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Property of iFLOW Magazine:  Archived Story Originally Published in June 2006

One Actor, Many Shows (Kevin Byrd Interview)

It is no easy task to take an emotion that is not your own and make it believable.  We have watched movies time and time again that makes us laugh, cry, or just plain old want to hurt somebody.  This is the effect of a great actor who puts meanings and expressions into their performance so you can simply be absorbed by it.

 A great actor has to be convincing enough for you to want to see them again, realistic enough so you won’t get bored with their show, and be the hero we wish we were at the same time.

 Is Kevin Byrd that actor?  Is he the man of many words with that one simple facial expression that will keep you at attention?  Apparently he is!

 Stats: Kevin Byrd is a professional actor, film maker, producer, and writer from Utica, New York; he’s been in the entertainment business for 16 years. Kevin began his acting career at the age of 9 years old

 iFLOW:  Are you involved in any movies or film? 

KEVIN BYRD:  My partner (Blossom Brown) and I own a production company called Brown-Byrd Productions. I starred in my own film, “The Last Dayz;” which promotes the awareness of prosthetic cancer. I am the lead actor playing the role Michael; who’s been diagnosed with cancer. The film is currently out on DVD.

  iFLOW:   I see,  what is your time capsule like?

 KEVIN BYRD:   July 2006- Hasbro (toy company) is expected to release a GI Joe action  hero figurine in my image for my role as Lt. John R. Fox. I recently received one and It looks just like me The figurine can be purchased at www.gijoeactionhero.com

 February 2006- I starred as Lt. John R. Fox, a legendary soldier, in  the “Honor Deferred,” The History Channels World Premier that was produced by Al Roker, hosted by Bernie Mac, and narrated by Samuel L. Jackson.  It can be purchased at www.historychannel.com

 November 2005 – I co-wrote and co-produced with Jason Hendricks (a talented poet and writer) and off-Broadway play called “RELEASE”. The show premiered at the legendary Nuyurican Poetry theatre in New York City. It is notably a one man show that deals with love, family, and self identity. The play is expected to go on tour in Fall 2007.  DVD’s of the play can be purchased at www.kevbyrd.com.

 October 2004- Mayor Timothy Julian (Utica, New York) presented me with a Proclamation Award. This includes the key to the city and a the Kevin Byrd Day, which is celebrated annually. I became the first and youngest African American entertainer to receive this honor!

  iFLOW: What about books or novels?

KEVIN BYRD:   I am on the cover of the book, “Things in Between,” a best selling novel by Nathaniel Portis. The book can be purchased at major retailers and at www.nathanialportis.com

 I starred as Cameron Johnson, a young African American male who’s struggling to become a successful chemist

 iFLOW: Are you involved with any business enterprises? 

KEVIN BYRD:   At the present time, I am an advocate for Prostate Cancer and using my independent film, “The Last Dayz,” to help get more men tested for prostate cancer. Prostate Cancer is the number one killing disease for African American men. Visit American Cancer Society at www.americancancersociety.com

 iFLOW: Do you have any upcoming events?

 KEVIN BYRD:    Yes, I will be back to New York City on November 4, 2006 at the Rockwell’s Lounge in Brooklyn, New York to perform.  I am taking my show to other states in the U.S. 

iFLOW:  Who do you find to be your greatest inspiration?

 KEVIN BYRD:    Lt. John R. Fox is my greatest inspiration. He sacrificed his life and he died for our country. He left a huge legacy that will always be remembered.  I thank God for allowing me to act out his character; I am so ever grateful for the honor. Spiritually, Lt. Fox is one of my guardian angels and my spiritual friend; people just don’t star as legends by accident. It is definitely from heaven.

  iFLOW: What do you do that is different from other actors?

 KEVIN BYRD:    I study my market very well.  I get together with my marketing and management team on a constant basis to see what’s a great new image to promote and we take the risk and go for it. 

 iFLOW:  Any last words?

KEVIN BYRD:    No matter what, keep God first and don’t ever sell your soul to the devil in this business. Work hard to perfect your craft, and most of all, stay true to your dreams. Don’t ever give up!  Its taken me almost 20 years to get where I am and with all the hard work, sweat, and tears; I am now starting to reap the harvest. It’s been a huge outpouring of blessings!

 I wish all the iFLOW readers my love and blessing upon your lives and careers. Always remember to support my movies and theatre productions that I produce. I promise to give my fans he very best of me every time.

 Learn more about Kevin Byrd and Companies mentioned in this interview: 

Websites:   www.kevinbyrd.com, www.bn.com, www.Nathanialprotis.com, www.gijoeactionhero.com, www.historychannel.com