Meet Therron Dumas #entertainer

Current Location

Covington, Georgia

Tell our audience about you

I am a SAG-eligible actor hailing from Newark, New Jersey, now residing on the vibrant outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia. With a career spanning over 60 films, including web series, independent projects, and national TV productions, he has demonstrated his versatility in both lead and supporting roles.

In addition to my on-screen accomplishments, I am a celebrated writer, director, and actor, earning multiple international awards and a "Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award" for helping over 150 actors and actresses in their careers. My creative prowess is especially evident in my co-writing and co-directing of the urban episodic series *Atlanta’s Ugly 2.0-2.1*, which has received acclaim on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV.

Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that shaped who you are today?

I actually didn't want to do it. My daughter was being submitted for modeling, and she saw an ad for a male actor and asked me if I wanted to do it. I said no, but she sent my photo and information anyway, and they were interested enough in my background to call me. The rest is history.

How do you define authenticity in your work?

I define it by trying to be as realistic and believable as possible. I have learned to tune into characters almost immediately after I know the dialogue to become that person.

Have you ever felt pressured to change who you are to fit into the industry? How did you respond?

I would say not really. Some people feel as though I'm typecast because I'm usually the villain, but I tell them I'm a different villain each time. I have been a crooked congressman, a crooked FBI agent, a crooked husband, and a crooked lawyer. So, I may be the villain, but I'm still getting to play various characters, so I don't mind at all.

What inspires your creative process, and how do you bring your ideas to life?

What inspires my creative process is the fact that people in the past have doubted my ability to accomplish different things.

Can you walk us through a typical day in your life when working on a project?

I believe mine is kind of weird. I work crazy hours because I do security contracts and usually don't even get off until 3:00 in the morning. That's actually the best time I can think and create—when I'm exhausted. It makes no sense, but I type and write basically until I'm nodding off or dropping the phone, and I usually come up with some great ideas! LOL

What challenges have you faced while pursuing your career, and how did you overcome them?

Challenges include self-doubt at times, and relationships definitely can play a part in your winning or defeat. There are other factors, but I've learned to adjust or end them if it seemed necessary.

Can you share a time when you faced criticism, and how did it affect you?

Absolutely. The very first movie I was in never came out, but the director/producer told me that I wasn't a good actor because I couldn't make the same facial expressions. I was like, first of all, you called me; I didn't want to do this anyway. Now, I could have walked away 13 years ago and just left my life, but being from Newark, New Jersey, I had to handle it a little differently—I had to show him. Fast forward three years later, I get a call from the same guy wanting me to be the lead in his movie because he saw me tearing up the screens in the DMV. I politely told him absolutely not; I'm still making those same facial expressions.

What trends in the entertainment industry excite you right now?

I don't really have a trend that's exciting me right now, but this AI thing is kind of disappointing to a certain degree. It's taken away the creative process and made things almost microwavable now.

How do you see the role of social media in shaping careers in entertainment?

Social media has made filming much easier and made casting much easier. That's why so many people can get these films up and going so fast at this point.

How important is collaboration in your work, and who have you enjoyed working with the most?

I literally just finished talking about relationships in this field. It is so important as an actor or as someone behind the camera. I have an actor friend of mine that I reached out to the other day and asked him if he was still going to portray my brother in a film I have coming soon, and he simply said, "If you're doing the film, I'm in it, no questions asked." As a filmmaker, as a friend, and just as a person in general, that made me feel grateful.

Can you share an experience where community support played a significant role in your success?

I'd have to call any viewer part of the community. Anytime someone watches your film and gives you feedback on how well it was done or how they might have done it differently, they are part of the community. Even strangers' feedback is part of the community as well, so it always shapes how you may handle things going forward.

What are your aspirations for the next few years, both personally and professionally?

My aspirations going forward are to see some of my films finally streaming. I've been in front of the camera for over a decade and now I'm bouncing back and forth from behind to in front, and I want to see what it's like for my ideas to come to fruition and how people feel about me writing something 100% by myself.

How do you envision the future of the entertainment industry regarding diversity and representation?

The independent film community is what's going to keep diversity going because we will use anyone, regardless of their color, race, or ethnicity. If they're a good actor or actress, they will be used at one time or another. As far as the future, I hope AI doesn't just take over everything and take away the creativity of the mind.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting out in the industry, what would it be?

I would say definitely start with independent films. They let you actually act in a movie or project. I always say it sounds great on the resume when you're in a big-budget film, but it looks better when you are actually an actor in a film.

Is there a project or role you’ve always dreamed of pursuing? What is it and why?

Well, since I can hold a tune, I've always wanted to do a movie like *The Temptations* or *The Five Heartbeats*. If I can't land one from someone else, I'll write it myself.

What’s a fun fact about yourself that fans might be surprised to learn?

That I'm a vocalist when I want to be! LOL

How do you unwind or recharge after a busy period in your career?

Sleep! LOL And now I'm going back to the gym.

What message do you hope to convey through your work?

To not give up, no matter what people may think or say about you. Keep pushing.

How can your journey inspire others to embrace their authenticity and pursue their passions?

Just watch me as I soar; you do the same.

Would you like to share anything else with us?

It's an honor—finally, finally, finally getting to do this interview with you!

Follow Therron On Facebook

#EntertainmentIndustry, #FilmProduction, #MusicMarketing, #LiveEvents, #StreamingContent, #CelebrityNews, #MediaTrends, #PopCulture, #FilmFestivals, #CreativeContent, #IndependentArtists, #ActingCommunity, #PerformingArts, #MusicFestivals, #IndieFilm, #TheaterLife, #ActorLife, #ArtisticExpression, #BehindTheScenes, #MusicVideos, #Spotlights, #Entertainer

Share Your Thoughts About This Interview Below