Meet Kenneth Rountree | Actor
We had the good fortune of connecting with Kenneth Rountree and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kenneth, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
As an actor, one thing about our industry that outsiders might not be aware of is the immense amount of rejection we face on a daily basis. Auditions can be incredibly competitive, with hundreds if not thousands of talented individuals competing for the same role. And even after pouring our hearts and souls into an audition, the majority of the time, we hear nothing back. It’s a tough reality of the business that many outsiders might not fully understand. But despite the rejection, we persevere, honing our craft and chasing our dreams.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What distinguishes me from others is my authenticity and diverse background. When you meet me, you encounter the genuine version of myself, regardless of the circumstances. With a prior military background, I’ve traversed the globe, immersed myself in various cultures, and honed my ability to adapt to any situation. Most importantly, I’ve cultivated an open-minded approach to life.
My journey began in the church, where I engaged in performance art, particularly through lip-syncing with a group of peers known as “The Young Impressions.” From a young age, I found joy in entertaining and making people smile in front of the camera. This passion led me to pursue modeling, which eventually catapulted me into opportunities such as appearing in commercials, cinema ads, and even gracing the packaging of a Mountain Dew can with a silhouette of me. However, the path was far from easy, as I encountered numerous challenges in finding representation and securing work as I grew older.
Despite the obstacles, I was fortunate to connect with Vincent and David, forming a formidable team that produced award-winning short films. Now, we’re driven by a shared mission. I’ve learned invaluable lessons along the way: perseverance is key, surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals is crucial, and celebrating every victory, big or small, is essential to sustained success.
I want the world to recognize my name, to see me grace the silver screen, and to experience firsthand the energy and personality that define me. My aspiration is for my infectious spirit to leave an indelible mark on all those I encounter.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Haha, I’m definitely more of a homebody these days—I tend to stick close to home. But if my best friend were to visit, the highlight of our time together would probably be hitting the gym. It might sound surprising, but my bestfriend Demetrius shares my passion for fitness, so that’s where you’d find us. We might also head to Drive Shack for some golf. As for food, wherever serves up the biggest steak would be our go-to spot. And then, of course, we’d be back home before the street lights come on. Classic us, right?
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Wow, there are so many individuals I’d like to acknowledge. Firstly, I want to express my deepest gratitude to my wife. Her unwavering support and encouragement fuel my drive to pursue my dreams. From her constant reminders of “you got this” to her reassuring words that my big break is on the horizon, she has been my rock. She ensures our daughter is well taken care of while I’m engrossed in auditions or away filming, and for that, I am endlessly grateful.
Next, I must mention my two-year-old daughter. The knowledge that she’s observing my every move serves as a powerful motivation, compelling me to persist even when the journey gets tough.
My heartfelt appreciation also goes out to my mom, dad, brother, and grandma, whose unwavering support reminds me to never give up. They continually pour into me, reinforcing my resolve to pursue my dreams relentlessly.
I can’t overlook David, the proprietor of 9 Studio Productions, with whom I share a close working relationship. His guidance on set, collaborative spirit, and exemplary work ethic inspire me to strive for excellence in every project.
Vincent, a phenomenal writer who has penned the scripts for many of the films I’ve been a part of, deserves special recognition. His unparalleled dedication to his craft motivates me to push my boundaries and deliver my best performances.
My cousin Frankie deserves a mention as well. Our daily conversations serve as mutual affirmations, ensuring we stay steadfast in our pursuit of our dreams.
Lastly, I want to acknowledge Corey, who has captured the essence of my performances through his photography. His generosity knows no bounds, and his unwavering support has been invaluable to me.
I am fortunate to be surrounded by such a close-knit circle of individuals who continually invest in my craft. Because of their unwavering support, I am determined to never give up on my dreams.
Website: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm8955445/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenleetree?igsh=MTE1NWpzNHc0YW5mcA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@9StudioProductions?si=3aIcXb2gCqFliRl1
Image Credits
9 Studio Productions One TrueShot Photography
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