As Global Pay It Forward Day is celebrated on April 28th, it is our distinct pleasure to interview Marcus as he discussed his future plans to open a nonprofit that provides opportunities for impoverished communities and more.
April 28th is Global Pay It Forward Day! What does paying it forward mean to you?
Marcus: Paying it forward to me is being authentic with all encounters no matter what space I may be in. It means a lot when someone who may recognize you wants to highlight your success and you do not acknowledge that due to ego. To avoid that, I have been fortunate to have mentors who pave the way for me by giving me free advice, acting classes, and time. Therefore, because those individuals took the time to nurture me, reaching back to the generation behind me with the jewels to be successful in any way possible is my responsibility. The reality is that we are all here for a temporary time on earth so paving the way for better experiences and opportunities is an obligation for me. It takes only one of us to create an imprint to change the life of someone else.
In what ways have you paid your talents, expertise, resources, and skills forward throughout your personal life and career?
Marcus: The value of working has been instilled in me since I was nine years old. At the time of working, so young, it was to create a better life for myself and my family not to be in poverty forever. Of course, I did not know the valuable skills I was receiving from my mentors providing me the opportunities but because of their guidance, it changed the trajectory of my life. Therefore, the ways I have been able to give back are by helping the homeless independently by providing them with conversations, food, and hygiene products, and by listening to their stories. Often, as human beings, we are quick to judge the induvial in the circumstances without knowing the background story. Furthermore, prior to me and my family being homeless twelve years ago, being relatable and helping anyone was not the agenda. Nevertheless, experiencing a situation can change the concept for the good or worse. I choose to be good by helping others authentically. On the other hand, I am able to pay it forward in entertainment by providing resources to anyone interested in acting, teaching a class, and speaking at events regarding my journey.
Who has paid it forward to you and how did you express that gratitude?
Marcus: I wish I could name one person who has paid it forward in my life. The reality is that so many great people have poured into me making me the man I am today. One of the ways I try to express gratitude to anyone who has had a great impact on my life is by going out for dinner to give them their flowers while they are still alive. A lot of people are not genuine and have interior motives having great mentors who took a likeness to me is a blessing. I am forever grateful to them all and they remind me how proud of me they are and continue to strive for excellence the way it fits me.
What recent opportunities have you just landed that you are excited to share with us today?
Marcus: I am excited to announce that so many great opportunities have been coming from acting and modeling. I recently was a part of two BET-plus projects coming out soon called The Wake and The First Lady of BMF: The Tonesa Welch Story. The experience on set was amazing and surreal that the same actors I watched growing up I am now in the same room with them. I have a play I will be a part of called Bully’d come in 2024 and will be participating in Charlotte Fashion Week this year.
Is there anything outside of the entertainment industry that you’re extremely passionate about? If so, what is it?
Marcus: I enjoy the entertainment but my goal is to open my own non-profit that provides opportunities for impoverished communities. I am passionate about it because I once lived in an impoverished neighborhood and I was able to receive great guidance to make a better life myself. It is imperative that I give back to areas that molded me.
From your perspective, what do you think the world needs more of?
Marcus: The world needs more love and respect. It is sad that we are living in times where people care only for themselves, are more money-driven, and are unhappy. Yes, life is going to happen but in my humble opinion, it takes one person to change the narratives that we are seeing today. Of course, change will not happen overnight, but the more blocks that are being built daily are paving the way for a better future.
What else would you like to share with our readers about anything Marcus Murphy-related?
Marcus: Marcus Murphy is always finding ways to reinvent himself or learning new scripts that will stretch me as a talent. I am excited to announce that this summer I will be Executive Producing and acting in the film Greed and Loyalty written by DeWayne Etheridge. I am in Pre-Production for a passion project about Canada Lee. Overall, I am just taking my career day by day and allowing God to guide me in my choices.
What is the best way to keep up to date and follow all of your amazing endeavors?
Marcus: I appreciate all the support and so much more on the horizon. If people would like to keep up to date with my career. My social media handles such as:
Instagram: Hollywooddevon / Twitter: Supermanmarc Facebook: MarcusDevon / TikTok: marcusmurphy19