By Staff
For many, dreams remain just that—flickering thoughts of what could have been. But for Brian D. Collins, the pursuit of passion is not bound by age or convention. A successful professional with a deep-rooted love for entertainment, Collins has reached a point in his life where the call to act can no longer be ignored. With a relentless drive and a commitment to storytelling, he is stepping into the world of acting with purpose, proving that it’s never too late to chase what sets your soul on fire.
In this candid conversation, Collins shares his inspiration, the roles he envisions for himself, and the sacrifices he’s willing to make to turn his dream into reality. He also speaks on the representation of Black men in Hollywood and what success truly means to him. His journey is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the belief that if you’re willing to take the leap, the possibilities are endless.
What inspired you to become an actor at this stage of your life?
My inspiration comes from a deep love and respect for the craft. Every day, I wake up with the thought: I could do this. I want to do this. What would I say to myself if I left this earth without even trying? Acting has been a lifelong longing of mine. Since childhood, I’ve been drawn to entertainment and music—it feels like my true calling. While I’ve built a successful career, my mind always returns to the world of performance, storytelling, and making people smile through art.
What would be an ideal role for you and why?
I would love to start with an action role. Action roles challenge you physically and mentally—they demand intensity, endurance, and discipline. Plus, let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to blow things up on screen and learn incredible fight choreography? I’ve always admired action heroes, and I feel like I could bring something unique to that space. There’s an energy to those roles that speaks to me, and I know I have what it takes to embody that level of intensity and charisma.
How do you feel about the representation of Black men in Hollywood?
Over time, Black men have often been marginalized in the roles they’ve been cast in. While we’ve seen trailblazers like Denzel Washington, Will Smith, Wesley Snipes, and Morgan Freeman shatter stereotypes and deliver phenomenal performances, there’s still a recurring pattern of typecasting. I believe we have so much more to offer—there’s depth, versatility, and a rich tapestry of stories waiting to be told. Our narratives shouldn’t be limited to the same clichés. I respect and admire every Black actor pushing boundaries and breaking molds, and I hope to be part of that continued shift toward more diverse and authentic representation.
What kind of sacrifices will you need to make to pursue your dream of acting?
The biggest sacrifice will likely be financial. Pursuing acting requires investment—training, travel, auditions, and time away from a steady income. In today’s world, balancing financial responsibilities and family life is a challenge for anyone, and stepping into a new career path amplifies that pressure. But I truly believe that before others invest in you, they want to see if you’re willing to invest in yourself. You have to make it work, show your commitment, and trust that some sacrifices yield great rewards.
Time is another major sacrifice—time away from home, work, and the routine I’ve built. It means adjusting priorities and stepping into the unknown. But I believe that when you truly love something, the sacrifices become stepping stones rather than setbacks.
What does success look like for you?
Success, for me, is landing a role—whether in a movie, commercial, or television show—and being able to look back and say, Nothing is unattainable if you believe in yourself. No matter the odds, the struggles, or the doubts, if your heart and spirit say, I can, I will, and I must, then you push forward. Success is also about impact. If someone watches my work and it makes them smile, inspires them, or gives them hope, that alone is worth it. I want to make my family proud, uplift my friends, and honor my ancestors with every step I take.
In the next five years, I see myself as the face of a major brand, owning multiple businesses, and sharing my journey to inspire others to chase their dreams. And as a little extra bonus, I wouldn’t mind driving down the street and seeing my face on a billboard starring in an action film—why not dream big? More than anything, I want my success to be a gateway for others, helping to motivate and uplift those who are on their own journey to greatness.
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