young Black males are concerned. Tearing each other down has become commonplace, and it seems always necessary to step on someone to reach a higher level nowadays. I hate it. I grew up watching a handful of Black actors. Allen Payne, Khalil Kain, & Denzel Washington were the ones I looked up to. Guys like Tahj Mowry, Marc John Jefferies, Jeff Wood, Bryan Hearne, Corbin Bleu, Khleo Thomas, and Marcus Paulk were my peers. I loved growing up in that era. It was honestly to date, the best time to be a young Black actor. We all thrived back then. And then slowly, we started to fade.

Some experienced this more than others. For a few, it was a choice. For others, it wasn't. Regardless of if you chose to get out of the spotlight, or if the spotlight just found someone else, you missed it. I missed it. Nothing can replace the feeling I get when I'm on set. Nothing. I started out an actor, and I will always be one. So imagine the pain I feel when some say, "Your time is over". Fresh faces and low pay grades rule the screens now. If you can be bought, you can be a star. No, I'm not as recognized as some of my peers. No I don't wait for projects to land in my lap. I still have to WORK. Because this is my JOB. And what makes me dangerous for these fame hungry, no talent newbies, is that my job is also my PASSION. When those two things are put together, it makes all the difference.

So in short I guess I'm saying don't count some of us out. Tahj is still an amazing talent, and will forever be the most recognizeable "Smart Guy". MP is a good rapper, and is in a George Lucas project next year. Khleo is also in music, and keeps giving us roles to remember him in. Corbin is....Corbin. lol. No explanation needed. Basically, we are all still here. The WORKING actors. The ones who put this craft on our BACKS when most can't even lift the hammer. We won't stop. We will die making sure we are remembered, not forgotten. BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY.

So next time you see someone you think is a "has-been" say he's working on something, don't think about the negative response everybody seems trained to say. Congratulate him or her for paving the way. Thank them for sticking in the game, even when it's barely paying the bills. And most importantly, never EVER forget them. Because we haven't forgotten you.

Remember me,
Gary
aka LyriX