Meet R.J. Atkins | Actor, Writer, and Multifaceted Visionary

We had the good fortune of connecting with R.J. Atkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi R.J., why did you pursue a creative career?
My journey began in the small town of Palestine, Texas, where my paternal grandparents raised me as an only child. It wasn’t until the age of 14 that my siblings finally entered the scene, making those early years a landscape of solitude infused with a vivid imagination and a knack for crafting characters and stories.

During my high school years, I briefly played sports but soon found that my heart was irresistibly drawn to the stage. It was during this time that I took a drama class and felt the magnetic pull of the stage, confirming that my true passion lay in acting and storytelling.

While I harbored dreams of becoming a child star, the reality of life in small-town Palestine seemed a world apart from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

Now, let’s fast forward to 1997, a year after graduating high school when I enlisted in the Army. A memorable encounter with the recruiter stands out. Picture a young dreamer, once briefly exploring sports but now fervently committed to drama, boldly proclaiming, “I want to be an actor!” The recruiter’s response was delivered with deadpan humor as he informed me that there was no “Hollywood dreamer” category in the military. Instead, he had a different stage in mind for me – one that would lead to combat engineering, where I transitioned from an aspiring actor to someone quite literally handling explosives. It remains a transition that still leaves me chuckling with irony.

Fast forward again to 2018, and at the age of 40, I decided to wholeheartedly pursue my passion once more. This moment marked a turning point in my life, reigniting the flames of creativity and storytelling that had always burned within me. In 2019, I proudly joined the ranks of SAG-AFTRA, connecting with a community of artists who shared my zest for the craft. My late entry into the world of acting only deepened my appreciation for the art form. It’s a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to follow your dreams and pursue your passions, regardless of where life’s journey may have taken you.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart is the rich tapestry of life experiences that have uniquely shaped my artistic journey. After military service and before venturing into teaching and entrepreneurship, I embarked on a rollercoaster ride through various jobs, each seemingly unrelated but ultimately leading me back to my true calling as an entertainer.

But what sets me apart even more is my unwavering determination. I’ve weathered the storms, embraced the twists and turns, and emerged stronger and more resolute than ever. It’s the trials and tribulations, the ups and downs, that have fueled my passion for storytelling and entertainment. I’ve learned that the most extraordinary journeys are often the most challenging.

Picture this: I’ve been a correctional officer, a vehicle assembler, a government contract worker, and even very briefly, a truck driver. Each of these experiences, though diverse and mostly unrelated, has contributed a distinct thread to the tapestry of my artistic identity. I couldn’t help but bring my natural knack for impressions and storytelling into every job, often infusing humor and charisma into the most unexpected places. I remember one incident during basic training when I couldn’t resist imitating one of our stern drill sergeants, which, although getting me into a bit of trouble, highlighted the power of humor and storytelling to connect with people.

In 2021, I took a leap of faith, relocating from the vibrant city of Houston to the equally dynamic artistic landscape of Atlanta to pursue new opportunities. This move was a pivotal moment in my journey, one that came with its fair share of challenges. Houston, known for its diverse population and rich cultural scene, played a major role in shaping my artistic journey. It’s where I immersed myself in creative pursuits. I’ll forever be a “Texas Boy,” no matter where I am, and the memories, friendships, and experiences I gained in Houston will always be a part of who I am.

In Atlanta, I’ve had the privilege of making great connections with fellow artists and creators, further enriching my journey. It’s a city bursting with talent and opportunities, and I’m excited to be a part of this vibrant community. My story is one of resilience, creativity, and an unshakeable commitment to my craft. It’s about daring to chase dreams, even when the path is fraught with obstacles. I invite the world to join me on this exhilarating journey of self-discovery, where every twist and turn only adds more flavor to the narrative. As we speak, I’m diligently crafting a script that I’m eager to bring to life soon. The world has yet to witness the best of me, and my journey continues to unfold in the vibrant landscapes of both Houston and Atlanta!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best Army buddy, “Cool Breeze,” and I have already conquered Atlanta together in the past, leaving no stone unturned in the Metro area. Now that I’ve been a happily married man since June, I’ll, of course, have to get the green light from my lovely wife for all our escapades. It’s a husband’s survival strategy – ask for permission, not forgiveness, LOL! He’s in the same boat, needing to run things by his better half before embarking on our grand adventure. And we’re already plotting that she’ll likely join us next time…

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?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to my late paternal grandfather, Ira Atkins, Jr. His unwavering belief in me and his words of encouragement have been a constant source of inspiration. Despite battling polio as a baby and facing physical challenges, he ran his own mechanic business for over 40 years. His resilience and determination continue to inspire me daily.

Website: https://rjatkins.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamrjatkins

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealrjatkins

Twitter: https://twitter.com/IAmRJAtkins

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IAmRJAtkins

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RJAtkins

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2662088 https://www.tiktok.com/@iamrjatkins