Page 36 - Winter/Spring 2015 Issue

schedule! But they did it and I am here today because of the many sacrifices my folks made for our family. However, there’s also a cost associated with that type of drive. Both of my parents had high blood pressure in their 30s. I didn’t realize until I was grown that what they had done was not the norm. They were workaholics. My family, my woman and my close friends would probably tell you that I am too, minus the high blood pressure, knock on wood. My parents were the most driven duo I’ve ever seen so they were great role models for me because they came to America from a Third World country so failure was not an option. He became an aeronautics engineer, she became a registered nurse. For them, America was truly the land of opportunity—Disneyland for Africans (laughs).
from you. That’s where the tricky part comes in. No matter how well you scrutinize your friendships or relationships in this business, you won’t really know who is who until you... 1. ) Lose your job/status, or... 2.) Land a life-changing one. It’s a true test for your friends and for you.
HM: How do you unwind? Relax?

HM: Define peace and success.
PEACE is when you can leave your house without looking over your shoulder. Peace is living with as few regrets as possible. Peace is being healthy physically and mentally. Peace is having good friends around you and being able to help others without the expectation of getting something back. Peace is when you can pay your bills. SUCCESS is being lucky enough to do what you love, whether you’re making a bunch of money at it or not; success is being able to give qualified, deserving people jobs who might not receive such opportunities without you; success is working your butt off, reaping what you’ve sowed, and always giving back.
HM: How does a self-proclaimed “workaholic” maintain a balanced life?

It’s challenging. I find that a lot of the most ambitious people that I know are divorced or have no children, probably because of the tight rope you have to sometimes walk. I really admire people who have found a way to do both-- have a successful career and family life because I haven’t. It is the most glaring omission on my “resume”, so to speak. Sometimes, it feels like this business wants your soul... demands it. Well, don’t give it to them. Keep your soul. Keep your balance or at least never stop trying to maintain it.
HM: How about friendships and relationships? How do you handle that?

Working in entertainment can be tricky if you’re in the same business as your friends or lovers. You want people to be your friend for who you are rather than what they feel they can get
I love to read, walk, bowl, play tennis, go to movies and plays, and travel. I think you learn so much about yourself and people in general when you leave your comfort zone and travel to other parts of the country and, especially, other parts of the world. I love to listen to good music and spending quality time with my friends, family and wonderful lady.
HM: When all is said and done, what legacy do you hope to leave behind? What do you want people to remember most about you and your work?

I want people to remember that I lived my life doing what I loved; that I tried to do things a little different in my work and tried to show how people are more alike than

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